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The depletion of global petrochemical resources, coupled with the environmental challenges arising from the extensive use of traditional plastics, has led to greater interest in the research of environmentally friendly biodegradable materials that can be used in various applications. The weak water barrier properties of collagen hydrolysate (CH) obtained from leather industry trimming waste seriously limit its practical application areas. In this study, CH/sodium alginate (CH/SA)-based films were produced using the solution casting method because they are non-toxic and biocompatible. The CH/SA composition with the best water barrier property was selected and cross-linked with transglutaminase (TG), genipin (GP), and tannic acid (TA). Cross-linking significantly increases the mechanical strength, thermal ability, and hydrophobicity of the films, thereby reducing their WVP and WS. The film sample CH40/SA60/GP0.4%, out of all the examined specimens, demonstrated superior overall performance, characterized by a TS of 21.209 MPa and a WS of 19.896%. The results indicate that biodegradable films serve as a promising foundation for the development of packaging materials. Consequently, this study offers an effective approach to creating high-performance, environmentally friendly, and degradable CH/SA-based films and products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular proteases from haloarchaea, also referred to as halolysins, are in increasing demand and are studied for their various applications in condiments and leather industries. In this study, an extracellular protease encoding gene from the haloarchaeon Halorubellus sp. PRR65, hly65, was cloned and heterologously expressed in E. coli. The novel halolysin Hly65 from the genus Halorubellus was characterized by complete inhibition of phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) on its enzyme activity. Experimental determination revealed a triad catalytic active center consisting of Asp154-His193-Ser348. Deletion of the C-terminal extension (CTE) resulted in loss of enzyme activity, while dithiothreitol (DTT) did not inhibit the enzyme activity, suggesting that Hly65 may function as a monomer. The Km, Vmax and Kcat for the Hly65 were determined to be 2.91 mM, 1230.47 U·mg−1 and 1538.09 S−1, respectively, under 60 °C, pH 8.0 and 4.0 M NaCl using azocasecin as a substrate. Furthermore, a three-dimensional structure prediction based on functional domains was obtained in this study which will facilitate modification and reorganization of halolysins to generate mutants with new physiological activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basic yellow 28 dye, used extensively in the textile and leather industries, poses significant environmental and health risks, including allergic reactions, skin irritation, and respiratory problems. This study reports the Pechini sol-gel synthesis of novel ZnO/Mg3B2O6 nanostructures for the decontamination of basic yellow 28 dye from aqueous solutions. The nanostructures were synthesized by calcining at 650 and 850 °C for 5 h, producing ZM650 and ZM850, respectively. The average crystallite sizes were 39.28 nm for ZM650 and 51.03 nm for ZM850. BET surface areas were 70.71 m2/g for ZM650 and 48.13 m2/g for ZM850. FE-SEM and HR-TEM analyses revealed distinct morphological structures, with ZM650 exhibiting a dense aggregation of rod-like particles and ZM850 showing larger clusters. The maximum adsorption capacities were 381.68 mg/g for ZM650 and 303.03 mg/g for ZM850. The optimum adsorption was observed at a pH of 10, a contact time of 70 min, and a temperature of 298 K. Regeneration using a 6 M HCl solution demonstrated efficient reusability over five cycles. The adsorption process followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Langmuir isotherm, indicating monolayer adsorption. Also, the adsorption process was found to be physical and exothermic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the second third of last century, the Orinoco Crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius) underwent a hunting process driven by the demand from the North American, European, and Japanese leather industry, resulting in a sharp decline of its populations. Currently, only two known remaining populations of this Critically Endangered species persist in the Colombian Orinoquía: in the Guayabero-Duda-Lozada and the Cravo Norte-Ele-Lipa River Systems. The latter has been the only population subject of study, including recent surveys and local conservation initiatives such as egg and hatchling ranching. Despite suggestions for population recovery based on the observed increase in clutches in the area, information regarding its genetic status has been pending assessment. This research aims to provide a genetic characterization of this remaining population and to evaluate the diversity recovered during a period of the egg ranching initiative. For this purpose, we utilized variable molecular markers, specifically 17 microsatellite loci, nuclear DNA. Despite revealing intermediate levels of genetic diversity, we identified an effective population size of 11.5–17, well below the minimum values proposed for short-term subsistence. While no evidence of inbreeding was found, it is acknowledged as a potential risk based on the population's history. Additionally, we detected a historical bottleneck possibly influenced by arid periods affecting the region since the Pleistocene. While the evaluated population presents a unique opportunity for C. intermedius conservation, it also exposes a high risk of entering the extinction vortex. The primary action to be taken is to support the egg and hatchling ranching program, which successfully recovered most of the genetic diversity present in the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leather sector remains one of the sectors that encounters a multitude of problems on an international scale, particularly in Morocco. Therefore, we carried out a literature review through which we were able to identify the major problems found within the leather sector. After that, we conducted a case study on the Chouara tannery in the Fes Meknes region where we studied the problems found within the sector by using the 5M and SWOT methods as well as the proposal of certain improvement actions with a view to revitalizing the sector. The novelty of our work lies in the proposal of certain functionalities that could play the role of product lifecycle management (PLM) within the sector, such as life management, complaint management and cost management since the notion of PLM is absent within traditional tanneries. In addition, we propose integrating ecological PLM to limit the amount of garbage generated during the execution of tasks. Highlights: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify key problems within the leather industry. A case study was undertaken at the Chouara tannery in the Fes Meknes region to analyze sector-specific challenges via the 5M and SWOT methodologies. The proposed improvement strategies were then developed to enhance the sector's performance. A notable aspect of this study is the introduction of functionalities that could serve as product lifecycle management (PLM) tools within the sector, including life management, complaint management, and cost management, which are typically absent in traditional tanneries. Furthermore, the integration of ecological PLM practices is recommended to reduce waste generation during operational processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research was to present a model of financial decisions and efficient financial knowledge to improve cost management in the shoe and leather industry of East Azerbaijan province. This research was applied in terms of purpose and was mixed (quantitative and qualitative) in terms of its nature. In the qualitative part, the method of interviews and foundation data was used, and in the quantitative part, the method of structural equations was used. The statistical population of the research in the qualitative part includes university professors specializing in management and accounting, and the quantitative part includes managers and specialists in the shoe and leather industry of East Azerbaijan province. According to the principles of qualitative methods, 20 experts were selected for interviews and the qualitative part of the research, and in the quantitative method, 150 cases were selected as a sample by sampling from the managers and employees of the management and accounting department of the shoe and leather industry in East Azarbaijan province. To analyze data in a qualitative method, MAXQDA software was used and SMART PLS software was used in a quantitative part. Based on the research results, a total of 94 subcategories in 30 codes and finally 5 main categories (financial decision efficiency, financial efficiency and literacy, cost control and reduction, effective strategies, and cost management consequences) were determined. It was extracted based on the interview method. In the quantitative section, based on the method of structural equations, the developed model had a favourable fit with a value of 0.513. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food & Fermentation Industries is the property of Food & Fermentation Industries and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Although the leather processing industry is vital in terms of employment creation, revenue generation, consumption of by‐products from the meat industry, and the production of the valuable commodity called leather, the industry is considered "red marked" due to the discharge of solid, liquid, and gaseous wastes from each unit operation. In addition, different cleaner production options were investigated to mitigate the negative effects of the leather industries. Cleaner options in curing were mostly focused on the use of plant extracts and the sodium chloride‐free preservation method, which eliminates the salinity and 70% TDS of the discharged water. The application of enzymes in the soak and unhairing facilitates the operation, reduces COD, BOD, and TDS in the effluent, and yields better results than the conventional method. Saltless and waterless pickling with nonswelling acid and chrome‐free tanning was considered cleaner options for pickling with salts and conventional tanning methods. This article provides an in‐depth analysis and review of conventional leather processing, hazardous chemicals in each unit operation, the environmental impact of conventional operations from curing to tanning, and cleaner leather production approaches in each unit operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of valorization of the protein by-products recovered from the leather processing industry in the horticultural field. Collagen and keratin extracts were the starting point for protein combinations containing nanometric particles that indicate the presence of amino acids and oligopeptides, recognized for the effects of biostimulation, nutrition and systemic protection of plants. The protein extracts associated with plant extracts for the development of a biofungicidal product, with the double action of antifungal protection of plants and stimulation of agricultural production, were tested in a cherry orchard. The test results of two of the variants of the biofungicidal product show better fruit quality indicators and increased production, both compared to a standard treatment and compared to a variant to which no specific treatment was applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the global economic and environmental importance of the leather industry, the specialized literature still presents an important gap in analyzing the environmental performance of the leather manufacturing process from the waste generated. This paper aims to propose an unprecedented index (Index of Leather Manufacturing - ILM) to evaluate the environmental performance of leather manufacturing processes. The development of the index combines Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and a Multicriteria Decision Method (MCDM) and is oriented to consider the impact of waste on environmental health. Its estimate is based on: the calculation of the environmental potential impact of the waste; the waste quantity produced by the company over a given period; the relative geographic coverage that each waste can achieve; the assessment of the appropriateness of the disposal of waste generated by the firm. The proposed index was tested on a large Brazilian leather manufacturer. The results showed that the waste management in the company is not perfect but is well rated, and residues with the greatest environmental impact are: wetblue shavings, wetblue sawdust, and gaseous emissions from beam house operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examines the impact of adopting green strategies on developing Eco-friendly products, focusing on how to improve environmental performance and enhance innovation and quality in the industrial sector. In light of the increasing environmental challenges, green strategies represent the cornerstone for achieving sustainable development and balancing environmental and economic goals. The study aimed to identify the nature of the correlation and influence between green strategy and developing Eco-friendly products. The research problem arises in answering the question: Is there a role for adopting a green strategy in developing Eco-friendly products? The General Company for Textile and Leather Industries, one of the formations of the Ministry of Industry and Minerals, was selected to implement the research. The questionnaire form was adopted as a tool for collecting data and the descriptive analytical approach was used to analyze the answers of the sample members--the research sample comprised managers, officials and decision-makers in the company and its various factories. The probability sampling method was used randomly and data was collected from (117) managers. The data was analyzed using the SPSS v.26 statistical analysis program. Some appropriate statistical tools were used to analyze the data in order to reach the results. The research results showed that there is a relationship of influence and correlation between the green strategy and the development of environmentally friendly products. The results also showed that the shift towards green strategies leads to achieving noticeable environmental and economic benefits, despite the high initial costs and challenges associated with supply chain management and compliance with environmental regulations. However, the company will have new opportunities in the market, improve its commercial reputation, enhance its social responsibility, and gain the attention of customers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leather processing industry always experiences growth every year. However, at the stage of processing leather to become raw material for a product, it produces a lot of solid waste containing hazardous materials used during the process. The resulting hazardous materials can cause pollution to the surrounding environment. Hence, there needs to be a solution to handle this solid waste, so that it does not pollute the surrounding environment. Magot Black Soldier Fly (BSF) cultivation training is a technique that can be used as a solution to process solid waste from the leather tanning industry so that it has high selling value. In a study, BSF cultivation shows circular economic results and future opportunities for investors, which will lead to increased demand. The cultivation of BSF as an alternative for processing waste into organic fertilizer and animal feed is a promising technology. It is worth inoculating, especially in countries that have low incomes with expensive fertilizer and animal feed costs. BSF maggot cultivation training was conducted for MSME players in the Sukaregang leather industry in the Garut district. The results of the evaluation were that 99% of the training activity participants felt that the training provided was very targeted and the material provided was appropriate, and easy to understand. So it can be concluded that the training provided is appropriate and beneficial for leather industry MSMEs, whoever participates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: The leather industry stands as one of India's burgeoning sectors, boasting significant manpower. Workers in the finishing sector, particularly those involved in polishing, face heightened risks due to exposure to formaldehyde, aniline, and resins, which can lead to respiratory complications. Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of the study are to determine the small airway obstruction in asymptomatic finishing sector workers of a leather factory. Materials and Methods: The current study was a cross-sectional study conducted in a leather factory located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. A random sample of 60 workers was drawn from different sectors of a leather factory. Basic demographic details, smoking history, nature of work, exposure to irritants along with duration, and respiratory symptoms were collected. All workers were subjected to spirometry as per ATS guidelines and the results were analyzed. Association between length (years) of exposure, respiratory symptoms, and spirometry impairment among the workers were analysed. Results: Out of 60 samples, 38 were exposed to irritants and 22 were not exposed to irritants. Out of 38, 25 had small airway disease, seven had large airway obstruction, one had a restrictive pattern, and five had normal spirometry. 42.1% of them were asymptomatic. Conclusion: Small airway obstruction is notably prevalent, especially among asymptomatic workers in the polishing sector. Prolonged exposure is associated with the development of large airway obstructive disease. This study underscores the importance of continuous monitoring for airway diseases in occupationally exposed workers, advocating for timely preventive and protective measures to curb disease progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bacteria producing proteases are important for the industries. The proteases are utilized commercially in leather, detergent, pharmaceutical and food industry. The proteases are hydrolytic enzymes which can degrade protein into peptides and amino acids. In leather industry proteases are employed to remove the redundant parts from the animal hide especially hairs to make fine quality of the products. The proteases also prove as green environmental approach. In present study a total of 40 bacterial isolates were recovered from the soil samples of the tannery and screened for proteolytic activity on casein ager plates, among them three isolates were selected with good activity. The morphological and biochemical characteristic features were used to identify the strains; the different conditions of the culture and medium were optimized to check the protease activity. The best proteolytic activity was observed at temperature of 37 °C, pH 8.5, 6% casein concentration as substrate and casein as nitrogen sources as well at 12 h of incubation. The maximum activities by SZ2, SZ1 and SZ3 observed 16.53U/mL, 8U/mL and 7.16U/mL, respectively. The goat skin was treated with proteases from these isolates, complete dehairing observed after 12 h of incubations. Present study was conducted to identify microbes from local tannery, to find out most efficient strain for protease production and to use these enzymes in leather industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article investigates the impact of industrial microbial alkaline proteases from isolated bacillus strains. It discusses the applications of alkaline proteases in the food industry, detergent industry, leather industry, photographic industry, as well as in medicines, management of industrial and household waste, peptide synthesis and silk degumming.

Tannery solid waste (TSW) management is vital for promoting sustainable development in the leather industry. However, sustainable management of TSW is challenging as it contains hazardous chemicals. Implementing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices can support managing TSW towards achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). However, it is not easy to implement ESG practices for TSW management since numerous challenges exist in the system. To assist TSW management through ESG implementation, it is imperative to investigate the interactions among challenges and mitigation strategies. However, the existing decision‐making models cannot deal with the uncertainty and vagueness on a border scale during interaction evaluation and alternatives ranking. Additionally, there is a shortage of scientific works on ESG practices in emerging economies. Therefore, this study, for the first time, offers an integrated novel Dombi t‐norm and Dombi t‐conorm grounded interval valued Fermatean fuzzy sets (IVFFSs) Delphi, an extended IVFFSs‐weighted influence non‐liner Gause system (WINGS), and novel IVFFSs‐TODIM approach which is utterly lacking in the present literature. Also, the study offers a strategic roadmap to understand the interlinkage of findings with SDGs. The results of the IVFFSs‐WINGS analysis confirmed that the "Lack of solid waste management policy" is the most critical challenge for ESG implementation. Further, IVFFSs‐TODIM analysis confirmed that the "Policy development for TSW management complying with ESG and SDGs" is the top ESG challenges mitigation strategy for TSW management. The study's findings will provide guidance for government agencies, policymakers, and relevant stakeholders of the emerging economies tannery industry for successful implementation of ESG practices, thus helping to achieve SDGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the origin of leather industry in Hunan Province and even the whole country was earlier, the chrome tanning rules of modern China's new tannery began in Tianjin in 1898, while it appeared later in Hunan in the early period of Republic of China. Under the impetus of saving the country by industry and the movement of domestic products in the early 20th century, Hunan leather industry was initially developed. Especially in the 1920s, even under the influence of political turmoil, the joint-stock management appeared in the Hunan tannery industry while some tanneries temporarily stopped production or closed down, the industry showed the development trend of coexistence of machines and manual workshops. After the outbreak of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression in 1931, especially after the fall of Nanjing, Shanghai and other important cities for leather industry, with the inward migration of population and factories and the promotion of wartime economic construction, Hunan leather industry, like other textiles, showed an abnormally prosperous developing trend. At the same time, from the perspective of the comprehensive development of China's leather industry in the Republic of China, there were many characteristics in Hunan's leather industry such as insufficient raw materials, lower technological level and strong dependence on raw materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work addresses the problem of the development of a robotic system for the picking of parts cut by a CNC machine and the optimization of the sequencing of this picking process. An automated parts collection system is optimized to reduce the time required to perform the task of both picking and the subsequent classification by the type of part. The automated picking system, which is located at the end of a cutting machine, uses a robot equipped with an additional axis to expand its working space. Therefore, in this proposal, the industrial equipment necessary to automate this process is designed and the process to be optimized is computationally modeled. In particular, three discrete optimization algorithms are analyzed, with different evolution strategies and operators, but all of them are free of specific configuration parameters. The whole process is shown in this research, from the design of the procedure to the design of the tool, the algorithm selection, and elements validation. Finally, the first steps towards its industrial implementation are presented, and the hypothesis behind this project is validated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethiopia has made enormous efforts in the leather industry to gain manufacturing capabilities that can be scaled up to other sectors. Those efforts have resulted in the industry shifting its role from raw material supplier to producer of value-added products for the global supply chain (GSC). However, the industry has faced severe challenges in generating the expected revenue, utilizing capacity, and finally coping with the global competitive environment. Studies reveal that manufacturing firms tackle similar challenges by improving their supply chain performance (SCP). The challenges that appeared in the leather industry of Ethiopia could also be solved by improving its SCP. Nonetheless, there is a lack of study on the basic characteristics and SCP of the industry after it has shifted its role. The main objective of this study is, therefore, to measure the SCP to know where it stands using a bench mark and identify the elements that contribute considerably to the low overall SCP in order to lay the foundation for subsequent improvement. To achieve the research objective, data was collected from primary and secondary sources through a questionnaire, survey, observation, and focus group discussion. The data is analyzed using the supply chain operations reference model (SCOR version 12.0). Accordingly, the overall SCP is found to be 67.33%, suggesting an average rating as per the set benchmark. The source process is identified as the most influential element for the overall low SCP, with a percentage gap of 17.23%. Taking corrective action on the identified elements could help the industry overcome the existing challenges by improving its SCP.

Plant polyphenols are potential inhibitors for the anaerobic treatment of wastewater from the wood processing, pharmaceutical, and leather industries. Tannic acid (TA) was selected as a model compound to assess the inhibitory effect of plant polyphenols in simulated wastewater in this study. The influences of TA on methanogenic activity, sludge morphology, and the microbial community were investigated under glucose and sodium acetate as carbon substrates, respectively. The results show that a threshold concentration of TA above 1500 mg·L−1 that triggers significant methanogenesis depression and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) accumulation. In addition, granules might be weakened by TA addition, reflected in changes in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) within the granules and an increase in floc in the effluent. The anaerobic granular sludge (AnGS) fed with sodium acetate was more sensitive than the presence of glucose as the substrate when facing the challenge of TA. The concentration of the mcrA gene in granular sludge decreased markedly in response to TA stress, providing direct evidence that a high concentration of TA caused the inhibition of specific gene expressions. This study provides details about the adverse impacts of TA stress on methane production, the microbial community, and granule integrity, deepening our understanding of the anaerobic treatment of plant polyphenols contained in wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work describes the study of the removal of a refractory contaminant, i.e., Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from aqueous systems by a novel adsorbent comprising Cr(VI) tolerant bacteria and zero valent iron nanoparticle (nZVI). A gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria used in the study were isolated from wastewater (WW) received from the effluent of leather industries. The adsorbents were prepared with bacteria, nZVI alone, and a combination of both. The adsorbent comprising both elements was found to remove Cr(VI) with a higher percentage (93%) and higher capacities (0.58 mg/g) as compared to adsorbent with bacteria (Cr(VI) removal = 63%, qe = 0.163 mg/g) or nanoparticles (Cr(VI) removal = 80%, qe = 0.45 mg/g) alone. The adsorbent worked best at neutral pH, and the removal became saturated after 90 min of incubation. Equilibrium studies with isotherm modeling suggested that the adsorption process follows sips isotherm (R2 = 0.9955), which is expected to bean intra-particle diffusion process before the actual adsorption. Process kinetics was modeled with pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, and Vermeulen model. The diffusion coefficient determined by fitting the kinetic data to Vermeulen model was found to be 0.0000314 cm2/s. The adsorbent can be tested further for continuous flow processes to find more insights about the usage on a large scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amid mounting pressure on the long-term recyclability of chromium in tanned leather and the associated environmental hazards, the quest for an alternative, cleaner tanning system has gained tremendous momentum. In this context, our study explores the remarkable potential of silicates as a versatile platform for skin/hide tanning, circumventing the inherent risks and ecological threats posed by chromium exposure and leaching. We present an alternative approach of using a silica-based tanning system, employing a Taguchi model, to optimize a masked silica (MaSil) tanning product/process for achieving effective collagen stabilization. Our results demonstrate the significant advancements made in hydrothermal denaturation temperature, reaching an impressive 79 °C through precise Taguchi parameters—5% SiO2, masked with 0.3 mole of citrate salt, and a tanning process fixation pH of 4.5. Notably, the mechanical strength analysis reveals compliance with the stringent upper leather recommendation standards, validating the practicality and quality of MaSil crust leather. Moreover, our research highlights the unprecedented environmental benefits of the first reported application of Taguchi's approach to the MaSil tanning system. The developed tanning system remarkably reduces total dissolved solids (TDS), biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and overall water load by 68.4%, 25.4%, 59.5%, and 33.7%, respectively, heralding a promising era of water and environmental sustainability in the leather sector. This study holds the potential to transform leather production, wherein the envisioned future on the use of the Taguchi model and optimized MaSil tanning system could find a place in shaping a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable leather industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tannery sludge with high chromium content has been identified as hazardous solid waste due to its potential toxic effects. The safety disposal and valorization of the tannery sludge remains a challenge. In this study, the chromium stabilization mechanism was systematically investigated during chromium-rich tannery sludge was converted to biochar and the removal performance of the sludge biochar (SBC) for Cr(VI) from tannery wastewater was also investigated. The results showed that increase in pyrolysis temperature was conductive to the stabilization of Cr and significant reduction of the proportion of Cr(VI) in SBC. It was confirmed that the stabilization of chromium mainly was attributed to the embedding of chromium in the C matrix and the transformation of the chromium-containing substances from the amorphous Cr(OH) 3 to the crystalline state, such as (FeMg)Cr 2 O 5. The biochar presented high adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) at low pH and the maximal theoretical adsorption capacity of SBC produced at 800°C can reach 352 mg Cr(VI)/g, the process of which can be well expressed by Langmuir adsorption isotherm and pseudo second order model. The electrostatic effect and reduction reaction were dominantly responsible for the Cr(VI) adsorption by SBC800. Overall, this study provided a novel strategy for the harmless disposal and resource utilization for the solid waste containing chromium in leather industry. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The object of the study was the process of coagulation treatment of wastewater of leather industry enterprises. The treatment of samples of real wastewater from a leather production was investigated. Such wastewater is characterized by high concentrations of pollutants of varying degrees of dispersion, which is due to the use of a large number of various chemicals in the leather production process. During technological operations related to the skinning and processing of skins, these substances enter the wastewater, which is discharged into the sewer. A peculiarity of leather production wastewater is large fluctuations in composition and volume, high concentrations of pollutants, and an increased content of suspended solids. Such waters have certain toxicity. The existing methods of wastewater treatment of leather industry enterprises do not provide the necessary treatment efficiency, do not allow to create a closed circulation of water at enterprises, to use or regenerate valuable components of wastewater, and to ensure their economically feasible disposal. Therefore, the research is aimed at improving the process of coagulation wastewater treatment of leather factories using mathematical modeling and optimization methods. This will make it possible to modernize existing wastewater treatment schemes. The experiments were carried out on the Niva Jar-test laboratory unit, which allows simultaneous examination of 6 samples. Samples of wastewater from leather production after the fattening-filling and dyeing stages were studied. The effectiveness of the coagulation process was determined by the degree of wastewater treatment. The factors were analyzed and the intervals of variation of factors that have a significant impact on the process of coagulation treatment of wastewater from leather factories were established. An experiment plan was drawn up and implemented in order to study the effect of coagulants based on aluminum and ferrum, as well as flocculants on the quality of wastewater treatment. The choice of quality indicators of the coagulation process is substantiated. A statistical analysis of the results of experimental studies was performed, a correlational analysis of the interdependence of parameters and indicators of the quality of the coagulation process was performed. Aluminum-based coagulant has been found to be more effective than iron-based coagulant. The results of mathematical modeling were used to determine the optimal parameters of the coagulation process: pH 10, coagulant dose – 2.5 g/dm³, flocculant dose – 100 mg/dm³. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradability is a crucial indicator to evaluate the sustainability of leather. Herein, a rapid method for biodegradation test in an aqueous medium by measuring biochemical oxygen demand was used to determine the biodegradability of leather from different tanning methods, tanning conditions and process stages. In addition, the difference in biodegradability between leather and leather-like synthetic materials were investigated. Chrome-free tanned leather showed higher degree of biodegradation and faster biodegradation rate than chrome tanned leather. Among them, leathers tanned with biomass-based tanning agents were much easier to biodegrade because the crosslinking network of tanned leather constructed with biomass was more susceptible to microbial attack. The enhancement of tanning effects through changing tanning methods and conditions (such as tanning agent dosage, pH and temperature) resulted in the decline of leather biodegradability. Future development of novel chrome-free tanning technologies should balance between these two aspects. The biodegradability of leather from tanning to post-tanning to finishing showed a stepwise decrease because various chemicals were applied and bound to leather during processing. Even so, finished leather still possessed significantly higher biodegradability compared to leather-like PU and microfiber synthetic materials, demonstrating superior environmental sustainability of natural leather. The results are expected to provide support for the evaluation of the ecological properties of leather and green upgrade of the leather industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leather dyeing is a critical step in leather manufacturing, as it is responsible for providing leather products with an eye-catching visual aspect and adequate quality properties to meet customers' expectations. This step is becoming more and more challenging as the leather industry advances hand in hand with new environmentally friendly policies and regulations to achieve a safer and healthier planet by replacing the highly polluting Cr-based leather tanning technology with greener alternatives. As a result, achieving high-performance dyeing of organic chrome-free leather is one of the bottlenecks for the sustainable development of the leather industry. Herein, we propose a novel strategy to fabricate an isocyanate-based oligomeric dye (IBD) with high coloring capabilities (component content higher than 62.8%) based on toluene 2,4-diisocyanate and reactive red dye 180. This material has been tested for the dyeing of biomass-derived aldehyde (BDA)-tanned leather with excellent outcomes. The experimental results showed that the crust leather dyed with our novel IBD dyeing agent had higher color fastness and better fullness than the leather dyed with conventional anionic (CAD) or reactive red 180 (RRD-180) dyes. These excellent and promising results open new avenues in manufacturing high-performance organic Cr-free leather products and help to ensure the sustainable transition of the leather industry from Cr-based leather tanning to more sustainable alternatives, maintaining the final quality of the leather products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated water recovery with the treatment of leather industry processes wastewater (washing, pickling, and degreasing units) using coagulation, ultraviolet/persulfate (UV/PS) treatment, and nanofiltration processes. Coagulation studies were carried out using alum as the coagulant, and the highest chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency was obtained at pH 7 for all the wastewater. The highest COD and total organic carbon (TOC) removal were 80.9 and 50.5% in the wastewater washing unit ( : 8 g/L, pH 7) and 76.5 and 96.1% in the wastewater degreasing unit ( : 16 g/L, pH 6) using UV/PS oxidation, respectively. High COD and TOC removal could not be achieved with UV/PS oxidation in the wastewater pickling unit. In the studies performed with NP030 nanofiltration membrane after UV/PS oxidation, the highest permeability and COD removal was achieved at pH 7 under 4 × 105 Pa pressure in wastewater washing and degreasing units. After 75 min of nanofiltration at pH 7 in washing and degreasing units, the total filtrate amount was 39.8 and 42.3 L/m2 h, respectively. COD concentration in the wastewater washing unit decreased from 4434 to 138 mg/L, while it decreased from 5833 to 212 mg/L in the wastewater degreasing unit with coagulation, UV/PS processing, and nanofiltration. As a result, the treatment of leather industry wastewater through separate streams with coagulation, UV/PS, and nanofiltration, washing, and degreasing unit wastewater provides very high COD removal. Also, it has been shown impossible to treat the pickling unit wastewater by UV/PS oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In developed countries, most of the economic activities of these countries are carried out through small and mediumsized companies, and SMEs act as the backbone of the dynamic economy of these countries. The purpose of this study is to design and validate the internationalization model of small and medium industries with marketing innovation, emphasizing the mediating role of market orientation in the direction of the prosperity of the leather industry market, centered on the East Azerbaijan region. The statistical population in the quantitative part included 1620 active units in East Azarbaijan province, and the statistical sample included 310 people based on the Morgan-Karjesi table, who were selected by a simple random sampling method. To do sampling, cluster sampling and available people were used for sampling. A Likert scale questionnaire was used to collect data. Structural equation modeling method and smart-pls software were used for data analysis. The findings of this study showed that marketing innovation has an effect on the performance of innovation and internationalization with mediating variables of market orientation, process innovation, innovation capability, and product innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: The global resolution of embracing dynamic and intertwined production systems has made it necessary to adopt viable systems like circular economy (CE) to ensure excellency in the business. However, in emerging countries, it is challenging to implement the CE practices due to the existing problems in the supply chain network, as well as due to the vulnerable financial condition of the business after the deadly hit of COVID-19. The main aim of this research is to determine the barriers to implementing CE considering the recent pandemic and suggest strategies to organizations to ensure CE for a cleaner environment and greener economy. Design/methodology/approach: After an extensive literature review and validation from experts, 24 sub-barriers under the class of 6 main barriers are finalized by Pareto analysis, which is further analyzed via the best-worst method to determine the weight and rank of the barriers Further, fuzzy-Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method is used to rank the proposed startegies to overcome the analysed barriers. Findings: The results identified "unavailability of initial funding capital", "need long time investment", "lack of integrating production system using advance technology" and "lack of strategic planning" as the most acute sub-barriers to CE implementation. Further, fuzzy TOPSIS method is used to suggest the best strategy to mitigate the ranked barriers. The results indicated "integrated design facility to CE", "ensuring large scale funding for CE facility" as the best strategy. Practical implications: This study will motivate managers to implement CE practices to enjoy proper utilization of the resources, sustainable benefits in business, and gain competitive advantage. Originality/value: Periodically, a lot of work is done on CE practices but none of them highlighted the issues in the domain of the leather products industry (LPI) and COVID-19 toward achieving sustainability in production and consumption. Thus, some significant barriers and strategies to implement CE for achieving sustainability in LPI are highlighted in this study, which is a unique contribution to the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]