Investigation of finishing of leather for inside parts of the shoes with a natural biocide

The prevention of decrease of quality caused by microbial activity in footwear materials entails the use of biocides. However, these substances may pose a hazard to humans and to the natural environment. The paper presents the results of antimicrobial effect investigation for cowhide leather treated with oregano oil. In these studies oil was applied by spraying onto the finished leather surface and examined to determine its antimicrobial activity by using the Agar Diffusion Plate Test. These results were compared with those where a cowhide leather was treated with oil at the stage of fatliquoring. In addition, the oregano oil toxicity level was assessed and compared with biocides used in the tanning industry. Introducing oregano oil into the leather at the stage of fatliquoring provides a better antimicrobial effect than by spraying, however hygienic finishing of leather can be obtained by introducing oil into the raw material by these both methods. The oregano oil is characterised by the lowest number of hazards and toxicity as compared with commercial biocides. The use of essential oils as natural biocides in the tanning industry seems to be especially important and suitable solution considering the harmful effects of synthetic biocides to humans and the environment.