Tannery Solid Waste into Wealth by Non-Edible Gelatin Production from Raw Trimmings

Abstract

During the conversion of raw hides or skins into leather involves generation of enormous amount of solid waste which has been major concern for environment and cause detrimental effect on it. In leather industry solid wastes can be generated almost from all operations including pre-tanning, tanning, and even post tanning operation. Solid wastes are mainly raw trimmings, fleshing, chrome shaving, buffing dust, keratin, finished scraps etc. The economic development of a country depends on the utilization of indigenous raw materials and their by-products.  This paper focuses on utilization of raw trimmings into useful product like non edible gelatin those demand is going up day by day due to its versatile application in various fields. Raw trimmings are mainly originated during sorting of leather before actual tanning process happens and best for non- edible gelatin production as it does not contain any harmful chemicals. This study will also describe the chemical properties of gelatin, gelatin manufacturing process, manufacturing parameters from the leather wastes like raw trimmings. Optimum extraction of non-edible gelatin from raw trimmings found at 75-85ₒC for 12 hours in slightly basic condition. This study found that huge amount of raw trimmings which generally thrown directly to environment can serve as potential raw materials for the manufacture of non-edible as well as edible gelatin.