Nanotechnology for cleaner leather production: a review

The leather industry holds a significant place in the global economy, yet the scarcity of raw hides and skins, growing ethical concern, competitive leather substitutes and regulation of manufacturing processes with adverse environmental effects restrict the expansion of the leather industry. These issues may be partly solved by nanotechnology to add innovative products and to treat tannery effluents. This article reviews research gaps of conventional leather manufacturing processes including curing, tanning, and effluent treatment using nanotannage, photocatalysts and filtration. Nanomaterials have been applied at various stages of leather manufacturing to achieve better performances.