In the tanning industry, the production of high-quality leather inevitably involves the generation of various types of waste, both solid and liquid. For us at Nuova ICOS, reducing environmental impact means implementing practical strategies and cutting-edge technologies at every stage of production. Let’s discover together the ideal solutions for increasingly sustainable waste management.
Contents
- Integrated waste collection and separation systems
- Green technologies for tanning sludge treatment
- Recycling and reuse of process water
- Recovery of tanning by-products
- Continuing education and green corporate culture
Integrated waste collection and separation systems
Implementing a separate collection system upstream of all production areas makes it possible to separate leather offcuts, processing waste, packaging materials and organic waste from the very first stage. Each type of waste is catalogued and stored in dedicated containers, so as to facilitate its recovery or disposal at authorized facilities. This approach dramatically reduces the volume of waste going to landfill and encourages the recycling of useful by-products.
Green technologies for tanning sludge treatment
Sludge generated by the process of purifying processing water is one of the main liquid wastes from tanneries. Use a biological-anaerobic-type treatment plant that reduces the pollutant content and converts part of the sludge into biogas. The gas produced feeds cogeneration systems, helping to cover part of the plant’s energy needs.
Recycling and reuse of process water
Water represents a precious and limited resource, so it is necessary to adopt a closed-loop recycling system: process water, after being purified in the plant, is reintroduced into the production cycle. This practice reduces fresh water consumption by up to 50 percent, decreases withdrawals from aqueducts, and limits discharges to the environment.
Recovery of tanning by-products
Scraps and scraps of leather that cannot be used in the production phase are valorized through agreements with processing companies and start-ups in the green sector. These by-products find new life in areas such as the production of composite materials, bio-skins, and polyurethane gels, thus reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.
Continuing education and green corporate culture
Finally, sustainable waste management is also through people. It is important to organize refresher courses for your staff, raising awareness of environmental best practices among operators, technicians and managers. Every staff member is involved in monitoring results and proposing further improvements.
Through all these actions, we at Nuova ICOS confirm our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of tanning, demonstrating that it is possible to combine production excellence and respect for the planet.
