Low Carbon Products to Design Innovative Leather Processes. Part IV: Manufacture of Automotive Leather using Tara

Abstract

In three previous studies, it has been used the fruit of the tara tree (Cæsalpinia Spinosa) as a pre-tanning agent1. This new tailored tara product will be able to facilitate the penetration of the tannin molecules through the leather section, avoiding or reducing the use of aldehydes, syntans, common vegetable tannins and other mineral salts. The aim of this part of the study is to manufacture final articles meeting the parameters set by different regulations, and assess if this modified tara can be marketed and used in the industry to replace some less sustainable products.