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Innovative use of tannery solid waste and jute fiber in sustainable leather composites for footwear in Bangladesh.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Innovative use of tannery solid waste and jute fiber in sustainable leather composites for footwear in Bangladesh.
Authors: Dhar, Mohon Chandra1 (AUTHOR), Shakil, Saidur Rahman1 (AUTHOR), Hossain, Md. Amjad1 (AUTHOR), Shabur, Md. Abdus1 (AUTHOR), Nila, Umme Habiba1 (AUTHOR), Mottalib, Md. Abdul1 (AUTHOR) abdul.mottalib@du.ac.bd
Source: Journal of Material Cycles & Waste Management. Mar2026, Vol. 28 Issue 2, p1339-1357. 19p.
Subject Terms: *Repurposed materials, *Composite materials, *Industrial wastes, *Jute fiber, *Mechanical behavior of materials, *Footwear industry, *Circular economy, *Thermal stability
Geographic Terms: Bangladesh
Abstract: This study explores an innovative approach to upcycling tannery solid waste (TSW) by converting it into high-performance composite materials for footwear production. The composites were made by combining TSW with jute fibers, latex, and additives such as Titanium oxide (TiO2), Aluminum sulfate (Al2(SO4)3), and Silicon dioxide (SiO2) to improve mechanical properties and durability. The materials were tested for tensile strength, elongation, stitch tear strength, water absorption, and thermal stability. Sample I, with 75% leather fiber and 25% jute fiber, showed the highest tensile strength (3.57 MPa), a stitch tear strength of 28.3 N/mm, and significantly reduced water absorption (18.12%), outperforming control samples and meeting industrial standards for footwear applications. Thermal analysis (TGA) demonstrated enhanced stability up to 353 °C. Beyond mechanical performance, the process establishes a scalable waste-to-wealth pathway, effectively diverting approximately 1.35 kg of hazardous waste per square meter of material produced. These findings validate the potential of jute-reinforced leather composites as sustainable, cost-effective alternatives to synthetic leather, directly contributing to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). This study paves the way for adopting circular economy principles in industrial practices and offers a solution for the environmental challenges posed by tannery waste. Future research could focus on the long-term durability and economic feasibility of scaling this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Database: Energy & Power Source
Description
Abstract:This study explores an innovative approach to upcycling tannery solid waste (TSW) by converting it into high-performance composite materials for footwear production. The composites were made by combining TSW with jute fibers, latex, and additives such as Titanium oxide (TiO2), Aluminum sulfate (Al2(SO4)3), and Silicon dioxide (SiO2) to improve mechanical properties and durability. The materials were tested for tensile strength, elongation, stitch tear strength, water absorption, and thermal stability. Sample I, with 75% leather fiber and 25% jute fiber, showed the highest tensile strength (3.57 MPa), a stitch tear strength of 28.3 N/mm, and significantly reduced water absorption (18.12%), outperforming control samples and meeting industrial standards for footwear applications. Thermal analysis (TGA) demonstrated enhanced stability up to 353 °C. Beyond mechanical performance, the process establishes a scalable waste-to-wealth pathway, effectively diverting approximately 1.35 kg of hazardous waste per square meter of material produced. These findings validate the potential of jute-reinforced leather composites as sustainable, cost-effective alternatives to synthetic leather, directly contributing to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). This study paves the way for adopting circular economy principles in industrial practices and offers a solution for the environmental challenges posed by tannery waste. Future research could focus on the long-term durability and economic feasibility of scaling this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:14384957
DOI:10.1007/s10163-026-02493-8