Complementary Methods for Recovery and Valorisation of Proteins from Chrome Leather Wastes

Current research highlights the possibility of extracting the protein component from chrome leather wastes from the leather industry, using different techniques, and its valorisation in various agricultural and industrial applications. Experiments have shown that, depending on the method of separating proteins from chromium compounds, the protein component is suitable for an application or another. Alkaline-enzymatic hydrolysis of chrome leather wastes offers the possibility of obtaining a collagen hydrolysate which can be used as additive in the composition of foliar fertilizers, with the role of plant growth stimulation and protection, while dechroming using a new chromium extraction process in acid environment, without its oxidation into hexavalent chromium, leads to obtaining more concentrated hydrolysates, which, used in the composition of adhesives for the wood industry, lead to reduction of formaldehyde emissions.