Reducing Pollution in Leather, Textile and Synthetic Materials Manufacture Through Maximising Chemical Uptake
Pollution and chemicals in effluent is a hot topic for leather, textile and synthetic material manufacturers around the world, often leaving businesses and the industry subject to scrutiny from NGOs.
One of the main reasons for pollution in wastewater is the inefficient uptake of chemicals into the processed material itself during the manufacturing process, leaving the wastewater with a higher concentration of unfixed chemicals. If the effluent is not treated before being discharged from the factory, it can cause significant pollution in the environment and waterways.
Therefore, maximising chemical uptake in materials not only prevents pollution; it also increases the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of manufacturing operations. In some cases, maximising chemical uptake could reduce the need for further production processes, minimise effluent loadings and reduce treatment costs.
There are simple and practical ways to assess the uptake of chemicals in leather processing and BLC can provide on-site support to implement these processes.
Leather Consulting and Chemical Management Services
Good chemical management will maximise operational efficiency of raw materials manufacturing as well as minimise chemical risk.
BLC provide a wide range of leather consulting and chemical management services for leather, textile and synthetic material manufacturing and production of consumer goods:
- Chemical management audits (including Chromium VI)
- LWG environmental audits
- Identification of contaminants and additives
- Technical process audits
View more information on leather consulting and auditing services.
Chemical Selection and Verification
When considering effluent loadings, it is also important to ensure that the most appropriate verified chemistries are used in process recipes. BLC has now developed the Chem-MAP MRSL verification system which is approved by ZDHC.
Chem-MAP consists of three programmes:
- c-MAP Programme for chemical suppliers test chemical formulations to the ZDHC MRSL and gain ZDHC Conformance Level 3
- m-MAP Programme for leather manufacturers identify compliant chemistry and develop chemical management systems through staff training and on-site audits
- b-MAP Programme for brands and retailers to comply with ZDHC objectives and to also develop chemical management systems
MRSL testing is a key element of Chem-MAP which focuses on the testing and verification of chemicals further upstream, beyond RSL testing. MRSL testing is available to chemical companies and manufacturers.
Find out more about Chem-MAP.
Chemical Testing Services for Compliance
Ultimately, the final check of compliance will be done through chemical, material and wastewater testing. BLC offers a full suite of chemical tests, including:
View all chemical testing and compliance services.
Contact BLC Today to Discuss Your Chemical Management Needs
BLC has over 95 years’ experience in the leather industry and works with customers in many countries around the world. BLC not only has an established pedigree of expertise in the leather sector, but also in textiles and synthetic alternatives to leather.
To find out more about maximising chemical uptake in raw material manufacture, chemical management and chemical testing services, simply email [email protected], telephone +44 (0) 1604 679 999 or complete the form at the bottom of this web page.
View BLC expertise as a technical extension of your business!
22 June 2018