Water and wastewater treatment for tanneries

The leather sector currently employs over 30,000 workers, with 244 tanneries and 2,800 industries producing leather and footwear components, generating US$2 billion annually (CICB data, 2023). In tanneries, the intensive use of water is inherent to the production process, and the treatment of liquid effluents is as important as the leather production itself.

Segment characteristics

Water and responsibility in the process

The intensive use of water is an inherent part of production, and concern for sustainable development and the need to maintain a healthy environment for future generations drives the sector's workforce daily. In this context, the treatment of generated effluents becomes a key element in generating value responsibly.

Challenges of the segment

Complex wastewater and treatment efficiency

The operation demands efficient treatment from the initial stages to biological treatment, focusing on turbidity, color, fats, and sulfides. Maintaining the balance of the biological environment is also crucial to improving the overall treatment efficiency and reducing the need for and costs of subsequent stages.

Recommended products

In this segment, coagulants, flocculants, antifoaming agents, color removers, nutrients/enzymes, and activated carbons are directly connected to the treatment needs: they act in coagulation and clarification, foam control, color and odor removal, balancing biological treatment, and polishing treated water. This combination allows for handling effluents with a high contaminant load and sustaining process efficiency throughout the stages.

Water and wastewater treatment for tanneries

Segment characteristics

Water and responsibility in the process

Challenges of the segment

Complex wastewater and treatment efficiency

Recommended products

Coagulants

Flocculants

Antifoaming agents

Color removers

Nutrients

Activated charcoal