CeNTI -
Sustainable biological systems for leather valorisation and traceability
BioTrace4Leather has driven research and development of bio-based systems that enhance the quality and traceability of leather, introducing new practices aligned with circular economy principles.
The Project, developed with CeNTI's know-how in partnership with CTIC - Centro Tecnológico das Indústrias do Couro and Curtumes Aveneda, focused on the recovery of tannery waste combined with residues from other sectors, such as dairy.
The new materials developed help reduce imperfections and introduce invisible identification markers, without compromising the natural appearance or performance of the leather.
The innovation factor
BioTrace4Leather has materialised into tangible solutions that showcase the synergy between science and industry, namely:
- Extraction of protein fractions from tannery waste and whey;
- Development of fillers to correct defects and improve the leather quality;
- Design of invisible markers to ensure material traceability and authenticity;
- Production of a leather demonstrator shoe incorporating traceability markers, symbolising the sector’s sustainable and technological evolution.
These results demonstrate that leather can reach new levels of transparency, circularity, and value, paving the way for a more responsible future for the industry.
This Project was supported by COMPETE 2020, Portugal 2020, and the European Union.