Czech Researchers Develop Method to Produce Biodiesel from Tannery Waste

A team of Czech scientists have found a way to convert the toxic by-products of leather production into fuel. Professor Karel Kolomaznik of the Tomas Bata University says it all starts with leftover fat parts called fleshings. 

"These are the fleshings which remain after the removal of subcutaneous ligament and fat. The tannery waste is the main feedstock for biodiesel production," said Professor Kolomaznik. Thanks to the method that he and his team have developed, the fleshings are refined into fuel instead of becoming an environmental hazard.

Fleshings were previously not considered for biodiesel production because they contain high levels of proteins and free fatty acids. Scientist Jiri Pecha says the team removed the proteins and fatty acids by melting down the leftover fat and extracting the acids using a chemical process which further refines the fuel.

The team hopes to attract investment to scale up production and to prove that refined leather sludge could be a clean energy source.