Project: Innovative materials and technologies for sustainable leather manufacturing for automotive

Acronym InSuLA (Reference Number: MNET17/NMCS-2303)
Duration 01/01/2018 - 31/12/2019
Project Topic The project aims at developing innovative chrome/metal-free leather for automotive industry that meets the very strict technical specifications in terms of flame resistance, anti-fogging and stain resistance characteristics as well as the demand for recycling materials, while increasing the eco-compatibility of chemical auxiliaries and minimizing the environmental and health impact of tanning and finishing processes. To meet its main objective, the Project will develop: (i) Safe and non-toxic nanocomposites based on nanoHA, nanoclays, nanoSiO2 and nanoTiO2 as (a) inorganic fillers and (b) main constituents of additives imparting fire resistance and self cleaning properties for replacing brominated flame-retardants (persistent in the environment, bioaccumulative in wildlife and humans, toxic to laboratory animals and wildlife). (ii) A new knowledge based organic tanning agent (KTA) from alginate as a sustainable alternative to formaldehyde (FA) and glutaraldehyde (GA) (iii) A new chrome/metal-free technology based on the combined use of concentrated tara extracts and the new alginate tanning agent, both from renewable sources.
Network MANUNET III
Call Manunet Call 2017

Project partner

Number Name Role Country
1 National Research & Development Institute for Textiles and Leather (INCDTP) Partner Romania
2 KEMIA TAU S.R.L. Coordinator Italy
3 .Pierolax SA Partner Romania
4 University of Torino Partner Italy