CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute celebrated the 83rd Foundation Day of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) at Triple Helix auditorium on 8.10.2024. Dr. K J Sreeram, Director, CSIR-CLRI in his welcome address recalled the achievements of each lab of CSIR for the development of the Nation. Dr.Swarna V Kanth, Chief Scientist introduced the Chief Guest.
The Chief Guest, Shri Arun Roy, IAS, Secretary, Industries, Investment Promotion & Commerce Department Govt. of Tamil Nadu graced the occasion as Chief Guest and appreciated the contribution of CSIR Labs to the Country. He mentioned, in particular, the need of industries R&D setup, importance of manufacturing sector, service sector and cost cutting in footwear sector through domestic technology developments.
Shri. Abdul Wahab, Regional Chairman (South), Council for Leather Exports, India recalled the vision of the CSIR-CLRI on the leather sector and it’s all technologies which helped the industries to lead the global market.
LEATHER MARK: Dr. KJ Sreeram, launched the “CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute Introduces the Prestigious CLRI Leather Mark. He added that in a significant move that sets a new standard in the leather industry, the CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CSIR-CLRI), a leading authority on leather research and development, is proud to announce the launch of the CLRI Leather Mark. This initiative draws inspiration from symbols of purity and excellence, akin to the Hallmark for gold and the Silk Mark for silk, underscoring the institute's commitment to fostering trust and quality in leather products.
The CLRI Leather Mark designed as a voluntary certification for tanners and leather product manufacturers who are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of quality in their offerings. By displaying the CLRI Leather Mark, businesses can transparently communicate the superior quality and authenticity of their leather goods to consumers. Each product bearing the CLRI Leather Mark will be accompanied by a QR code, providing instant access to comprehensive information about the product. This includes details about the raw material, type of leather, finish, color, design, and an image of the product, ensuring complete transparency and informed purchasing decisions for consumers.
Director of CSIR-CLRI, stated, "The introduction of the CLRI Leather Mark is a landmark moment for the leather industry. It represents our ongoing commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability. We believe that this mark will not only elevate the standard of leather products available in the market but also empower consumers with the knowledge to make informed choices." He also invited, Tanners and leather product manufacturers to join this prestigious program and become a part of a select group that stands for quality, transparency, and trust in the leather industry.
Shri. Naser Ahmed, M/s Naser Tanning Company Naser Bali (Gloves) Pvt. Ltd. Chennai spoke about his long association with this CSIR Lab.
Revolutionary Solution Repurposes Leather Industry Waste into High-Quality Blended Yarns:
The leather industry, a major global contributor to export income and employment, also generates solid and liquid waste. The leather dust is one among chrome shaving dust and veg-tanned buffing dust formed during the leather production process. Hence, CSIR-CLRI developed an integrated process of manufacture blended yarns from leather dust along with natural and synthetic fibers. There is no known leather-based yarn with consistently high count (evenness), high tenacity, and a smooth surface (free of hairs, neps, and slubs) that is suitable for use in automatic looms. This technology relates to a high count (> 10’S Count), high tenacity blended yarn comprising 50 wt. % of leather dust and 50 % of at least one fiber selected from cotton, bamboo, wood pulp, polyester, prepared by a process comprising the steps of carding of the fibers to produce a lap, adding of leather dust to the formed lap and recarding to produce a sliver, spinning and drawing of the slivers to form the blended yarn, and, optionally, weaving of the blended yarn to produce the blended fabric. Apart from the evenness and high tenacity, this yarn also has a smooth surface (free of hairs, neps, and slubs), making it highly suitable for use in automatic looms. This yarn made through a chemical-free and waterless process, eliminating harmful chemical discharges as secondary pollutants. As a result, an eco-friendly yarn helps in developing value added products from waste from the leather industry
M/s K H Exports India Private Limited, Chennai, is a Private incorporated company established in 1985. Since, its inception, it involved in tanning and dressing of leather, manufacture of luggage handbags, saddlery & harness, etc. Thus, industry has shown an interest to own the technology know-how so the institute is happy in signing the technology licensing agreement to transfer the know-how of Integrated process involved in manufacturing blended yarns from leather dust along with natural and synthetic fibers.
Finally, during the program, retired staff were honoured with the mementoes, and certificates and awards distributed the winners of the various events conducted for the Students, Scholars and Staff. Shri KM Sridhar, Sr. Controller of Administration proposed the vote of thanks.