Production of Agglomerates, Composite Materials, and Seed Coatings from Tannery Waste as New Methods for Its Management

Abstract

This paper presents methods for managing waste produced by the leather industry, including tanning shavings derived from chrome tanning technologies and collagen preparations. Shavings were classified according to their shape (in accordance with Zingg’s shape classification). The content of individual elements was determined, together with the content of volatile organic compounds. Two new products were developed as part of the completed works: agglomerates (methods of non-pressure granulation) and composite materials were produced on the basis of tanning shavings and mineral fillers. Young’s modulus values classify these composite materials in the group of polymers and certain materials from the group of elastomers. A method for seed coating (on the example of legumes and rape) was also developed using a disc granulator, including collagen preparations in one of the layers as a solution for preventing the effects of droughts (biostimulant). The analyses of selected properties of the new products confirm the wide possible application of waste shavings and collagen preparations in a circular economy, especially in the construction, packaging, and agricultural sectors.