Bacterial Protease for Unhairing Application

A process for the production of bacterial protease enzyme for industrial application

Worldwide, unhairing of animal skins/hides is achieved by conventional chemical-based methods using lime and sulfide. These chemicals lead to wastewater generation with pulped or solubilized hair, corresponding to higher chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total dissolved solids (TDS) in the waste stream. In addition, the possible release of toxic H₂S gas and obnoxious odour are other problems associated with the conventional unhairing process. As an alternative, an enzymatic unhairing process has been developed. Being a hair-saving process, there is a considerable reduction in the COD and TDS in the wastewater. Moreover, the process will be the first of its kind for sodium sulfide free-enzyme-only unhairing process for a cleaner method of leather processing and eco-friendly for the tanners.

• Enzymatic unhairing of skins and hides eliminates the use of sodium sulfide, thereby reducing the possible generation of toxic H₂S gas during the leather manufacturing process.
• The process reduces the pollution load in wastewater and in turn, eliminates the need for a sophisticated end-of-pipe treatment system.
• It contemplates providing the scope for introducing this product as a “Make in India” product in the global leather market, thereby increasing the foreign exchange and Indian economy