Environmentally oriented technology for improving the performance properties of low‐grade natural leather for footwear using plasma modification

The objective was to research the sustainable development of the leather and footwear industry which requires the introduction of resource‐saving, environmentally friendly methods of leather modification, allowing the improvement of its quality characteristics without the use of aggressive chemicals that reduce the hygienic and biocompatible properties of the material. One of the promising technological alternatives in this context is the use of nonequilibrium low‐temperature plasma (NLTP).

Examination of this technology which allows the elimination of common defects of natural shoe leather ‐ odour and indents ‐ without deterioration of hygienic properties and with a significant increase in the strength and aesthetic characteristics of the shoe upper blank.

Experimental data confirming the effectiveness of the treatment are presented, and environmental and resource aspects of the reuse of raw leather are discussed. A conclusion is made about the high technological and environmental feasibility of introducing NLTP at footwear industry enterprises. 

In the conditions of shortage of leather raw materials and growing requirements for environmental responsibility in production, the method proposed allows increase in the degree of use of low‐grade materials, reduction in the percentage of defects and waste and implementation of the principles of sustainable development and closed‐loop economy. Plasma modification does not require use of toxic reagents, does not violate the hygienic characteristics of leather and ensures the stability of the obtained result during industrial replication. 

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