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P. S. Kumar et al.
derived from the leather industry come from renewable and available resources of
the slaughterhouse. However, the conversion of raw material into a finished product
involves the usage of many chemicals and water in all the production chains to satisfy
a global demand especially in the faster-developing countries regions of Asia and
Latin America [2]. Additionally, the chemicals used are generally toxic and hazardous
to human and water bodies. For a few decades, the global consumption of steel is
symbolized by an upward trend and is the basis of several industries in the world.
This industry enhances the competitiveness of national manufactures and the growth
of the national economy. China has been pointed out as the world’s largest producer
of iron since 1996, thus influences the international development of the steel sector
[3]. Notwithstanding, China suffers from water scarcity and 32% of water encounters
different pollution problems. To deal with this environmental problem generated from
leather and steel industries, water footprint assessment (WFA) derived from life cycle
assessment has been developed recently. According to the International Organization
Standard (ISO), the influence related to water quality should be considered in water
footprint analysis [4]. Likewise, WFA takes into account direct and indirect processes
along with the concept of virtual water. Water is undoubtedly one of the most important natural resource used in industries processing in the world. In order to satisfy
a huge demand for goods and services, and also export some commodities across
the world, many countries through their industries consume a significant quantity of
virtual water. In the leather industry, products are characterized by their toughness
and durability which is an essential clue for attracting consumers. However, from
hide to leather, the tanning process generally requires an extensive amount of water,
which is associated with some pollutants including heavy metals, dyes, sulfur, and
surfactants. Then, the expansion of tanneries which represent a livelihood for many
people in developing countries may be an environmental burden in terms of pollution
and water scarcity.
This chapter is therefore an attempt to show the systematic assessment of water
discharge from leather and steel industries, present the parameters to be taken into
account, and give recommendations for better sustainability of water resources.
2 Leather Industry: Concepts and Processing
The leather-based industry is an important segment of the economy worldwide,
and a very old manufacturing sector producing a broad range of products including
leather garments, leather footwear, leather bags, etc. In the leather industry, the crude
material is generally derived from the waste product of the food industry, exclusively
from meat processing in slaughterhouses [5]. The resource is then found to easily
available and renewable. According to the recent study carried out by the Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, over 6.6 million of bovine hides
and skins were produced in 2014 [6]. Leather can then be considered as one of the
most widely traded commodities in the world (it is ranked among the 25 traded in
the world), and its industry holds an outstanding place in many countries particularly
P. S. Kumar et al.
derived from the leather industry come from renewable and available resources of
the slaughterhouse. However, the conversion of raw material into a finished product
involves the usage of many chemicals and water in all the production chains to satisfy
a global demand especially in the faster-developing countries regions of Asia and
Latin America [2]. Additionally, the chemicals used are generally toxic and hazardous
to human and water bodies. For a few decades, the global consumption of steel is
symbolized by an upward trend and is the basis of several industries in the world.
This industry enhances the competitiveness of national manufactures and the growth
of the national economy. China has been pointed out as the world’s largest producer
of iron since 1996, thus influences the international development of the steel sector
[3]. Notwithstanding, China suffers from water scarcity and 32% of water encounters
different pollution problems. To deal with this environmental problem generated from
leather and steel industries, water footprint assessment (WFA) derived from life cycle
assessment has been developed recently. According to the International Organization
Standard (ISO), the influence related to water quality should be considered in water
footprint analysis [4]. Likewise, WFA takes into account direct and indirect processes
along with the concept of virtual water. Water is undoubtedly one of the most important natural resource used in industries processing in the world. In order to satisfy
a huge demand for goods and services, and also export some commodities across
the world, many countries through their industries consume a significant quantity of
virtual water. In the leather industry, products are characterized by their toughness
and durability which is an essential clue for attracting consumers. However, from
hide to leather, the tanning process generally requires an extensive amount of water,
which is associated with some pollutants including heavy metals, dyes, sulfur, and
surfactants. Then, the expansion of tanneries which represent a livelihood for many
people in developing countries may be an environmental burden in terms of pollution
and water scarcity.
This chapter is therefore an attempt to show the systematic assessment of water
discharge from leather and steel industries, present the parameters to be taken into
account, and give recommendations for better sustainability of water resources.
2 Leather Industry: Concepts and Processing
The leather-based industry is an important segment of the economy worldwide,
and a very old manufacturing sector producing a broad range of products including
leather garments, leather footwear, leather bags, etc. In the leather industry, the crude
material is generally derived from the waste product of the food industry, exclusively
from meat processing in slaughterhouses [5]. The resource is then found to easily
available and renewable. According to the recent study carried out by the Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, over 6.6 million of bovine hides
and skins were produced in 2014 [6]. Leather can then be considered as one of the
most widely traded commodities in the world (it is ranked among the 25 traded in
the world), and its industry holds an outstanding place in many countries particularly