So-called "bonded leather" is actually just leather fibers mixed with environmentally unfriendly polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride. reProLeather, on the other hand, converts leather waste into a new faux leather material that is said to be recyclable and biodegradable. Scientists at the Hong Kong Institute of Textile and Clothing are developing the technology with support from Sweden's H&M Foundation.
First, post-consumer leather products are thoroughly shredded to break down the leather into collagen fibers (collagen is the main component of leather). The toxic free chromium used in the production of leather goods is then converted into soluble salts, which remove the free chromium from the fibers.
The purified fiber is then mixed with unspecified sugars and/or proteins under mild conditions, and the gelatinous mixture is spread into sheets. As the mixture dries and solidifies, another sheet called a protein fiber skeleton is laid over the mixture -- during this process, the cellulose fibers connect to each other.
The final product is said to have the look, feel and structure of new leather while being strong enough to be used in similar products. According to reports, unlike traditional bonded leather made using synthetic adhesives, the material can be broken down and recycled and, if discarded, biodegrade in the environment.
It is hoped that this technology will be developed further and it will both reduce waste and minimize the need to slaughter cattle to obtain virgin leather.