Identyfikacja presji środowiskowych w procesie garbowania skóry za pomocą ekologicznej oceny cyklu życia – studium przypadku
A Case Study on LCA-based Environmental Impact Identification of the Leather Tanning Process

Summary/Abstract: The paper presents the results of LCA use for an environmental impact assessment in leather tanning. As many studies have shown, the tanning process is one of the most burdensome for the environment from the entire life-cycle of leather products. The objective of the paper is to contribute to the worldwide knowledge base on the subject through a description and characterisation of a Polish company’s leather tanning. The assessment is done using LCA screening, and therefore employs only simple assessment procedures and standard data from the producer. LCA is preceded by a presentation of the full life-cycle of leather goods, with material, energy and emission flows all identified. The company’s particular leather tanning process and its sub-processes are described. LCA screening is done with the use of Ecological Scarcity 2006 and Eco-indicator 99(H) methodologies. As a result of the LCA study, key environmental impact is identified together with the participation of tanning sub-processes in the values derived in the impact assessment. Finally, recommendations for the company are presented in order to direct its tanning processes and technologies along more environmentally friendly pathways.

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