ULISSE (PROTEUS)

PROJECT

ULISSE (PROTEUS)

Sustainable processes and products for the tanning industry
CONCEPT

The project aims to revolutionize the tanning industry by developing innovative materials and processes for leather tanning and finishing. It focuses on the use of lignocellulosic biomass and tannery waste to create sustainable, high-performance tanning agents and multifunctional coatings.
Advanced technologies such as hydrothermal synthesis, nano-catalysts, and waste recycling are employed to enhance antimicrobial, self-cleaning, mechanical, and light-resistance properties.
The overarching goal is to promote a circular economy model and reduce environmental impact, making the leather industry more sustainable and eco-compatible.

CONTEXT

While the leather industry delivers high-quality products, it faces growing challenges related to environmental sustainability and the safety of chemical processes.
This project aims to address those challenges by developing innovative tanning and finishing methods using lignocellulosic biomass and tannery waste. Through hydrothermal chemical processes, magnetic nano-catalysts, and recycling techniques, the project will produce advanced performance materials (antimicrobial, self-cleaning, light and heat resistant) while minimizing waste and optimizing resource use.
It promotes a circular economy approach by transforming biomass and industrial waste into sustainable and technologically advanced solutions.

Beneficiari

OBJECTIVES AND EXPECTED RESULTS

The project’s goal is to develop innovative processes for tanning and finishing leather, reducing environmental impact and enhancing product performance.

Key objectives include:

  • Replacing traditional chromium tanning agents with bio-based materials derived from lignocellulosic biomass using advanced chemical methods such as magnetic catalysts and hydrothermal synthesis.
  • Developing multifunctional coatings for leather finishing, improving antimicrobial, self-cleaning, and light-resistance properties.
  • Upcycling tannery waste into useful materials for mechanical reinforcement and the production of leather finishing inks.

Expected results:

  • Reduced toxic waste and effluents
  • Improved sustainability across the entire production cycle
  • High-performance leather products aligned with circular economy principles
  • Increased market competitiveness and reduced reliance on harmful chemicals

KEY FIGURES

4

RESEARCHERS INVOLVED

2441

RESEARCH HOURS

16

PROJECT DURATION

3

NUMBER OF WORK PACKAGES (WPS)

2-3

STARTING TRL

4-5

FINAL TRL