The Association of the Dutch Chemical Industry (VNCI) has given an award to the joint work of Grit and Akzo Nobel Industrial Chemicals which focuses on the “sustainable degreasing and drying of animal skins.” According to the judging panel, the project is a good example of the sustainable solutions which the chemical industry can offer to society.

The VNCI recognizes, in this annual competition, those chemical companies which provide remarkable performance and innovation in the field of safety, health, the environment and sustainability. The independent judging panel consists of representatives from the government, environmental organisations and chemical companies.

In this development of “sustainable degreasing and dehydration”, the skins of the slaughtered animals are recycled for use in different materials such as leather, food and fodder. Water and fat are removed from the skins in an environmentally responsible way.

Grit together with Akzo Nobel Industrial Chemicals has developed technology based DeMythe ® LDD dimethyl ether (DME). The advantages of this technology are that after treatment of the skin, it weighs less, while the process itself uses less energy, water and chemicals than traditional methods of degreasing. In addition, the waste water produced is much less and the fat obtained using this technology is an important benefit.

The project has great potential and, although the factory for the new technology is not yet operational (it is expected to be commissioned in October 2012), the judging panel has made this sward of “Responsible Care”, highlighting the new role that the chemical industry is playing, and to encourage the use of new tanning process.