In an initiative that would not only help reduce the industrial carbon footprint, but also successfully embrace the waste-to-wealth concept, a group of scientists have developed a technology to make environment-friendly shoe soles.

Scientists at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and Central Leather Research Institute have developed a process to convert fleshing, the soft tissue of animal muscle and fat, and one of the effluents produced in tanneries, into activated carbon. This compound is one of the major components in shoe manufacture.

Fleshing, which is usually disposed in landfills leading to contamination of groundwater, has become a viable alternative to the carcinogenic carbon black widely used in making soles of high-end leather shoes. This activated carbon not only adds colour but is also used as a reinforcing material in soles. Apart from being cost effective and lightweight, the compound reinforces strength, is flexible, and abrasive resistant........Read more

Source web page:THE TIMES OF INDIA