Remedial measures for improving the quality of raw stock for leather processing

Leather is an important international commodity of commerce. It plays a vital the country. The raw stock, namely cow, buffalo, goat and sheep skins, are important sources for producing varieties of leather articles, such as shoe uppers, leather garments, bag leather articles, such as, shoe uppers, leather garments, bag leather, sole leather, gloves, belts, upholstery. The quality of raw stock is good in Pakistan but it is damaged due to mishandling during slaughtering and in the later stages, which is actually a heavy economic loss. The main complaint of the tanning industry is that locally available hides are full of butcher cuts. They also leave too much fleshy tissues. The flesh can be removed later, but the cuts, particularly the deep cuts because of holes as a result of improper flaying are irrepairable and permanent. A number of pre and post-mortem defects (during animal life and after slaughter) are visible on hides and skins. These defects, particularly on grain side, reduce the value of the leather. Aniline leather cannot be produced from such raw stock. (author)