Sustainable leather tanning with Acacia seyal bark

Taleh Bark: The Eco-Friendly Secret to Sustainable Leather Tanning

Nico Varela in Climate & Environment August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unlocking the potential of Acacia seyal bark for a greener, more sustainable future in the leather industry."

The leather industry has long faced scrutiny for its environmental impact. Traditional tanning processes often rely on harsh chemicals like chromium, which can lead to pollution and health concerns. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, the demand for sustainable alternatives is growing.

Researchers are exploring innovative solutions, and one promising avenue lies in the potential of natural tanning agents derived from plant sources. These "bio-tannins" offer a more eco-friendly approach, reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals and minimizing environmental harm.

One such source under investigation is Acacia seyal bark, also known as Taleh. This readily available resource in regions like Sudan presents a unique opportunity to revolutionize leather production, creating a more sustainable and environmentally responsible industry.

What Makes Taleh Bark a Promising Tanning Agent?

Sustainable leather tanning with Acacia seyal bark

Acacia seyal bark boasts a significant concentration of tannins, the natural compounds responsible for the tanning process. These tannins interact with the proteins in animal hides, transforming them into durable, flexible leather. This inherent property makes Taleh bark a viable alternative to traditional tanning agents.

The traditional tanning methods have serious environmental impacts. Chrome tanning, while effective, produces toxic waste that pollutes water and soil. Vegetable tanning offers a greener alternative, utilizing natural tannins extracted from plants. This method reduces the reliance on harmful chemicals and promotes sustainability. Choosing vegetable-tanned leather supports environmentally conscious practices, reduces pollution, and helps preserve ecosystems.

Rich in Tannins: Taleh bark contains a high percentage of tannins (28.9%), making it effective for tanning.
Sustainable Resource: Acacia seyal trees are abundant in certain regions, offering a readily available and renewable resource.
Eco-Friendly Alternative: Taleh bark reduces the need for harsh chemicals like chromium, promoting a cleaner tanning process.
Reduced Waste: Using natural tannins can lead to biodegradable waste products, minimizing environmental impact.
Potential for Local Production: Utilizing local resources like Taleh bark can boost regional economies and reduce dependence on imported tanning materials.

However, extracting these tannins efficiently is crucial. The study optimized the leaching process, identifying key factors that maximize tannin yield:

Solvent-to-Solid Ratio: A ratio of 6:1 was found to be optimal for extracting the most tannins.
Agitation Speed: 250 rpm ensures proper mixing without damaging the bark particles.
Temperature: A moderate temperature of 30°C promotes tannin solubility without causing degradation.
Extraction Time: 2 hours is sufficient to extract a significant amount of tannins from the bark.

The Future of Leather: Sustainable, Natural, and Innovative

The research demonstrates the potential of Taleh bark as a viable and sustainable alternative to traditional tanning methods. By optimizing the extraction process and utilizing readily available resources, the leather industry can move towards a greener future. This shift not only benefits the environment but also promotes local economies and caters to the growing demand for eco-conscious products.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4172/2157-7048.1000334, Alternate LINK

Title: Utilization Of Tannins Extract Of Acacia Seyal Bark (Taleh) In Tannage Of Leather

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Journal of Chemical Engineering & Process Technology

Publisher: OMICS Publishing Group

Authors: Selma A Hussein

Published: 2017-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What are the primary advantages of using Acacia seyal bark (Taleh) as a tanning agent?

Acacia seyal bark, or Taleh, offers several key advantages. It is rich in tannins, making it effective for tanning. Acacia seyal trees are abundant in certain regions, offering a readily available and renewable resource. Utilizing Taleh bark reduces the need for harsh chemicals like chromium, promoting a cleaner tanning process. The use of natural tannins can lead to biodegradable waste products, minimizing environmental impact. Utilizing local resources like Taleh bark can boost regional economies and reduce dependence on imported tanning materials.

What exactly are 'tannins,' and why are they important in the context of Acacia seyal bark (Taleh)?

Tannins are natural compounds found in Acacia seyal bark (Taleh) that interact with the proteins in animal hides, transforming them into durable, flexible leather. These tannins are what make Taleh bark a viable alternative to traditional tanning agents like chromium. The concentration of tannins and how efficiently they can be extracted from the Taleh bark directly impacts its effectiveness as a tanning agent.

What are the key factors in optimizing the extraction process of tannins from Acacia seyal bark (Taleh), and why is optimization important?

The key factors include the solvent-to-solid ratio, agitation speed, temperature, and extraction time. The research found that a solvent-to-solid ratio of 6:1, an agitation speed of 250 rpm, a temperature of 30°C, and an extraction time of 2 hours were optimal for extracting the most tannins from Acacia seyal bark (Taleh). Optimizing these factors is crucial for maximizing the yield of tannins and ensuring the economic viability of using Taleh bark as a tanning agent.

How does traditional chrome tanning compare to vegetable tanning using something like Acacia seyal bark (Taleh) in terms of environmental impact?

Chrome tanning, while effective, produces toxic waste that pollutes water and soil. Vegetable tanning, using natural tannins extracted from plants like Acacia seyal bark (Taleh), offers a greener alternative. Choosing vegetable-tanned leather supports environmentally conscious practices, reduces pollution, and helps preserve ecosystems. The environmental impact of tanning methods is a significant concern, and the shift towards sustainable alternatives like Taleh bark is essential for a more responsible leather industry.

What are the broader economic implications of adopting Acacia seyal bark (Taleh) for leather tanning?

Using Acacia seyal bark (Taleh) promotes local economies by reducing dependence on imported tanning materials and boosting regional production. This can create jobs and stimulate economic growth in areas where Acacia seyal trees are abundant. Furthermore, it caters to the growing consumer demand for eco-conscious products, potentially increasing market share for leather produced using sustainable methods. The adoption of Taleh bark not only benefits the environment but also offers economic advantages for local communities and businesses.