SHEEPSKIN TREATMENT

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33033, 28 September 1972, Page 9

SHEEPSKIN TREATMENT

Patent filed at Lincoln

A provisional patent has been filed by the Wool Research Organisation at Lincoln, for a process which is likely to increase New Zealand’s exports of white sheepskins.

Dr W. S. Simpson, head of the wool science section, said the lack of good white woolly sheepskins was a potential threat to the expanding export market. “About 50 per cent of the sheepskins exported are white,” Dr Simpson said. “This could be increased to 80 per cent, but too many skins are discoloured during tanning when chromium is absorbed by weathered tips. “It has not been possible to prevent the absorption of chrome without major changes to the present method of tanning, which is considered the most suitable method for washability, colour and cost,” Dr Simpson said.

“The patented process for removing the greenish stain after tanning has shown considerable success,” Dr Simpson said. “The chemicals are inexpensive, and the process looks economically attractive, although final costings have not been made and the method of applying the process has not been settled.”