Life cycle assessment of glove Leather In elico-gloving and hide unit
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Date
2007-02
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Addis Ababauniversity
Abstract
The leather industry is composed of different production stages and it is characterized by
using a large quantity of water and various types of chemicals .The wastes generated are
categorized as a high polluting nature and usually are of solid and liquid types.
Currently, except few tanneries in Ethiopia, the majorities are not aware of the
environmental impacts associated with their activity. Even they are not willing to have
treatment plant because of its cost for erection and running the plant. However, Elico-
Gloving and Hide unit (EGHU) constructed the primary treatment plant at a cost of 8
million Birr .The plant is still functional and its running cost is around 550,000 Birr per
annum. In addition to this the company is practicing on ISO-14001 .In this paper a study
is performed at EGHU by implementing Life Cycle Assessment methodologies.
Inventory analysis on the major inputs and out puts of the production processes in the
skin tannery and impacts of the related activities are carried out. Based on the adapted
impact assessment method the major problems of EGHU are identified. The possible
improvement options for the existing problems are suggested. The research result shows
that the implementation of the suggested improvement options will have significant
benefit for the factory and for the environment. Since practicing on LCA in Ethiopia is at
the infant stage, this thesis may serve as source of information to tanneries and other
industries on the LCA methodology and on the existing environmental problems of the
leather industry
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Keywords
Leather In elico-gloving