Work

Solvent-free biorefinery of leather fleshing waste into FAMEs and nitrogen-rich co-products

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study presents a solvent-free method for converting bovine and ovine fleshing waste into biodiesel-compatible compounds and a nitrogen-rich solid by-product. The process combines mechanical lipid separation using Tricanter® centrifugation with an optimized alkaline conversion step. Lipid recovery exceeded 92 %, and under optimal reaction conditions, conversion yields surpassed 95 % without the need for pre-treatment. Bovine-derived esters complied with international biodiesel standards, while ovine esters showed promising properties for thermal energy storage applications. The solid fraction, containing up to 9.3 % nitrogen and no regulated heavy metals, met European requirements for use as fertilizer. The process consumed approximately 23 % less energy than conventional methods, and techno-economic analysis supports its industrial feasibility. Overall, this integrated approach offers a scalable, sustainable solution for tannery waste valorization aligned with circular bioeconomy goals. Valorization of leather fleshing waste through solvent-free lipid extraction using Tricanter® centrifugation and optimized alkaline transesterification. The process yields FAMEs for biofuels/PCMs and nitrogen-rich solids for potential agronomic applications.

Source: Cleaner Engineering and Technology

DOI: 10.1016/j.clet.2025.101065

Authors: Víctor Deroncelé, Sílvia Sorolla, Anna Bacardit

Institution: Universitat de Lleida

Language: English

Topic: Biodiesel Production and Applications

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,220