A vibration staking machine in the leather industry uses controlled vibrations to securely attach metal parts or bond leather layers, offering a fast, durable alternative to stitching and adhesives.
UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Since the 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement and the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations, businesses around the world have been presented with a unique opportunity to contribute to global sustainability efforts. Initially, these goals were primarily directed at governments and NGOs, but over time, businesses have increasingly recognized the importance of aligning their operations with these global objectives.
At KINGS, we have embraced this challenge by incorporating 14 out of the 17 UNIDO SDGs into our business strategy. By doing so, we have tailored our operations to measure and manage our sustainability contributions in a structured, transparent way.
This shift represents a significant transformation: rather than simply “doing no harm”, we are now focused on “doing better”—adopting practices that not only reduce negative environmental and social impacts but actively contribute to positive change. We continuously improve our operations, reduce our ecological footprint, and support global sustainability efforts.
In summary, KINGS is committed to creating a better world through better business practices, aligning our strategy with global efforts to tackle climate change and promote sustainable development.
POLLUTION PREVENTION MEASURES TO MONITOR & CONTROL POLLUTION AT THE SOURCE
KINGS BEST PRACTISE:
The Mechanical Salt De-dusting Machine, equipped with a conveyor system, has been installed to efficiently and effectively remove salt (NaCl) from wet-salted raw hides. This automated system recovers approximately 6 kg of salt per hide, compared to just 3 kg through the manual de-dusting method. It is a much faster, less labor-intensive, and more efficient process.
By preventing 550 tons of salt from entering the environment each year, this system helps reduce the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in the effluent. The recovered salt is then recycled and reused by raw hide suppliers, who mix it with a certain amount of fresh salt to prepare it for salting subsequent batches.
Dusted salt recovery: 60 to 90 kg/t raw material Overall TDS reduction: 15-20%
KINGS BEST PRACTISE:
Lime Water Recycling & Reuse System
In 2015, the tannery took a proactive step by installing a purpose-built, innovative lime water recycling system, going beyond regulatory requirements and without any statutory mandates from enforcement agencies. This system allows the tannery to recycle and reuse approximately 600 KL of lime water annually, significantly reducing fresh water consumption and minimizing the water pollution load on the PETP and CETP by the same amount.Additionally, the system enables the recovery of 80% of re-lime liquor from the 125% float, leading to a reduction in water consumption by 800 liters per ton of processed leather. The initiative also results in lime savings of 15-25%, contributing to both resource conservation and cost efficiency.
Hair Saving Screen
In 2016, our tannery was selected by UNIDO for the installation of a Hair Saving Screen (PDU), an innovative system designed to recover hair from the tanning process rather than chemically burning it, which is a common practice. This breakthrough solution has significantly improved our environmental impact by reducing the Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) in the effluent by 50%, helping to lower water pollution and improve effluent quality.
The Hair Saving Screen (PDU) works by efficiently separating hair from the tanning effluent. After the hair is recovered, we wash off any remaining lime traces to ensure it is clean and safe for reuse. Instead of discarding the hair as waste, we repurpose it as an organic fertilizer, using it as agricultural manure for our green belt development. This process not only reduces waste but also contributes to sustainable land development and helps in maintaining our green spaces.
By implementing this sustainable solution, our tannery demonstrates its commitment to environmental responsibility, resource conservation, and reducing its ecological footprint. This initiative reflects our ongoing efforts to create a more sustainable, circular production process.
PRIMARY EFFLUENT TREATMENT PLANT
To enhance the quality of our effluent and optimize the wastewater treatment process, we have upgraded our Primary Wastewater Treatment Plant (PETP) by installing a mechanical sludge dewatering system. This upgrade significantly improves the overall treatment efficiency by facilitating faster sludge removal and reducing the volume of wastewater that needs to be processed. The mechanical dewatering system accelerates the separation of solids from the liquid phase, allowing for a more compact sludge by reducing its moisture content. As a result, we can minimize the treatment time, improve the quality of the treated effluent, and ensure that our discharge meets environmental standards.
To ensure the effectiveness and compliance of our upgraded system, the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) conducted a comprehensive assessment of our PETP’s adequacy and performance. This independent evaluation confirmed that our treatment plant is operating efficiently, meeting the required environmental norms, and effectively reducing pollutants in the effluent.
By upgrading our PETP and ensuring its optimal performance, we are not only enhancing our environmental sustainability efforts but also demonstrating our commitment to responsible water management and reducing the ecological impact of our operations.
FACILITY FOR EO BASED ZLD PLANT, WATER STORAGE TANKS AND IN-HOUSE LABORATORY
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Electro-Oxidation (EO) and Electro-Coagulation (EC) based ZLD (Zero Liquid Discharge) Plant:
- The tannery is installing a state-of-the-art ZLD plant utilizing EO and EC technologies to treat and recycle wastewater, ensuring zero liquid discharge.
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Untreated and Treated Water Storage Facility:
- Dedicated storage facilities have been set up for both untreated and treated water to manage and monitor the water flow throughout the treatment process.
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Chemical & Physical Laboratory:
- A lab has been established to conduct regular tests on water quality, ensuring that the treated water meets environmental standards for reuse.
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EO-based ZLD Plant to Become Operational by 2024:
- The EO-based ZLD plant is expected to become functional by 2024, making the tannery the first in India to use this innovative technology for wastewater treatment and reuse.
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Commitment to Sustainability:
- This initiative underscores the tannery’s commitment to environmental responsibility, sustainable water management, and reducing its ecological footprint.
ELECTRO OXIDATION BASED ZLD PLANT
Capacity – 2000 L/Hr.
ELECTROCOAGULATION PLANT FOR TREATMENT OF INDUSTRIAL WASTE WATER
Capacity – 5000 L/Hr.
VIBRATION STAKING MACHINE
LEATHER COLORING YARD
Roller Coater & Auto Spray Machines for Coloring & auto-drying the leather in a sustainable manner trapping the paint particles and dissolving them in water which is channelized to waste water treatment plant.
Conveyor System for natural leather drying
MANUAL LEATHER COLORING BOOTH
Solar Energy
In June 2017, the company began the phased installation of a 201.6 KVA Solar Power Plant to harness renewable solar energy and power the entire factory using green energy. The excess energy generated is fed back into the state grid through a net metering system, for which the company has already obtained the necessary NOC from the State Electricity Board. This initiative has significantly reduced reliance on conventional power sources, effectively lowering the carbon footprint. KINGS is proud to be the first tannery in the region to adopt this green energy solution, setting a precedent for sustainable operations.
