ENZYMES IN RETAINING FOR CLEANER BLUE STOCK

This study evaluates the combination of a lipase and a mild protease e nzyme to clean the surface of chrome tanned stock of grease, dirt, scu d, and other stains, for the purpose of making more uniformly colored leather. A significant reduction was found in grease stains, neck wrin kle discoloration, and other stains. Also, an improvement was observed in the brightness and uniformity of dyeing - backbone to belly and si de to side within a mill. This was accomplished using extremely low am ounts of a combination of two enzymes selected to be particularly acti ve in the conditions of retanning with respect to pH, temperature, run ning times, and presence of other chemicals.