Optimization Study Analysis of Vegetable Tanning Finishing Techniques in Shoes: Introduction of Colour Wheel Methodology
pdf

Keywords

Vegetable tanning
finishing techniques
color wheel methodology
sustainable leather
shoe manufacturing

How to Cite

Optimization Study Analysis of Vegetable Tanning Finishing Techniques in Shoes: Introduction of Colour Wheel Methodology. (2025). African Journal of Biomedical Research, 28(1S), 747-754. https://doi.org/10.53555/AJBR.v28i1S.6221

Abstract

Vegetable tanning, an ancient leather tanning method, has re-emerged as a sustainable alternative in the modern fashion industry, particularly in footwear manufacturing. This method, which uses plant-derived tannins to treat animal hides, is renowned for its environmentally friendly process and its ability to produce durable and biodegradable leather. However, despite its environmental benefits, vegetable-tanned leather presents several challenges, particularly in the finishing stage. Issues such as limited color options, susceptibility to fading, and inconsistent surface quality have restricted its broader adoption in commercial footwear production.
This study focuses on optimizing the finishing techniques of vegetable-tanned leather to address these limitations, specifically targeting the enhancement of color stability, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Traditional vegetable tanning results in a natural, earthy look, but achieving vibrant and diverse color schemes has been difficult due to the complex interaction between natural tannins and dyes. Additionally, the variability in texture and finish across batches of vegetable-tanned leather has posed challenges for achieving consistent quality in mass production.
To overcome these limitations, this study introduces the color wheel methodology as a structured approach to the tanning process, focusing on refining color mixing and application techniques. The color wheel, widely used in art and design, provides a visual framework for understanding color relationships and harmonies. When applied to vegetable tanning, it offers a scientific basis for combining natural dyes to produce a broader range of hues. By identifying complementary, analogous, and contrasting colors through the color wheel, tanneries can expand their dyeing capabilities and achieve greater color customization.
The research outlines the steps involved in applying the color wheel to vegetable tanning, from selecting the appropriate plant-derived dyes to achieving consistent color saturation across different leather batches. It also explores how surface treatments, such as waxing, oiling, and polishing, can be optimized to enhance both the durability and the aesthetic appeal of the finished product. The study highlights how the color wheel methodology can improve color fastness, ensuring that vegetable-tanned leather maintains its vibrancy even with prolonged wear and exposure to environmental elements.
This paper further examines the impact of these optimized finishing techniques on the footwear industry, where consumers increasingly demand sustainable products without compromising on style and quality. The application of the color wheel methodology not only expands the design possibilities for vegetable-tanned leather but also ensures that the environmental integrity of the tanning process is preserved. The ability to offer a wider range of colors, along with improved surface treatments, allows manufacturers to cater to the growing demand for eco-friendly yet aesthetically diverse footwear.
In conclusion, the study demonstrates that the color wheel methodology is an effective tool for optimizing vegetable tanning finishing techniques. By addressing the challenges of color variability and surface inconsistency, this approach enhances the commercial viability of vegetable-tanned leather in footwear manufacturing. As sustainability becomes a critical concern in the fashion industry, the combination of traditional tanning methods with modern design tools like the color wheel offers a pathway for creating environmentally responsible yet visually appealing leather products.

pdf
Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Copyright (c) 2025 Vishva Kumar, Nidhi R S, Elizabeth Jacob, Jaswant Nair, Loganathan T (Author)