KNUST Research Week and Scientific Conference: Empowering Researchers to Achieve Impactful Outcomes

The leather tanning industry in Ghana relies predominantly on Acacia nilotica (Bagaruwa), whose seasonal availability and overexploitation present serious sustainability challenges. This dependency creates supply risks, increases transportation costs, and undermines the competitiveness of local tanneries. This study explores alternative plant-based tanning agents such as cashew bark (Anacardium occidentale), neem bark (Azadirachta indica), and cocoa pod husk (Theobroma cacao) which are abundant across Ghana’s ecological zones and offer a sustainable pathway to resilient production. A studio-based approach combined with Laboratory analysis was employed. Plant materials were sourced from major producing regions, extracted for tannin content, and tested for tanning efficiency through controlled processes. Comparative analysis with Acacia nilotica evaluated the quality, durability, and ecological impact of the resulting leathers. Findings show that cashew and neem barks yield high tannin concentrations, while cocoa husk, though lower, demonstrates synergistic potential when blended. Collectively, these alternatives produced durable and eco-friendly leathers comparable to Acacia nilotica, with the added advantage of year-round local availability. This research advances climate resilience and sustainability in Ghana’s leather sector by reducing reliance on a vulnerable resource and promoting circular use of agricultural by-products. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and offers a pathway for greener industrial practices, benefiting both artisans and the environment.

Keywords: Sustainable tanning, Plant-based agents, Leather industry, Anacardium occidentale, Theobroma cacao