OWSD PhD Fellowship

Rolence Cecilia

OWSD Early Career

Awarded in 2024

Rolence Cecilia

About the project

Her project will develop eco-friendly tanning agents derived from agricultural waste — cashew nut shells and husks and banana stems — to replace harmful chromium-based agents in the leather industry. Traditional tanning methods are associated with significant environmental and health risks. Cashew shells and husks and banana stems, which contain natural tannins, are both abundant in Tanzania and have been investigated for their efficacy as plant-based alternatives; but most exploration of this has been done only in laboratory settings, and their application remains limited, with the majority of waste ending up in landfills. Through a multidisciplinary approach involving chemistry and industrial collaboration, this project will characterize the phytochemical composition of the waste-derived tanning agents, assess their effectiveness in laboratory and industrial settings, and evaluate their environmental impacts. By creating an eco-friendly tanning product with potential for widespread adoption in the global leather market, it aims to contribute to poverty reduction, public health improvement, and climate action, while promoting sustainable economic growth in the leather industry. 

Field of Specialization

Chemical Sciences

Position

Lecturer

About the institution