Leather Chemist

Leather chemists are scientists who apply their knowledge of chemistry, biochemistry and microbiology to develop the technology of leather production.

Leather manufacture is concerned with the conversion of raw cattle hide and sheepskins into the stable, useful and attractive product known as leather. Understanding this conversion process, called tanning, requires knowledge of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Microbiology.

Leather chemists are experts on the processing of all types of leather including the preservation of the hides, the tanning of the hides and the finishing of the leather. They also have expert knowledge of the quality tests that leather is subjected to. A leather chemist can move into a senior supervisory and management position on the technical and production side

Personal Requirements

mathematical and scientific aptitude
interested in chemistry and biochemistry
like to work with leather
creative in solving problems
initiative and originality
interest in working with tanning machinery

How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
Each institution has its own entry requirements.

What to Study

Degree: BSc - Chemistry - RU, NWU, Wits, UJ, UP, UKZN, UZ, UNISA, UCT, UWC, NMMU, UFS, UV, US, or Biochemistry - US, UJ, UP, UKZN, UV, UZ, NMMU, RU.

The Leather Industries Research Institute at RU University offers a two-year diploma in Leather Science on a correspondence basis, with practical modules in each year of study at the Institute.

Employment

tanneries
companies that supply tanning materials to tanneries
Leather Industries Research Institute
SABS
self-employment, a leather chemist who specialises in high value leathers can start a business

Further Information

The Director
Leather Industries Research Institute
P O Box 185
Grahamstown, 6140
Tel: (031) 701-4111

Getting Started