Fujian tanners approved with conditions attached
14 May 2010The recent situation in the Chihu tanning cluster located in the town of Zhangpu, Fujian province seems to be getting closer to a resolution. Previously, the local authorities had indicated that they did not want to house any new tanneries in the area and instead were keener to attract what they called ‘high-tech’ businesses from Taiwan and elsewhere. This is despite the fact that construction was already underway at a number of sites in the Zhangpu area.
However, Leather International has now been informed that the local authorities have accepted revised proposals, and have listened to the opinions of tanners and the CLIA to re-evaluate the design of effluent treatment plant (ETP) at the proposed tannery cluster.
The revised ETP sets stricter and higher standards on wastewater treatment and sludge disposal required by the local government. Currently, the China National Leather Research Institute is undertaking the re-evaluation. Once both the research institute and local government approve the redesign of ETP, the authorities will select those tanneries that can meet standard of wastewater treatment to set up tanneries in the cluster. The authorities have also stated that they will restrict the number of tanneries in the cluster.
International tanning groups such as Tyche were in the process of constructing new plants at the Chihu cluster when the local government in the province halted construction last year.
