Didn’t know research could smell so good? Central Leather Research Institute or CLRI in Chennai is the world’s largest leather research institute. It is measured by research papers and patents. This place isn’t just about dusty books. It is about innovation in the leather industry.
CLRI was founded on April 24, 1948. It emerged as a constituent laboratory under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. India had just gained independence. The first government under Jawaharlal Nehru focused on industrialization. CLRI was part of that vision.
The Madras State awarded 75 acres to the research council. They also gave ₹4,000 for land preparation. This contribution helped level the ground for construction.
CLRI deals with all aspects of the leather industry. Its activities are quite diverse. They include preservation methods for hides and skins. The institute also works on improving leather’s shrinkage and color fastness. Tanning and finishing techniques are another area of focus. Environmental pollution control is also important. So is product design and development. This includes garments, shoes and other articles.
CLRI offers technical assistance too. They offer training courses on design development. Sample making and fabrication are also covered. One can get consultancy and feasibility reports here. Quality control assistance is also available.
The institute houses many departments. These include Chemical and Physical Sciences. Biological Sciences are studied here. Engineering Sciences and Information Sciences are also important. CLRI has regional extension centers. Find them in Ahmedabad, Jalandhar, Kanpur and Kolkata.
In 2003, CLRI developed a biological dressing for burn patients. It helps heal second and third degree burns faster. In 2004, CLRI partnered with the National Institute of Fashion Technology. They offered educational programs for footwear and leather product design. That same year, they started a pilot project. It produced biodiesel from rice bran oil. In 2014, CLRI scientists launched a website. It shares real research problems and solutions. In 2023, CLRI launched an Indian Footwear Sizing System known as BHA. This followed the analysis of over 1 lakh feet across 70 plus districts.
G. N. Ramachandran developed a triple-helical model of collagen. He used samples from CLRI in 1954. Thirumalachari Ramasami, a former director, was a renowned chemist. Kalarical Janardhanan Sreeram is the current director.
CLRI’s mission is clear. It aims to provide science and technology innovation. This is for industrial and societal development in the leather sector. The institute also designs and delivers knowledge and technologies. These are for practical use in the leather industry. CLRI strives to be a global leader in leather research. Its technological services are meant to be as durable as leather itself.
Leather and related research are core activities at CLRI. The institute has critical strengths in several areas of science and technology. CLRI’s strength comes from its people. It also benefits from its R&D infrastructure. The institute also maintains strong connections with its users.
CSIR-CLRI envisions transforming the Indian leather industry. They want it to be technology and innovation driven. This would steer India to be the global leader in leather.