Lime fleshings - Glue-stock

When fleshing, the lime fleshings (also called glue-stock), which also contains the chemicals from the liming and water is removed from the skin. This material is approx. 10 - 30% of the total weight of the rawhide.

The term "glue stock" comes from the formerly further processing into glues, for which there is scarcely any need today. Nowadays glue stock is sold for the production of gelatine. This is used in pharmaceutical products (gelatine capsules) and foodstuffs (gummy bears, sausages etc.).

Some tanneries are working to separate and sell the fats and proteins, or to use them for energy production (biogas).