What CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute does

CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CSIR-CLRI), headquartered in Adyar, Chennai, is a constituent laboratory of India's Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. Founded on 24 April 1948, it is positioned as the world's largest R&D centre dedicated to leather science and technology, with 75+ years of cumulative research output spanning leather processing technologies (notably Waterless Chrome Tanning Technology and chrome recovery/reuse systems in use at 400+ tanneries), specialty leather chemicals (ALCROTAN, ALUTAN, ECOSYN, ECOCHROME 2000, ORGANOZIR, SPECTRATAN FE, PROTAC-M, BIOTAN), waste management technologies, and an expanding healthcare and footwear product portfolio (diabetic footwear, collagen wound-care sheets).

Revenue and operations are anchored to government budgetary support as a CSIR lab, supplemented by technology licensing and commercialization (KPMD) to industrial licensees including Balmer Lawrie, Golden Chemicals, Quinn Group, Hindustan Lever, Tata Steel, BHEL, Asian Peroxides, and SPIC India. Additional revenue streams include subscription licensing of the CLI-MATE carbon-footprint assessment software (₹15,000-₹25,000/year tiers), testing and certification through CATERS, professional training and academic programmes in collaboration with Anna University, and technical consultancy to tanneries and CETPs.

CSIR-CLRI serves leather manufacturers and tanneries (primary segment), the footwear industry, environmental services and CETPs, academic institutions, and international governments/leather development institutes. Go-to-market is multi-channel: direct engagement via four regional centres (Ahmedabad, Jalandhar, Kanpur, Kolkata), technology licensing through KPMD, software licensing via a self-serve CLI-MATE portal, and international partnerships (Ethiopia/LIDI twinning programme costing $5.44M, Vietnam/LSRI Letter of Intent, ministerial engagement with Botswana and Kenya). Distribution and credibility are reinforced by a Knowledge Resource Centre (13,000+ books, 25,000+ bound volumes), membership in the National Knowledge Resource Consortium of 43 CSIR and 26 DST institutes, and a track record of prestigious awards (Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, TWNSO Award).

Name

CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute

Legal name

Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) - Central Leather Research Institute

Website

https://clri.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1948

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

CSIR-CLRI is India's government-backed, CSIR-affiliated R&D institute and the world's largest leather research centre, providing processing technologies, specialty chemicals, testing, training, and CLI-MATE carbon-footprint software to tanneries, footwear manufacturers, and international leather development institutes.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Leather Research and Development Services

NAICS

Leather and Hide Tanning and Finishing (3161), Leather and Hide Tanning and Finishing (31611), Testing Laboratories and Services (54138), Testing Laboratories and Services (541380), Environmental Consulting Services (54162)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Testing Laboratories (8734), Chemicals & Allied Products (2800)

akta.pro primary industry

Leather Testing, Grading & Quality Certification (IMAOAGAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Leather Effluent Treatment & Environmental Compliance Services (IMAOAGAO)

Keywords

• Leather research development
• Leather processing technologies
• Tannery waste management
• Carbon footprint software
• Footwear design testing

Headquarters

HQ city

Chennai

HQ country

India

HQ region

Asia

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Funding: CSIR-CLRI is a constituent laboratory of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research under Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. Core funding comes from government budgetary support.
2. Technology Transfer and Licensing: Technologies commercialized to industry partners including Alcrotan, Alutan, Cleartan, Ecosyn, Ecochrome through licensing agreements. Technologies commercialized to companies like Balmer Lawrie & Co., Golden Chemicals, Quinn Group, Hindustan Lever Limited.
3. Software Licensing (CLI-MATE): Annual and five-year subscription fees for carbon footprint assessment software. Annual fees range from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 plus GST depending on category.
4. Testing and Certification Services: Centre for Analysis, Testing, Evaluation & Reporting Services (CATERS) provides physical, chemical, and biological testing services to leather industry.
5. Academic and Training Programmes: Fee-based academic programmes in collaboration with Anna University (B.Tech, M.Tech, PhD) and professional training courses including CAD, e-Learning, and specialized programmes.
6. Consultancy Projects: Technical consultancy services provided to various companies including Asian Peroxides, Tata Steel, BHEL, and tanneries for wastewater treatment, chrome management, and process optimization.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

CSIR-CLRI is a government R&D institute that develops, commercialises and licenses leather processing technologies (including waterless chrome tanning and chrome recovery), specialty leather chemicals (such as Alcrotan, Alutan, Ecosyn, Ecochrome 2000, Organozir, Biotan), waste management solutions, healthcare products like collagen wound-care sheets, and the CLI-MATE carbon footprint assessment software. It also provides paid testing and certification through CATERS, academic and vocational training in partnership with Anna University, and technical consultancy to the leather industry in India and internationally.

Product overview

CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CSIR-CLRI) is the world's largest R&D centre in leather, offering a comprehensive portfolio of technologies, chemical products, and software solutions for the leather industry. The institute provides leather process technologies (including waterless chrome tanning), specialty leather chemicals (syntans like ALCROTAN, ALUTAN, ECOSYN, ECOCHROME 2000), leather product technologies (including diabetic footwear), waste management technologies, and healthcare products (collagen wound care sheets). The flagship software product is CLI-MATE, a carbon footprint assessment platform for leather industries and waste treatment systems. Additional offerings include footwear sizing tools and various training programs through online e-learning courses.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• CLI-MATE Carbon Footprint Assessment Software A sector-specific carbon footprint assessment software platform for leather manufacturing units and Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs). It enables leather manufacturers and waste treatment facilities to estimate and monitor carbon emissions for sustainability reporting. Licensed via annual or five-year subscriptions ranging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 plus GST per year depending on processing volume.
• Waterless Chrome Tanning Technology (WCTT) A chrome tanning process that eliminates water usage, reducing environmental impact and improving chromium uptake to greater than 95 percent. Offered to tanneries and leather processors seeking cleaner chrome tanning.
• Leather Process Technologies Suite A portfolio of leather processing technologies including chicken feet leather processing, dry tanning with dispersing agents, EO-based zero wastewater discharge processes, preservation-cum-unhairing, and rapid fibre opening using enzymatic cocktails. Targeted at tanneries and leather product manufacturers seeking cleaner and more efficient processing.
• Alcrotan (Chromium Aluminium Syntan) A homogeneous chemical tanning formulation containing both chromium and aluminium, delivering greater than 95 percent exhaustion and resistance to precipitation up to pH 5.5 to 6.0. Used for both self-tanning and re-tanning in tanneries. Commercialised through Balmer Lawrie as Balsyn ACE and Balsyn AL.
• Alutan (Aluminium Syntan) An aluminium-based syntan that binds irreversibly and resists washing even at pH 7.0, enabling manufacture of white leathers. Shows greater than 93 percent exhaustion and serves as an efficient chrome saver. Commercialised through Balmer Lawrie.
• Organozir (Zirconium Tanning Agent) A homogeneous chemical formulation containing zirconium with 18 to 22 percent ZrO2 content. Provides approximately 95 degrees C shrinkage temperature as a solo tanning agent and above 100 degrees C in combination with low offers of chromium.
• Spectratan FE (Chromium-Iron Tanning Agent) A chromium-iron mixed tanning agent with 27 percent metal oxide content. Provides above 115 degrees C shrinkage temperature with high exhaustion of chromium and iron, and avoids the known drawbacks of iron tanning.
• Ecochrome 2000 (Formaldehyde-Free Chrome Syntan) A homogeneous formaldehyde-free chrome syntan with 16 to 18 percent Cr2O3 content that can be used as a pickle-free tanning system, reduces TDS, chlorides, sulfates and chromium load on effluent.
• Silichrome (Chromium-Silica Tanning Agent) A homogeneous formulation of silica and chromium offering above 100 degrees C shrinkage temperatures, with excellent softness, suppleness, stretch and smooth grain.
• Ecosyn (Formaldehyde-Free Synthetic Tanning Agent) A multi-functional matrix syntan with sulfonated aromatic compound, free of formaldehyde. Does not undergo photo-oxidation on ageing and enhances chromium uptake to above 93 percent, enabling pickle-free chrome tanning. Delivers overall savings of Rs 1000 to 2000 per ton of raw material processed.
• Eco Chrome-S (Chrome Tanning Salt from Chrome Shavings) A chrome tanning salt prepared using chrome shavings as a reductant, with 18 to 20 percent Cr2O3 content. The presence of organic oligopeptides enables pickleless tanning.
• Protac-M (Multifunctional Syntan) A multifunctional syntan made from solid waste and biodegradable natural materials as an alternative to phenol formaldehyde based retanning agents, providing synergistic effect for upper leathers.
• Biotan (Ecobenign Biotanning Agent) An ecobenign tanning agent prepared from collagenous material, suitable for biodegradable leathers.
• Leather Product Technologies Technologies for leather product manufacturing including specialized footwear designed for diabetic patients, developed by the Shoe and Product Design Centre. Targeted at footwear manufacturers and healthcare-focused product companies.
• Waste Management Technologies Environmental technologies for the leather industry including co-digestion of tannery solid waste for biogas generation, immobilized oxidation reactors for wastewater treatment, compost preparation from animal hair waste, and Sequential Toxic-Anoxic Bio Reactor (SOABR) technology. Targeted at tanneries, CETPs, and environmental services firms.
• Health Care Product Technologies Medical and healthcare products derived from leather processing including collagen sheet for wound care applications and high-value products from trimming waste (HVP-T). Targeted at medical device companies and healthcare product manufacturers.
• Indian Footwear Sizing System An online tool that helps users determine their shoe size according to the Indian Footwear Sizing System. Targeted at footwear retailers and consumers in India.
• Testing and Certification Services (CATERS) Physical, chemical, and biological testing and certification services for leather and allied products provided through the Centre for Analysis, Testing, Evaluation and Reporting Services (CATERS). Targeted at leather manufacturers, exporters, and product companies requiring compliance testing.
• Academic and Training Programmes Fee-based academic programmes including B.Tech, M.Tech, and PhD in Leather Technology and Footwear Science and Engineering offered in collaboration with Anna University, as well as CAD courses, e-Learning modules, and specialized vocational training through CARE and the Skill and Training Unit. Targeted at students, researchers, and industry professionals.

Quantifiable outcome

• Chrome uptake >95% exhaustion with syntan products
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature13 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Leather and Shoe Research Institute (LSRI), VietnamcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2012Letter of Intent signed between Directors of LSRI and CSIR-CLRI for technical consultancy and collaboration in areas of cleaner leather processing, wastewater treatment, research and human resources development in leather and footwear science and technology. CSIR-CLRI delegation visited Vietnam in September 2012.
• Leather Industry Development Institute (LIDI), EthiopiacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2011Twinning programme for leather industry development under CSIR-CLRI leadership. Three-year project with total cost of 5.44 Million US$ aimed at transforming LIDI into a globally competitive centre of excellence. CSIR-CLRI share: 3.54 million US$, FDDI share: 1.9 million US$. Activities include strengthening academic programmes, industrial consultancy, testing services, and human resource development.
• Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI), IndiacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFDDI identified as partner for activities related to footwear and leather goods under Ethiopia Twinning Programme. CSIR-CLRI is the lead institute under which FDDI carries out twinning activities with 1.9 million US$ allocation.
• TNO (Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research)majorTechnology or IntegrationTNO-CLRI Cooperation Program supporting chrome recovery and reuse technology implementation in over 400 tanneries in India.
• CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation), AustraliamajorTechnology or IntegrationCLRI-CSIRO project for Direct Chrome Liquor Recycling demonstrated in tanneries in Tamil Nadu.
• Government of BotswanaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBotswana delegation visited CLRI for knowledge sharing and potential collaboration in leather sector development.
• Government of KenyaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMinisterial delegation from Kenya visited CLRI for potential cooperation in leather industry development.
• Anna University, ChennaicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic collaboration with Anna University for B.Tech, M.Tech, and PhD programmes in Leather Technology and Footwear Science & Engineering. Course fees paid to Anna University.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Smit & Zoon: Dutch specialty leather chemical manufacturer with a strong focus on sustainable tanning and retanning solutions. Directly comparable to CSIR-CLRI's chrome-free, formaldehyde-free, and bio-based tanning agents (ECOSYN, BIOTAN) and competes for the same eco-conscious tanneries globally.
• Lanxess AG: German specialty chemicals major with a Leather business unit producing chrome tanning salts, syntans, and biocides for the global leather industry. Direct competitor in tanning chemistries and effluent treatment technologies that overlap with CLRI's chemical IP.
• Stahl Holdings: Global leader in specialty leather chemicals, coatings, and finishes. Directly comparable to CSIR-CLRI's leather chemical portfolio (syntans, retanning agents, finishes) and serves similar footwear, leather goods, and automotive customers. Competes with CLRI-licensed chemistries in the Indian and global market.
• Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI): India's premier footwear design and technology institute, already a partner with CSIR-CLRI in the Ethiopia twinning programme. Comparable in footwear R&D, design training, and testing, and a natural peer for product design and biomechanics activities overlapping with CLRI's Shoe & Product Design Centre.
• TFL Ledertechnik: Specialty leather chemicals supplier offering tanning, retanning, dyeing, and finishing solutions. Closely comparable product overlap with CLRI's chemical portfolio and serves similar automotive, footwear, and upholstery leather customers.

Broad incumbents

• BASF SE: Global chemicals incumbent with a Leather and Performance Chemicals portfolio addressing tanning, finishing, and effluent management. Much broader portfolio than CSIR-CLRI but overlaps in specialty leather intermediates and environmental treatment chemistry for tanneries.
• Dow Inc. Diversified chemicals giant supplying polymers, surfactants, and effluent treatment chemicals relevant to leather processing and CETP operations. Broad incumbent rather than a leather specialist, but competes for sustainability and water treatment spend from the same tannery customers.

Others

• COTANCE (Confederation of National Associations of Tanners and Dressers of the European Community): European leather industry body representing tanners and conducting research, testing, and standards work. Thematically comparable to CSIR-CLRI's industry support role and a potential collaboration counterpart in European-funded leather sustainability programmes.
• Sustainable Leather Forum / Leather Working Group: Industry body that sets environmental audit and certification protocols for tanneries and brands. Comparable to CSIR-CLRI's CATERS testing and CLI-MATE carbon footprint work; not a competitor but an adjacent ecosystem player whose standards shape demand for CLRI's services.

Regional players

• Leather Industry Development Institute (LIDI) Ethiopia: Ethiopian government leather institute that is a direct twinning partner of CSIR-CLRI under the USD 5.44M programme. Operates similar testing, training, and R&D functions but in East Africa; both organizations serve the same client base of African tanneries.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/clriindia
• Facebookfacebook.com/CSIRCLRI
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/central-leather-research-institute

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute