New Zealand Leather and Shoe Research Association (Inc) Smart Ideas funded projects

This innovative project aims to revolutionise quality control for high-value biological materials using hyperspectral imaging and generative artificial intelligence. Our original mandate focused on the New Zealand hides and skins industry, where poor quality detection leads to significant annual revenue losses and increased environmental impact.

The system developed here uses advanced spectral analysis to assess raw materials, enabling prompt segregation for either premium finished leather or high-value protein extraction for nutraceutical and biomaterial applications.

The proposed extension strategically applies this proven platform technology to two pathways;

1. extending the technology to an even higher-value sector: advanced biomedical devices. Specifically, we will adapt our non-destructive, high-fidelity imaging methods to assess the consistency and integrity of critical collagenous based tissues used for medical implants. This shift targets a critical need for certainty in manufacturing life-saving devices and
2. further optimizing the technology for complex tissues like sheep skin for reducing the influence of dense keratin layer (wool) on skin quality assessment. This will have beneficial impact on waste reduction, chemical usage and effluent reduction related to lower graded sheep skins. 

By broadening our scope, we are creating a versatile, export-ready platform technology that strengthens New Zealand's competitive edge in both bio-raw material processing and advanced medical manufacturing, fostering innovation and significant economic growth across multiple sectors.

Contact: admin@lasra.co.nz

This innovative project proposal aims to revolutionise fault detection on hides and skins, addressing a pressing issue faced by the New Zealand industry. Current practices result in significant revenue losses of up to $35 million annually due to intrinsic faults and defects in processed hides and skins which cause their downgrading and can only be identified at later stages, leading to increased costs, quality inconsistencies, and additional environmental burdens.

Our project's primary goal is to develop an early-stage fault detection system that can promptly identify faults and defects harnessing our expertise in deep-learning techniques and leather processing, in support of 2 critical advancements:

By analysing their unique spectral signatures in real-time we seek to significantly reduce costs and improve processing efficiency. This classification will enable the production of high-quality leather or valuable proteins for nutraceutical and biomaterial applications. These breakthroughs will provide competitive advantages in both domestic and global markets.

This ground-breaking approach challenges existing limitations, aiming to detect and analyse faults and adverse chemical characteristics in hides and skins prior to processing.

Our project not only addresses economic losses but also emphasises sustainable processing practices. By minimising chemical consumption during early stages and reducing replacements and disposal, we will enhance the industry's environmental footprint. Our commitment to sustainability drives commercial advantages while preserving natural resources.

Through this transformative project, LASRA envisions a NZ hide and skin processing industry that achieves unparalleled efficiency, consistent quality, and global competitiveness. We will collaborate with industry stakeholders, researchers, and technology providers to maximise the project's impact and benefits to shape the future of the hide and skin processing industry; fostering innovation, environmental stewardship and economic growth.