The present invention relates to a method for the processing of hides or skins into leather, comprising enzymatic treatment of the hide or skin with carbohydrase in the soaking step. The present invention can achieve optimal fiber opening results in a relatively short period of time and at the same time does not cause loose grain, and meanwhile the pollution or impact on the environment is reduced in a maximum way.

Methods for dehairing of animal hides and skins are described. The methods can include treating the hide or skin with a dehairing formulation that includes at least one carbohydrase enzyme and treating with at least calcium hydroxide and further utilizing at least one reducing chemical during the dehairing step. A dehairing formulation is further described.

Methods for dehairing of animal hides and skins are described. The methods can include treating the hide or skin with a dehairing formulation that includes at least one carbohydrase enzyme and treating with at least calcium hydroxide and further utilizing at least one reducing chemical during the dehairing step. A dehairing formulation is further described.