Collagen hydrolysates prepared by alkaline and enzymatic hydrolysis of chrome leather waste were characterized and their condensates with long-chain carboxylic acids and their chlorides were synthesised. The syntheses were carried out under atmospheric pressure; in some cases a catalyst was used. The collagen hydrolysate and its condensate with oleic acid were grafted with ethylene- and propylene oxide, respectively. The extent of the reactions was determined by chemical and spectroscopic analytical methods. The surface-active properties of the products were also examined.