BASF to Present Newly Developed Integrated Solutions for Tanneries

BASF SE said that it will present a series of chemical solutions that help tanneries lower their carbon and toxicity footprint, as well as reduce water and energy usage. Highlights include a new line of wet-end solutions for retanning and waterproofing. For the first time, leather made with newly developed products will also be showcased.

“Our solutions help tanners conform to international leather sustainability standards and regulatory requirements as well as to further develop export markets by keeping in line with the latest industry developments,” said Matthias Halusa, vice president, leather chemicals, BASF.

New product highlights:

Relugan DNF is a pure melamine based resin syntan suitable for leathers requiring low or undetectable formaldehyde levels. It distinctively improves fullness with fine and uniform grain due to its low astringency. As a result, leather becomes soft, spongy, pleasant to handle and retains its softness even after long periods of storage. Distinguished by high exhaustion that contributes to a lower effluent load, it is especially recommended for use on automotive leather and leather for children’s shoes, which must comply with stringent limits on their formaldehyde content.

Densodrin CS is a high-performance water-repellent, particularly effective for use on all types of leather that are tested for Maeser flex (> 40,000). It is the ideal waterproofing product for Aniline full grain and Nubuck leathers that require uniformly dyed clean surfaces and complete dye penetration. It provides a very dry and clean surface with brilliant colour without oil stains and has an excellent water vapour permeability that ensures breathability of the leather. A special emulsifier system prevents precipitation while acid fixation results in uniform distribution and consistent waterproofing.

Densodrin ER is a synthetic water repellent agent for medium to high bally penetrometer performance. It imparts excellent softness and fullness without loosening the grain and is recommended for use on all types of leathers, especially soft leathers such as gloves, bags and shoe upper leather. It’s excellent water vapour permeability also ensures breathability of the leather.

Eukesolar (Black MB / Brown MR / Brown MD) is a new range of dye solutions that were developed to set benchmarks in the market with regards to resistance in PVC migration. These aqueous non-DG dye solutions can be applied to all types of leathers, especially for shading and enhancing the levelling of aniline, semi-aniline and nubuck leather by spraying. The range may also be used for colouring aqueous finishes and lacquers with strong coverage and high-gloss finishes.

Lepton Wax ST is the latest silicon wax that is added as part of a complete automotive system with zero add on of aromatic solvents, NMP and NEP. When applied to leather, it enhances its rub fastness, wear resistance and improves its feel. The new product, along with others (from beauty coat to top coat), is put together to enable tanners to fulfil the latest Chinese regulation (GB/T27630) on car interior emissions, especially concerning aromatic solvents eg. xylene or ethylbenzene.