Specialty chemicals company LANXESS will be taking part at the India International Leather Fair (IILF) in Chennai, India, from February 1 to 3, 2017 with a comprehensive range of leather chemical products. The Leather business unit will be presenting its extensive portfolio for manufacturing leathers for the footwear, clothing, furniture and automotive industries on an exhibition space covering 135 square meters. This includes mineral and synthetic tanning agents, preservatives, retanning and fatliquoring agents, dyes and numerous finishing and upgrading products.

Exhibits will also include leather goods such as shoes, bags and clothing, through which LANXESS will highlight leather’s versatility in use and processing. How leather can shape automotive interiors will be impressively demonstrated using the example of a BMW Z4. A further highlight of the stand is a wall of water, which will be used to test a leather bag’s fastness and resistance under virtual rain conditions.

Levotan W for retanning

For the retanning process during production of water-proof leathers LANXESS offers the silicone-based waterproofing agent Levotan W. It is easily dispersible in the float and can be homogeneously incorporated in the leather to promote consistent coloring. For example, it can be used to manufacture leather uppers for hiking boots and golf shoes that are waterproof but still breathable, which translates into greater comfort. “Leather made with this product displays a fine grain, a high level of water vapor permeability and a natural feel. Levotan W also yields high and reproducible measurements in Bally and Maeser dynamic tests and in static tests to determine water absorption,” says Dr. Thomas Brackemeyer, head of the Organic Leather Chemicals business line (BL OLC) in the LANXESS Leather business unit.

Levotan W, a functionalized, silicone-containing microemulsion, and Levotan WM, a high-performance synthetic polymer for making leather waterproof, enable tanners to achieve perfect results. The resulting leather is tight, lighter in weight and offers a dry, more natural feel. The system gives excellent dyeing properties, including a high level of color consistency for hides and skins and harmonious coloring with flesh and grain tone-in-tone. This makes it ideal for all types of waterproof leather, including nubuck.

The increasing importance of sustainability

Sustainability has by now become essential for the leather industry. In its Sustainable Leather Management program, LANXESS thus offers its leather industry customers innovative technologies to support the production of sustainable, eco-friendly products and processes without compromising on quality.

The company’s products deliver measurable benefits in terms of lower emissions and a reduced carbon footprint, which ultimately helps protect the climate. In addition to more efficient production, processing and recycling, the raw material and the associated waste are being managed even more responsibly.

The India International Leather Fair is a platform for manufacturers and dealers in the leather industry to showcase products, developments and trends. The trade fair covers a wide range of leather goods such as footwear, clothing, accessories, bags, belts, gloves, purses and wallets as well as chemicals, tools, machinery and equipment of importance in leather processing. The trade fair, which is held annually in Chennai, India, is taking place this year for the 32nd time. Over 400 companies will be represented at this industry event, including more than a hundred from 20 countries outside Germany. Organizers expect over 13,000 visitors this year.