The Legacy of LANXESS: Lasting Leather

Seasons change, fashions change, leather remains. Specialty chemicals company, LANXESS’ Leather (LEA) business unit is one of the few suppliers providing the full range of chemical products necessary for the manufacture of leather: preservatives and fatliquoring agents, dyestuffs and pigments as well as the tanning and finishing auxiliaries. LANXESS offers a unique combination of state-of-the-art technologies from its own research, as well as innovative retaining systems that enhance the quality of the LANXESS range of end products.

Leather is a popular, durable material. Lovers of expensive cars swear by it, as do fashion and furniture designers. For over 1,000 years, the tanning industry has been producing versatile leather products. Mindful that consumers are increasingly becoming aware of the importance of environmentfriendly products, LANXESS has been working to ensure that their sustainable chemical process is easy on the environment, preserves resources, and are safe to use – all of which have become standard.

As a driver of innovation, LANXESS is helping to move leather production into the future by combining technology with sustainability. “In combination with our worldwide, competent technical support, customers are able to process hides and skins into high-quality leathers,” says Dr. Thomas Brackemeyer, head of the Organic Leather Chemicals business line in the LANXESS leather business unit.

The LANXESS portfolio comprises virtually every type of product required for the efficient and sustainable manufacture of high-quality leather, and covers all stages of the manufacturing process, from the beamhouse (the tannery section where hides are prepared) right through to the finishing. It includes specialties for the beamhouse operations, inorganic and synthetic tanning materials, preservatives, dyestuffs, pigments, and tanning and finishing auxiliaries.

The company is driven by a consistent focus on innovation and quality leadership. Through the development and introduction of efficient and environment-friendly technologies, they can support customers in their endeavours to ensure the sustainability and future viability of the leather industry.

Twice a year, LANXESS presents the leather trends for the upcoming Spring/ Summer and Autumn/winter fashion seasons, each with an 18-month lead time. In the collections, numerous leather samples are presented which reflect tomorrow’s trends in terms of colours, structures, feel and overall appearance. This service is a valuable aid so that designers, producers and suppliers can adapt to future trends at an early stage, and produce creative, highly fashionable leather articles and trendy leather shoes.

For detailed information on LANXESS’S range of products for the leather industry, go to www.lanxessleather.com.