A Path to Greater Sustainability in Synthetic Leather Industry   

- Bayer develops a new environmentally compatible and high performance solution for synthetic leather

The whole polyurethane synthetic leather is mainly using established processes, using large amounts of organic solvents. This results in environmental pollution. Moreover, end users around the globe demand environmentally friendly products and processes.
   Scientists at Bayer MaterialScience have developed a tailor made solution for the synthetic leather industry. This solution is based on a new generation of high solid polyurethane dispersions. This new and innovative range of dispersions enables the production of high-quality coated and durable synthetic leather without solvents or toxic substances. Using high solid polyurethane dispersions, a foam coating of adequate thickness can even be applied in a single step, thus increasing machine utilization. Most importantly, energy consumption is reduced because less water evaporates during the process. With high solid polyurethane dispersions, Bayer gives the textile industry new opportunities to conserve resources and improve the efficiency of its processes. Bayer is showing them a path to greater sustainability.
   To further expand the company's successful and cosolvent-free portfolio, more new products are developed. These products are being developed particularly for the demand of local customers and end users. "Building on our global experience and a strong team in our technical centre in Pudong, we offer sustainable solutions to the industry in China. Our new green artificial leather will enable the Chinese artificial leather makers to further expand their world leading position," says Jinqi Li from Bayer MaterialSciene's Polymer Research and Development Centre in Shanghai.
   "In the production of synthetic leather, the mechanically blown foam method of processing the dispersions offers advantages over the established production process. In addition, this process does not involve any organic solvent," explains Dr. Christoph Irle, Vice President Business Development at Bayer MaterialScience, China.