Leather is a popular choice among individuals worldwide due to its ability to enhance the appearance of various products, including shoes, purses, and vehicle seats. Despite its cost, people are attracted to the luxurious and appealing touch that leather provides. However, the secret to the lavish appearance of leather lies in the essential role played by chemicals used in leather production. So, let's take a ride into the magnificence of leather chemicals that are used in making high-quality leather.
What are Leather Chemicals?
Leather chemicals encompass a diverse range of substances that are crucial to the leather-making process. Several chemicals are used in various stages of this process to achieve the desired quality and characteristics of leather products. These chemicals include substances used in the beam house and tanyard, biocides, surfactants, degreasers, swell-regulating agents, lime, and more. Chemicals used in leather processing serve different purposes, such as preventing the growth of bacteria, aiding in the removal of natural fats and greases, and regulating swelling.
The increasing demand for leather in various fields is fueling the growth of chemicals used in leather manufacturing processes. According to Extrapolate's recent study, the global leather chemicals market revenue is anticipated to reach $12.4 billion by 2028, progressing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% over 2022-2028.
Types of Chemicals Used in Leather Manufacturing
Various types of chemicals are used in leather manufacturing for different purposes. Below are the major types:
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Pre-Tanning Chemicals
Pre-tanning chemicals are mainly used in the initial stages of preparing the raw leather for further processing. These chemicals include liming, deliming, and bating agents. Liming agents remove hairs and proteins from raw leather. After that, deliming agents are employed to neutralize the pH of the leather. Lastly, to soften the leather and enhance its elasticity, binding agents are applied.
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Tanning Chemicals
Tanning chemicals are used in leather manufacturing to transform the protein in the hides into durable leather. Common tanning agents include sodium sulfide, chromium salts, sodium hydrosulfide, and low sulfide. Chromium salts are often used as aging agents in modern leather manufacturing. It is a well-known process that smoothly removes hairs and converts protein into stable hides.
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Dyeing Chemicals
As the name implies, dyeing chemicals are useful for coloring the leather. It includes two main types of dyes: basic dyes and acid dyes. In this regard, acid dyes offer excellent colorfastness and consistent dye penetration. On the other hand, basic dyes are utilized to achieve vibrant and intense hues, but they exhibit limited resistance to light and are unsuitable for outdoor applications.
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Finishing Chemicals
Finishing chemicals are the essential ingredients that give leather its final appearance and texture. It includes fatty acids, resins, pigments, and waxes. In the leather manufacturing process, fatty acids are employed to enhance the softness, flexibility, and water resistance properties of leather. Waxes and resins improve glossiness and durability, while pigments cover up imperfections and also provide precision along with color to the leather.
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Other Chemicals
Other chemicals include smell-removing agents, fungicides, preservatives, and bactericides. These chemicals prevent the growth of microorganisms and the smell of hides and other used chemicals from the leather. These chemicals play a vital role in the appearance of the leather and reduce degradation, thereby improving longevity.
What Benefits Do Leather Chemicals Offer?
Chemicals used in leather production processes offer various benefits, including:
- These chemicals improve quality by enhancing the softness, durability, and overall look of leather products.
- They contribute to uniform dyeing, preventing inconsistencies in color and appearance.
- They accelerate and optimize the tanning process, reducing production time and resource consumption.
- They impart anti-microbial properties to leather, preventing the growth of harmful microorganisms.
- Eco-friendly leather chemicals support sustainable and environmentally responsible leather production.
- Efficient chemical processes contribute to reduced water and energy consumption, minimizing the environmental footprint of leather production.
- Chemical treatments provide leather with stain-resistant properties, making it easier to clean and maintain.
- A wide range of chemicals allows for the customization of leather characteristics, catering to diverse preferences in the market.
Top 3 Leather Chemicals Manufacturers in 2024
With the growing demand for chemicals in leather manufacturing, various companies are producing high-quality chemicals that not only enhance the appearance but also improve the quality of leather products. Below are the three leading companies in this field.
1. TFL
TFL excels in manufacturing leather and specializes in using specialty chemicals to enhance the quality, appeal, and user-friendliness of leather. TFL leather chemicals are high-quality, durable, and safe to use in the manufacturing of leather. The company's core competence lies in the combination of chemistry and deep knowledge of the application of chemicals.
2. SINTAN
SINTAN is an innovative and forward-thinking chemical company, specializing in these chemicals. SINTAN leather chemicals are known for their high quality and longevity and are used for the entire leather production process, from raw to the crust. The company aims to reduce its environmental impact with its eco-friendly leather chemicals, contributing to a greener future.
3. LANXESS
In June 2021, Lanxess Specialty Chemicals became the first company to complete the sale of its organic leather chemicals business to TFL Ledertechnik GmbH. The company aims to reduce hazardous substances in the global textile, leather, and footwear value chains. With its robust and organic leather chemicals, the company is gaining a sustainable edge.
Bottom Line
These chemicals play a vital role in the transformation of raw hides and skins into durable, versatile, and visually appealing leather products. Their contribution to the enhancement of leather's properties and appearance underscores their significance in the leather manufacturing industry.
These chemicals enable the production of high-quality leather for various applications. As various companies are contributing to advancements in manufacturing safe and eco-friendly leather chemicals, it will further improve the quality and sustainability of leather production and ensure its relevance in the marketplace.