Leather finishing focus at 2010 Reutlingen seminar
12/05/2010
The thirty-seventh annual meeting of the Lederinstitut Gerberschule Reutingen was held in mid-March. The theme this year was leather finishing, with more than 80 participants attended the meeting from 10 different countries.
As usual, the number of tanners was particularly high at more than 40% of those present. In common with previous seminars held by LGR, this high percentage of hands-on tanners and finishers ensured that the considerable number of questions and responses to the papers remained close to the practicalities of leather finishing.
A total of 11 technical papers were presented, and the subject matter included cross-linking of leather finishes for improved performance, new anti-soiling finishing systems, wax and oil finishing for fashion leathers, and the challenges and possibilities of N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP)-free finishing.
In addition application methods were discussed including innovative roller coating techniques, pressurised spray cabinets and infra-red drying, and savings in chemicals and energy while spraying. Health and safety matters were also discussed, and there was a presentation on sustainable leather manufacture and finishing.
The next meeting is to be held either 15-17 or 22-24 March 2011 (the finalised date will ensure that there is no conflict with trade fairs or events). The focus will be on raw materials, beamhouse and tanning.
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