Lanxess expands its X-Grade range of finishing products
19/04/2013
A new finishing auxiliary, Euderm X-Grade FH, has, according to the company, “excellent filling properties and good adhesion”. It can be used on all types of leather, but is particularly suitable as a ‘prebottom’ (or primer) on full grain leather. It has been specially developed for use in hot, humid production conditions.
A second new product, Euderm X-Grade SOFT, was developed by Lanxess for particularly soft nappa leather with a natural grain pattern. This transparent ‘prebottom’ with a high level of adhesion is suitable both for full-grain and snuffed leathers, whether aniline-dyed or pigmented. It reduces the amount of basecoat required and preserves the natural surface structure of the leather.
The filling effect of all X-Grade products is based on a microcapsule technology specially developed for the leather sector.
Lanxess’s view is that small and medium-sized hide blemishes, such as holes and scratches, can be removed sustainably with its X-Grade range. The microcapsule-based technology also gives a more uniform print retention, making the surface structure natural-looking, it adds.
“Now we have a complete portfolio for all types of leather, all applications and all possible leather defects that have to be concealed,” said Bianca Verstegen, head of global product management for finishing in the company’s leather business unit, at the time of the launch.
Other products in the range are already established in the market. They include the pre-bottom
Euderm X-Grade CGS for upgrading snuffed leather and splits, Euderm X-Grade FGS for full grain leather, and Baygen X-Grade ST for patent. Euderm X-Grade SF, a filler for basecoats with excellent covering power, cut-through resistance, print retention and flex resistance, was launched in 2012 and has proved suitable for automotive leather, but also for soft shoe and bag leathers.
Increasing global prosperity is leading to a growing demand for furniture, garment and shoe upper leather, Lanxess believes, especially in the emerging economies of Asia and Latin America. The company has pointed out that as people become wealthier, more and more of them are fulfilling their desire to have their own personal means of transport, and as a result India, China and Brazil are becoming “major car nations”, with local production growing at a tremendous rate. “Around 80% of our worldwide production of X-Grade products is used in the automotive industry,” Ms Verstegen has said. “Our expertise and the development of cost-efficient and environment-friendly formulations help our customers in the automotive sector to survive in this hotly contested market. We therefore expect to grow with the market.”
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