Pigment progress for Codyeco
Codyeco, the Italy-based subsidiary of leather chemicals group Smit & Zoon, is to introduce a new white pigment to the leather finishing market.
This new white pigment is formulated with insoluble, inorganic and non-harmful substances and is 100% free of titanium dioxide (TiO2). The product’s name is Basetone White Ti-Free.
The manufacturer has described the product as having “excellent physical fastness properties without losing refraction-index, with a great white intensity”. And, owing to its formulation, Codyeco said this pigment will be a “perfect fit” if used on metal-free, white leather.
Production trials have shown positive results and it believes the time is now right to bring the product to market.
“Our mission, and that of our parent company Smit & Zoon, is to create a socially and environmentally sustainable leather value chain by 2025,” said Codyeco’s finishing division global product manager, Fabrizio Ugolini. “With Basetone White Ti-Free, we are taking an important step towards making this mission reality.”
Titanium dioxide is used extensively in consumer products, including sun screen and food dyes, for its brightness and high refractive index. Recently, though, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has raised questions about the possible toxicology of TiO2.
Image: Lexus
