FILK study shows no harm from biocides in leather
A study by the FILK Institute in Freiberg has shown biocides do not migrate out of finished leather articles and therefore pose no risk for consumers, according to chemicals company Lanxess, which commissioned the research.
Automotive leather, shoe upper leather, garment leather and furniture leather samples were treated with fungicides OPP, CMK, OIT and TCMTB, which are commonly used in leather production.
They prevent the growth of mold in leather intermediates and inhibit the decomposition of the leather intermediates. All four fungicides achieved the expected results in all types of leather, said Lanxess: migration of biocide residues was not detectable.
Andreas Weckmann, technical application manager for leather at Lanxess, said: “The fact that there were no detectable biocide residues in the cotton fabrics soaked in sweat solution means an additional level of safety for the consumer. The results of the study prove that the unwanted biocide residues from the unavoidable preservation in the leather manufacturing process do not migrate out of the finished leather article.”
Lanxess makes biocides and biocide-containing formulations.
TFL bought Lanxess’s organic leather chemicals business in June 2021.
