Working in collaboration, German supplier of leather chemicals Lanxess and Japanese chemical company Daikin Industries Ltd. have developed a new water-based, long-lasting anti-soiling system that is said to effectively protect pale-coloured leather surfaces from soiling.

Aquaderm X-Shield is based on an aqueous polymer dispersion that is applied as a top coat to the leather, using a new binder system with incorporated PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) segments that anchor to the surface of the leather and, unlike conventional systems, will not wear off.

It is said to protect leather surfaces not only from ‘standard soiling’, but also from harsher stains such as mustard, ketchup, marker pen inks and engine oil. It is also said to make cleaning with leather-care products considerably simpler.
Lanxess’ Leather business unit will be responsible for marketing the new range for applications such as car seats, furniture and shoe uppers, whilst Daikin will use the technology to develop anti-soiling products for other sectors such as the automotive, construction and aeronautical industries.