Fiber Innovations > New Process Technologies

Phasing Out DMF for Eco-Friendly Leather: A Novel Water-Based Polyurethane Coagulation Process

Saal B
Mittwoch, 11.09.2024, 16:45 - 17:10 Uhr

This study unveils an innovative water-based process for polyurethane coagulation in textile and non-textile coatings and impregnation, offering a viable alternative to the environmentally harmful DMF-based method used for leather-like materials. The proposed process boasts several advantages: • Environmental Sustainability: Eliminates hazardous DMF, reduces water consumption through minimized washing steps, and facilitates wastewater recycling. • Material Versatility: Produces a diverse range of high-quality leather-like materials from woven and non-woven man-made fibers. • Process Efficiency: Offers straightforward coagulation management and leverages engineered water-based polymers, including renewable biobased options.

Sprecher
Stefano Fumagalli (lamberti spa)
Co-Authoren
Riccardo Caprifoglio (lamberti spa), Gabriele Costa (lamberti spa)
This study unveils an innovative water-based process for polyurethane coagulation in textile and non-textile coatings and impregnation, offering a viable alternative to the environmentally harmful DMF-based method used for leather-like materials. While the traditional DMF process delivers high-quality base materials, its drawbacks include high energy and water consumption, posing risks to the environment and worker health. Leading brands and regulatory bodies are committed to phasing out DMF by 2027, necessitating a shift towards sustainable alternatives. This study demonstrates the feasibility of water-based polyurethane dispersions (PUDs) as a DMF substitute. The proposed process boasts several advantages: • Environmental Sustainability: Eliminates hazardous DMF, reduces water consumption through minimized washing steps, and facilitates wastewater recycling. • Material Versatility: Produces a diverse range of high-quality leather-like materials from woven and non-woven man-made fibers. • Process Efficiency: Offers straightforward coagulation management and leverages engineered water-based polymers, including renewable biobased options. Lamberti is strongly committed to finding sustainable solutions for conventional industrial processes and has made the choice to transition towards water-based processes to eliminate the use of hazardous solvents. This process is the result of extensive collaboration between our R&D team and our partners and suppliers. This study emphasizes the potential of WB Polyurethane Dispersions and encourages collaboration among different companies towards a greener future