Product stewardship for leather industry - LANXESS
26 Oct '05
3 min read
Arsenic, azo dyestuffs, which may split off carcinogenic amines (according to Azo Dyestuff Directive 2002/61/EC), toxic heavy metals (cadmium, lead, mercury), persistent organic pollutants ("POPs"), polychlorinated and polybrominated phenols, potentially sensitizing or carcinogenic dyestuffs and pigments (according to 2002/371/EC), short-chain chlorinated paraffins (C10 - C13), tributyl tin compound.
Dr. Martin Kleban, Head of Product Development, Leather Wet End in the Leather Business Unit stresses that if there is the slightest indication that the raw materials used by us might contain critical substances or that such substances might be formed during the manufacturing process, they conduct analyses.
Despite these precautions, the possibility of the leather end product containing pollutants still cannot be ruled out entirely. Contamination may occur, for example, if the raw hides are obtained from uncontrolled sources or if the processing conditions during the complex manufacturing process are not up to standard.
LANXESS Leather has a team of experts, coordinated from Leverkusen, in each of its regional centers to provide active support for these manufacturers. Products purchased from LANXESS can, at the customer's request, be tested to see if they conform to such specifications. If they do, a certificate is issued; if they don't, alternative products are recommended.
In the Industrial and Environmental Affairs Department at the Leverkusen site, a team of specialists constantly monitors scientific findings in the fields of ecology and toxicology and also observes political developments within the chemical sector with regard to statutory requirements and voluntary commitment.
German multi-national chemical group LANXESS is among the few suppliers to the leather industry who has an almost complete chemical product range for the manufacturing of leather. Products include inorganic- and synthetic tanning agents, preservatives, tanning and finishing auxiliaries, fatliquors and dyestuffs.
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