Brilliant Solutions with Leather Technology from BASF for innovative and environment-friendly products and processes

* Astacin®Top LP: For water based patent leather
* Lepton® Aquatop TG: Transparent look with a natural touch
* Basyntan® and Relugan® Expansion of the range with formaldehyde free syntans and soft polymers
* Lugafast® Colorlock Technology: Coloring free of migration problems


The India International Leather Fair (IILF) will be held from January 31st to February 3rd 2010 at the Trade Center in Chennai, Tamil Nadu Province, India. BASF will be located in Hall 2 Booth C 60, C 61, C 78 and C 79.

BASF is focusing on innovative and environment-friendly products and processes. Therefore, one of the highlights at the fair is the expansion of BASF’s Basyntan® product range of formaldehyd-free syntans, the new ecology friendly soft polymers in the Relugan® series and new solvent-optimized finishing products that offer improved consumer safety and high performance for leather applications. Included in our line-up of eco-friendly finishing products for the fair is Lepton® Aquatop TG, a top coat that provides a natural leather touch and transparent look. BASF’s innovative Lugafast® Colorlock Technology will also be presented at the booth, with reactive dyes for leather that make a new fastness profile available which prevents the color from fading, staining and migrating. Our water-based auxiliary, Astacin® Top LP, allows for high gloss, transparency and an elegant smooth surface on leather.

Andrea Ceretta, head of BASF’s leather business in South Asia, emphasized the growing importance of sustainability and the environment: “Our products and processes focus on environmentally friendly and economical solutions which ensure high-quality ecological products. It is gratifying that environmental protection and sustainable development are more important than ever. We are aware of our responsibility in this regard and have positioned ourselves accordingly.” A team made up of specialists from our South Asian competence center will be at BASF’s booth to advice customers and inform them about our innovative new developments and our range of established, high-quality products.

Astacin® Top LP: For water based patent leather

Astacin® Top LP is the solution from BASF to achieve high gloss, transparency and an elegant smooth surface on leather. This new water-based auxiliary for leather finishing is recommended for top coats of aqueous finishes and presents the closest alternative to solvent based patent finishing. Astacin® Top LP stands for first-rate leveling characteristics as well as high scratch resistance and good flexing properties. Astacin® Top LP is recommended for all types of leather with a high gloss, especially for water-based patent leather.

Lepton® Aquatop TG: Transparent look with a natural touch

The application of Lepton® Aquatop TG in top coats allows for a simple and effective way to obtain a transparent high-gloss finish. Particularly glossy surfaces can be obtained by applying it together with a casein binder from BASF’s Luron® product line, for instance making the finish very transparent. The good wet rub fastness values can be further improved by adding silicone waxes and crosslinkers. Overall, the p roduct offers an improved price-performance ratio. Lepton® Aquatop TG can be applied to all leathers but is especially recommended for shoe uppers, upholstery and garment leather.

Basyntan®: Expansion of the product range with formaldehyde free syntans

The new range of formaldehyde-free Basyntan® tanning agents offers products for all kinds of leather articles, especially regarding eco-friendly leather for examples formaldehyde reduction. These Basyntan® products are based on sulfon tanning agents and offer high light fastness and heat resistance. Basyntan® IS and FO are suited for filling and tightness, Basyntan® AS is especially recommended for corrected grain and suede leather, while Basyntan® UR is a tanning agent for universal application and clear dyeings with high levelness. Furthermore, Basyntan® EF liquid offers deep and brilliant dye shades. The Basyntan® product range opens up a high flexibility in article development while at the same time meeting high demands of consumer safety.

Relugan®: Expansion of the product range with ecology friendly soft polymers

Relugan® soft polymers by BASF solve problems for soft, full and tight leather. This expansion of the range offers the right polymer for each possible parameter. All products are free of formaldehyde, monomers and inorganic salts. The main characteristics include high light-fastness, heat resistance and good compatibility with other products: Relugan® Full ES, the liquid branched polyacrylate copolymer offers a soft, round handle with a fine grain and first-rate dispersing power. Relugan® SOFT HF unites the positive characteristics of polymer retanning agents and fat liquors. In addition to this, Relugan® Soft HF facilitates the production of washable leathers and specific light-weight leathers. Relugan® FS unites the positive characteristics of both polymer and resin tanning agents and gives the leather a pleasant handle, fullness and a smooth, tight grain.

Lugafast® Colorlock Technology: Coloring free of migration problems

The new Lugafast® Colorlock Technology presents reactive dyes for leather with a new fastness profile that prevents the color from fading, staining and migrating. Thus, it is possible to create innovative design solutions as well as new material combinations. The application of all Lugafast® reactive dyes is also simple and efficient while offering new colorful combinations with 6 different colors and unlimited shades. Lugafast® colors are available as Black AN, Brown BB, Brown BC, Red RR, Yellow GG and Blue. The Lugafast® Colorlock Technology gives articles in the segments garment, footwear and accessories outstanding properties und opens up a vast array of new design options for designers.

BASF Performance Chemicals - always one idea ahead!
The product range of BASF’s Leather Chemicals business unit includes chemicals for all wet-end and finishing processes in the leather and fur industries. With a worldwide manufacturing and marketing organization, we are one of the leading suppliers in these fields. Further information on our products may be found at: www.basf.com/leather.