Cr-FREE (FOC) LEATHERS

Cr-FREE (FOC) LEATHERS

QINGDAO YOUNGCHANG INL’T LEATHER CO., LTD.

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Cr-Free….. Some FactsCr-Free….. Some Facts- Sensitive to environmental issue and

health.

- Some countries in EU have already banned using chemicals including Formaldehyde and heavy metals.

- Since 1994, use of azo-amine contained dyestuffs has been banned for the products direct intact with the skin.

- More demands on environmental friendly raw materials and consumers are already familiar with the terminology.

★ Wet White (comparing with Wet Blue)

A : No heavy metals or aluminum salts

B : No Chrome except Al, Zr, Ti

★ FOC : Free of Chrome A : No heavy metals or aluminum salts B : No Chrome except Al, Zr, Ti

★ Organic Tannage No : Heavy metals or aluminum salts Yes : Synthtic & Vegetable Tanning agent Acrylic Polymers Aldehydes Auxiliaries Iron (contained in dyestuff)

What is Cr-Free Leather ?

What is Cr-Free Leather ?

○ No Chrome VI & minimal Chrome III

○ No Mineral tanning (Al, Cr, Ti, Zr)

○ Minimal Formaldehyde.

○ Minimal PCP

○ No Azo Amine dyestuffs

*** Young Chang’s FOC leathers are currently supplying to HONDA, VOLKSWAGEN and REEBOK

Young Chang’s FOC LEATHERS

Young Chang’s FOC LEATHERS

Automotive: (Seat Trim Cover, Steering wheels) - Europe: Increase of demand

- North America: Starting to concern - Asia: Starting to concern

Upholstery: Differentiate products from competitors

Garment: Differentiate products by advertising “environmental friendly products”

Shoe Upper: - Avoid ’Cr ALLERGY’ for infants sensitive skin

- High concerns on environmental friendly issues

Application of FOC LEATHERS

Application of FOC LEATHERS

010203040506070

NAFTA EUROUA ASIA SOUTHAFRICA

SOUTHAMERICA

WORLD

Global Production Wet Blue vs. Wet White

Wet BlueWet White

Automotive Leather (2000)

Advantages of FOC LEATHERS

Advantages of FOC LEATHERS

Environmental Aspects • Chrome(Ⅵ): Carcinogenic & allergy factor • Chrome (III) Chrome (Ⅵ) when burning Chrome leather • FOC leaves no harmful toxic substances or residues

Regulation Aspects • EU: Leather Scraps Manufacturer recovers & recycles (95% Recycle) • Chrome contents in Wastewater

Marketing Aspects• Differentiate the products from the conventional

Physical Properties Aspects • Low heat shrinkage (3~5%) • Low wrinkle shrinkage • Low flammability • Low load-stretching • Low stiffening by standing long periods • High heat resistance

Comparison of Cr vs. FOC LEATHERS

Cr LEATHER

FOC LEATHER

Tanning Agent* Chrome (III) - Minerals from the nature found by mining

* Aldehyde - Non mineral material

- compatible by combination

* Vegetable - from the wood & vegetables

Manufacturing Aspects

* Shaving Waste - Required disposal by authorized dumping institutes

* Wastewater & Sludge - Special treatment required for separating chrome in the wastewater

* Shaving Waste - recycled

* No Chrome in wastewater - COD increase during treatment - Manufacturing cost increase

Consumer Aspects

* Special treatment required for disposal - Toxic chemicals during burning

* Stiffening after time

* Easy disposal by burning or grinding* Less stiffening

Weakness of FOC LEATHERS

• Low tightness, especially at higher thickness and at the flanks

• Uneven milling breaks• Weak pigmentation, whiteness, white in the cut• Weak fixation of all anionic materials(fat liquors, syntans!)• Weak dye fixation• Weak fastness properties, e.g. - Light fastness - Perspiration fastness - Rub fastness• Weak Water resistance, water repellent leather