Minimisation of volatile organics in a metallic foil patent finish for uppers and leather goods

In response to pressures of globalization and easy relocation of leather factories to low-cost countries, to environmental legislation and changes in consumer behaviour, the leather industry needs to produce innovative, fashionable and eco-friendly articles. We studied a coating formulation in this work for a metallic foil patent finish which tackles all these issues. In addition, we replaced solvent products by aqueous products in order to reduce the emissions of volatile organic compounds. The finished leathers were transparent, smooth, with a glossy appearance (almost glass-like) and with a metallic effect. The leathers meet the quality requirements for shoe upper and leather goods, and are commercially acceptable. Moreover, there is a 96.8% reduction of emissions of volatile organic compounds.