What if we finally had a material for the future, sustainable by nature, resulting from the recycling of organic fibers and whose resistance has no equivalent among natural materials? Sustainability, responsibility, innovation, adaptability – so many properties that are perhaps difficult to imagine in a single unique material. And yet, we know this material very well.The French National Leather Council released a digital campaign last year in which it unveils RIUC©, material of the future. Ruic, an anagram of cuir, the French word for leather, aims to promote the natural assets of leather, while demystifying preconceived ideas.The superiority of leatherA comparative study carried out by the German FILK Freiberg Institute on the physical properties of ten materials, namely leather and nine so-called alternatives, established the indisputable superiority of leather. This is because none of the alternative materials has the same qualities as leather in terms of use, longevity, permeability, water absorption and tensile strength, resistance to creasing and tearing. In addition, the study showed that most of the new materials are made from a substantial volume of synthetic oil-based materials. Image credits to RUIC - http://www.riuc.fr“This material draws on 8 000 years of research and development and its ambition is to become the alternative to alternatives.”Leather, an alternative to alternativesOne of the biggest challenges the leather industry is currently facing, is to ensure that consumers and designers base their choice for a material on facts and understanding. However, for years the industry has collectively forgotten about the importance of education and promotion. It is only this year that several initiatives have been starting to educate consumers, brands, designers and others about leather by simply answering questions. Where does leather come from? How is it made? When can leather be called leather? Why is leather a sustainable material?The campaign of the French National Leather Council is a creative way to ask attention for the beauty of leather and its circular qualities.Read the full press releaseInteresting for you Discover more on Leather Phenolic monomers in aromatic syntans: the influence on leatherAromatic syntans are widely used in the (re)tanning of leathers. Phenolic monomers such as phenol, phenolsulfonic acid, bisphenol S, and bisphenol F are common compounds in aromatic syntans. A comparison of the performance of leather and alternative materialsIn this study by FILK Freiberg Institute, a shoe upper leather and an artificial leather, and nine alternative materials (Desserto®, Kombucha, Pinatex®, Noani®, Appleskin®, Vegea®, SnapPap®, Teak Leaf®, and Muskin®) were investigated. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Biopolymer ProductionWithin the framework of the “LIFE BIOPOL” project, co-financed by the European Commission, the environmental footprint of the developed biopolymers has been evaluated through a Life Cycle Assessment study. Leather Discover Stay informedReceive the latest company news and industry updatesSubscribeShare this:
