Whitepapers - Smit & Zoon

Bisphenols and the relation to leather chemicals

In this Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) paper, we explain the basics for a better understanding on bisphenols, focusing on the leather industry.

Environmental Sustainability in the Leather Value Chain

An explanation of the basics for a better understanding of the concept of environmental sustainability, focusing on the leather industry.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Biopolymer Production

Within 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.

Evaluation of (Re)tanning Effect of Leather Chemicals in a Model and a Real System

Smit & Zoon is continuously researching sustainable alternatives to leather testing, for the development of new products. Our scientists examine the use of a model to test new products, in order to save large amounts of leather and avoid the disadvantages of inevitable variations and non-standardised wet-end recipes encountered in regular testing on real leather.

Biopol collection

The Smit & Zoon company developed new range of Biopol products. These are based on the concept of the circular economy. Circular economy focuses on the utilization of renewable sources, waste streams reutilization or smart utilization of low(no)-value biomass side-streams minimizing product environmental footprint.

Emission

Learn about the different ways to measure emission, the origin of emission and what to do to prevent e.g. odour, free formaldehyde, gravimetric fogging, VOC, FOG, etc..

Tightness

Learn about the important aspects when making tight leather, the influence of post-tanning processes and which Smit & zoon products are most suitable for your optimal leather properties.

Softness

Learn about the important aspects when making soft leather, the influence of wet-end processes and which Smit & zoon products are most suitable for your optimal leather properties.

Waterproof leather

Learn about the many different parameters that influence good, waterproof leather. Making leather waterproof contains more than just choosing the right fatliquor (this is actually the easiest part). The key lies in the right processes such as running times, temperature control, washing and polyvalent metal fixing.

Strength properties

In this SmiTools episode, Smit & zoon shares a synopsis on the topic ‘Strength Properties’. Learn about the different ways to measure leather strength (e.g. tear strength, tensile strength), the causes of strength loss, and remedies to reduced leather strength.

Color Analysis

The SmiTool Light and Heat already discussed the subject of heat yellowing and light fastness tests on leather. The current SmiTool explains the differences between subjective and objective assessments of tested leather and how to report test results for heat yellowing and light fastness.

Simplicity

Making leather is no longer the art it once was. Leather makers now have to comply with such a vast amount of legislation and other regulations that the actual process of producing leather has been effectively sidelined.

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