#Textile chemistry

2022-12-08

Pulcra Naturalis® – The bio-revolution for leather processing

Since many years, Pulcra has a strong expertise in producing top-quality leather chemicals based with an exceptionally high portion of renewable feedstock. Signature products of Pulcra like Peramit ML-N, Grassan PA, Sirial TIS MF or Drasil 608 contain more than 90% of renewable carbon in their formulation and have been used by generations of tanners. Now, Pulcra has launched the game changing initiative Pulcra Naturalis®.

Pulcra Naturalis® is focusing on the promotion of a product portfolio with a high content of bio-based carbon. All products grouped in this new portfolio contain at least 80% of renewable carbon1.

Why renewable carbon?

The use of renewable feedstock is an important means for reducing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of chemicals, and an important step towards carbon neutrality. A major part of embedded carbon in industrial or consumer goods, including leather or leather chemicals, eventually finds its way to the atmosphere as CO2. When working with fossil feedstock, the carbon used was bound in the earth, its release thus implies a strongly negative carbon balance. Renewable raw materials based on vegetable or animal feedstock have a much better carbon footprint: plants are binding CO2 from the atmosphere, and livestock is fed on a natural diet. Thus, by changing to renewable raw materials, the inflow of CO2 is stopped.

1 The content of bio-based carbon is determined by DIN EN 17035.

What type of raw materials and products are involved in Pulcra Naturalis® products?

Natural oils are the bases for emulsifiers and fatliquors, which are used to clean, degrease or soften the leathers. The know-how of Pulcra Naturalis® is basically that the processing is done by conversion with carbon free or low-carbon components, so that the final product retains an unmatched biobased carbon content. Also, high-tech degreasing agents synthesized only with sugar and oil are a very good example that excellent performance and 100% renewable carbon can go hand in hand. Retanning agents containing amylose, cellulose or lignin components as well as products based on functionalized proteins are another example of how outstanding leather properties can be obtained with a purely natural products.

For what applications Pulcra Naturalis® products can be used?

The new portfolio is extense and can be used for almost all types of leathers and furs. This involves low-emission car upholstery products, shoe uppers, garment leathers as well as the treatment of fine furs. Special focus is also given to alternative tanning materials, with the natural zeolite tanning materials for bovine hides and sheep skins.

Pulcra Naturalis® is an important element in the Pulcra initiative to reduce the carbon footprint of the production of high-quality leather chemicals. Apart from the mere source of carbon also the energy for processing is reduced and optimized with regard to the output of CO2. The sourcing of raw materials is done in clusters of providers and partners in close vicinity to our local production plants over the globe. We are convinced that a contribution to prevent climate change and biodiversity loss needs to be done now, and this can only be achieved together with our suppliers and customers. Finally, the best promotion for the utterly sustainable material natural leather is to further reduce its environmental impact.

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

Indovinya advances sustainable solutions with agreement for the supply of renewable Oxygen from Air Liquide

Indovinya, the specialty chemicals and surfactants division of Indorama Ventures, has entered into an agreement with Air Liquide — a world leader in gases, technologies, and services for industry and healthcare — for the supply of renewable oxygen. The agreement represents a strategic advancement in Indovinya’s commitment to sustainability, as it increases the share of renewable raw materials in the production of ethylene oxide, one of its key products.

DyStar releases FY2025 sustainability report, marking a new milestone towards its 2030 targets

DyStar, a leading specialty chemicals company with more than a century of expertise in product development and innovation, today announced the release of its FY2025 Sustainability Report, marking a significant milestone in its sustainability journey and reinforcing its commitment to long-term value creation.

Rieter sees Barmag integration on track as orders and sales rise

The first half of 2026 was shaped by the successful completion of the largest acquisition in Rieter’s history. The Man-Made Fiber Division enables entry into the growth segment of man-made fibers and sustainably strengthens Rieter’s market position in the Asia region. The expanded Group is now the world’s leading system supplier for the processing of natural and man-made fibers. In the first half of the year, initial cost savings in material costs and operating expenses have already been realized. The targeted synergies are expected to amount to at least CHF 20 million by the end of the 2028 financial year. Due to the completion of the acquisition on February 2, 2026, the first half of the year for the Man-Made Fiber Division only amounts to five months.