EleGrade: High-end leather upgrading solutions

Waalwijk, the Netherlands (12 August 2024) – Stahl, a leading provider of speciality coatings and treatments for flexible substrates, has recently extended its EleGrade® portfolio of high-end leather upgrading solutions for a wide range of industries and end markets.

EleGrade for automotive upholstery.

EleGrade for leather goods.

Leather upgrading solutions are key to maximising the quality and yield of a hide, which is especially relevant against a backdrop of evolving market conditions and raw material availability.

Stahl EleGrade offers leather producers a powerful combination of quality, yield, value, aesthetics and performance. The newly upgraded formulation uses state-of-the-art microcapsule technology and yields reduced yellowing effects thanks to its improved heat stability.

Part of the Stahl Neo collection, the portfolio includes Aquabase, for high to medium leather upgrading, Melio® Ground for medium upgrading, and Mirage® for fine to medium upgrading. Each range can be tailored to a particular specification or market requirement, from upholstery to classic shoes, high-fashion articles and more.

Stahl's innovative products are designed to offer premium performance with a lower environmental footprint, in line with its purpose 'Touching lives, for a better world'. This can be seen in the sustainable credentials of its leather processing products, such as compliance with the requirements of the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (ZDHC-MRSL).

The Stahl team also emphasises the importance of collaboration when it comes to crafting the perfect application. Joachim Henkmann, Global Marketing Director Leather, says: “By elevating the quality of their hides, leather producers will benefit from a beautiful finish and an increased yield, reducing waste and costs incurred from lower-grade finishes. And with Stahl EleGrade, you’ll find all these solutions under one roof. But we don't do this alone: our team is with you every step of the way, partnering throughout the process to provide the chemistry you need. Together, we'll select the optimal materials for your product based on appearance, feel, weight, experience and sustainability.”