Educational initiatives to help society move forward 

Stahl Campus® partners with the University of Lleida

Stahl Campus® collaborates with the University of Lleida, Campus Igualada in Spain, marking an important step in expanding our international learning network and strengthening the link between industry and academia.

We have developed a Postgraduate Certificate: Advanced Leather Finishes for Automotive Interiors, a one-year professional programme delivered through six weeks of intensive training (in two-week blocks) at the University of Lleida, Campus Igualada, and the Stahl Campus in the Netherlands.

Designed for academia students, the course focuses on mastering surface coating, one of the most critical stages of automotive leather manufacturing. It combines academic insight with practical experience, including theory, hands-on training, case studies, and field trips.

This collaboration reflects our commitment to continuous learning and talent development. By combining industry expertise with academic excellence, we enable professionals to grow, innovate and succeed in a rapidly evolving market.

Ready to elevate your career? Get in touch to secure your place today and become a leader in automotive finishing!

Project: EPIC (Emulsion Polymers with Improved Circularity)

Stahl is actively engaged in developing emulsion polymers with improved circularity, reinforcing our broader commitment to advancing sustainable and circular polymer technologies across the coatings industry.

Acrylic and polyurethane polymers have traditionally been designed for durable, long‑lasting applications, which has made them highly effective in protecting and enhancing a wide range of surfaces. However, this same durability also creates clear gaps at the end of life, where recycling and degradability remain major challenges. The EPIC project aims to address these gaps by exploring new pathways toward circular, degradable, and bio-based coating materials. This approach aligns with recent EU policies that restrict the intentional use of polymer microparticles and target a 30% reduction in microplastic pollution by 2030.

EPIC is a three‑year TKI‑funded initiative supported by the Dutch government, bringing together industry and academia to accelerate innovation within a designated top sector through co‑financing and collaboration.

By joining the EPIC consortium, Stahl will contribute to the development of innovative emulsion polymers designed for improved circularity.

Tailor-made courses at Stahl Campus^®

We educate professionals of brands, tanners, manufacturers and OEMs via our educational initiative Stahl Campus®. At this Campus, we also welcome university students, design schools, NGOs and industry associations. Our four Stahl Campus® locations are found in the Netherlands, Mexico, India and China, with Campus Managers dedicated to training and educating external stakeholders on the science and art of sustainable leather finishing.   

A flagship Stahl Campus® course is the Automotive Leather Finishing Postgraduate Certificate course. The six-week course, held at Stahl Campus® Netherlands in 2023, was the third of its kind that Stahl has delivered. It was developed in collaboration with the University of Northampton (UoN), with students receiving a postgraduate certificate from the UoN upon completion. Eleven students graduated from the 2023 programme. We are currently running a next PG Certificate six-week course during the 2024-2025 academic year. 
 
Please find all info about these initiatives on our Stahl Campus page.