Educational initiatives to help society move forward
Collaboration with universities and research testing institutes
We work with industry associations, universities and other strategic partners on a wide variety of transparency, corporate social responsibility and sustainability projects.
We see it as our responsibility to share our knowledge with others, as we can only achieve a more sustainable and transparent supply chain by working together. To acquire and share the right knowledge around the world, we work closely with several universities on a range of projects.
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.
Post-graduate certificate in leather finishing with the University of Northampton
In 2019 and 2021 Stahl Campus® completed the Post Graduate Certificate modules in León, Mexico - a six-week course developed in collaboration with the University of Northampton (UoN) - in which students receive an official Post Graduate Certificate in automotive leather finishing upon completion. That was done in 2023 in Waalwijk, The Netherlands as well. The one-year course focused on improving expertise and knowledge of surfaces coatings and their application in automotive leather finishing. Stahl and the UoN have launched the same course for a new set of students in 2024-2025. By combining our expertise with one of the foremost centres for leather education in the world, we set a high bar for contemporary leather education.
Cooperations with universities and research-testing institutes
Europe
China
India
Mexico
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.
Are you looking for more information?
Please get in touch with us.