Full polymer silicone leather waterproofing

High performance leather waterproofing begins at the wet-end of the tanning process. Our Densodrin^® and Densotan^® solutions are trusted and proven, and our latest additions – Densodrin^® Polymeric Generation and polymeric Densotan^® – enable tanners to improve their environmental footprint while delivering the same high-performance leather waterproofing customers expect.

Stahl Densodrin^® Polymeric Generation with polymeric Densotan^®

Meet our newest leather waterproofing products: Densodrin^® Polymeric Generation and polymeric Densotan^® that together transform leather waterproofing. This is because they work every bit as well as conventional water-soluble waxes and silicones – but have a much lower environmental impact.

The result is the first 100% polymer silicone waterproofing solution. Employing Densodrin^® Polymeric Generation with the polymeric Densotan^® auxiliary, the Stahl Full Polymeric Waterproofing Process enables tanners and shoe manufacturers to benefit from full polymeric neutralization, re-tanning and waterproofing.

Significant environmental benefits

Using Densodrin^® Polymeric Generation with polymeric Densotan^® has much lower impact on the environment:

• Close to 100% fixation reduces related untreated effluents load
• 60% less chemical oxygen demand than conventional waterproofing
• 60% less biochemical oxygen demand over five days than conventional waterproofing
• 50% less salt than conventional waterproofing

Same or better waterproofing performance

Yet despite being better for the environment, Densodrin^® Polymeric Generation with polymeric Densotan^® delivers the same or better waterproofing as the best conventional agents:

• Densodrin^® Polymeric Generation with polymeric Densotan^® outperforms conventional waterproofing in tear strength, tensile strength and stich tear
• Matches conventional waterproofing on water vapor permeability (breathability) and static water uptake

Process benefits for tanners

Switching to a full-polymeric solution brings production and process benefits too. These include less frequent equipment cleaning, higher yields because polymer silicones fill blemishes and thicken hides, a reduction in processing time of up to 30%, and lower energy bills through lower temperatures (40-45 OC vs 60-65 OC) and fewer washes.

Brand benefits for tanners and shoe manufacturers

Switching to a full-polymeric solution also brings brand and marketing benefits:

• High-performance waterproofing
• Better color fastness and greater resistance to fading
• Same breathability properties as our other Densodrin^® and Densotan^® products
• ZDHC-compliant and free of PFCs to benefit the sustainable supply chain
• Potential for environmental claims

Standard and high waterproof performance with Densodrin^® EP, HP and DP

Densodrin^® EP and HP for high waterproof performance and Densodrin^® DP for standard waterproof performance are polymer based fat-liquors with special emulsifier systems containing silicone. 

Stahl: the world #1 in waterproofing and water-resistance

Stahl is taking polymeric waterproofing to a new level with Densodrin^® Polymeric Generation and polymeric Densotan^®, enabling tanners to produce waterproof leathers via a completely polymeric waterproofing process. No other company can offer this.

With the incorporation of BASF’s Leather Chemicals division and Densodrin^® and Densotan^® brands, Stahl today offers the broadest and most advanced range of waterproofing products on the market.