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.
Contact

Joachim Henkmann
Global Marketing - Business Unit Leather Chemicals
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Joachim Henkmann
Global Marketing - Business Unit Leather ChemicalsAre you looking for more information?
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