Stahl introduces market‑ready PermUCell™ technology to accelerate sustainable PU material production

Waalwijk, the Netherlands, 3 March 2026 – Stahl, a global provider of speciality coatings for flexible materials, announces the worldwide launch of PermUCell™, its next‑generation, fully water‑based, DMF‑free coagulation technology for producing high‑quality polyurethane (PU) substrates.

Following successful industrial adoption by key manufacturing partners in Asia, the world’s leading hub for footwear and synthetic material production, PermUCell™ is now fully market‑ready and available to producers globally.

Leading the shift to high‑performance, DMF‑free materials

PermUCell™ provides manufacturers of performance footwear with a compelling solution to achieve their sustainability objectives without compromising on quality or efficiency. Completely DMF‑free and compatible with existing coagulation lines, the technology reduces environmental impact while delivering the aesthetics and durability that leading brands demand. This next‑level consumer experience is defined by exceptional softness, breathability and flexibility for superior comfort.

After successful industrial‑scale implementations with partners in Asia and Europe, PermUCell™ has demonstrated its readiness for global rollout.

Empowering customers through global technical support

Stahl’s water‑based coagulation range is supported by Stahl’s extensive global network of technical specialists and application Centers of Excellence. This ensures that customers worldwide receive hands-on guidance for:

• Production setup and parameter optimization

• Line integration and scale‑up

• Material performance tuning for brand specifications

• Troubleshooting and continuous improvement

“Our goal is to enable a smooth and confident transition to cleaner coagulation technologies, supported by stable process control and consistent technical performance,” says Montse Pous, Global Technical Manager Synthetics at Stahl.

“With PermUCell™, and the support of our global technical teams, manufacturers can accelerate their sustainability journey and phase out DMF without compromising performance or production efficiency,” adds Lidia Martínez, Global Market Manager Synthetics at Stahl.

Key benefits of Stahl’s water‑based coagulation technology

• 100% water‑based process – DMF‑free
  A cleaner and safer alternative to traditional coagulation, fully compatible with existing industrial infrastructure.

• Reduced environmental footprint
  Lower emissions help manufacturers meet tightening global chemical‑management standards.

• Outstanding aesthetics and technical properties
  Thanks to its aliphatic backbone, PermUCell™ offers enhanced colour stability, softness, durability, outperforming traditional aromatic‑based coagulation processes.

• Scalable and flexible
  Proven at industrial scale in both Asia and Europe and compatible with a wide range of substrate types.

• Backed by global support
  Stahl’s technical teams in every region guide customers through every phase of industrial adoption.

Meet us at the Northwest Materials Show

Stahl will be exhibiting at the Northwest Materials Show, taking place 11–12 March in Portland, United States – Booth 819.
Visit us to explore this breakthrough technology firsthand, discuss application opportunities, and connect directly with our technical experts