Muirhead is set to reveal chrome- and heavy metal-free leather technology.
Called FreeTAN, the “efficient” tanning solution contains free FR technology. It is fire-retardant, non-toxic and halogen- and glutaraldehyde-free.
The aviation leather supplier has fully replaced its existing tanning chemistry with compostable technology, in a bid to eliminate the use of fossil fuels, oil-based elements and heavy metals from all its operations and products.
Stephen Hems, Innovation Manager at Muirhead, said: “These ground-breaking technologies are a vital next step in our journey to increase the bio-based renewable carbon content of our leather to 90% and above. However, this marks just the beginning. The leather of the future is 100% bio-based, entirely chrome-free, heavy metal-free, aldehyde-free, and fully biodegradable.”
Myles Hobbs, Aviation Director EMEA and The Americas, added: “Our pioneering FreeTAN technology was developed to meet the aviation industry’s growing need for real leather solutions that further optimise and improve environmental sustainability. It enables us to enhance the biodegradability and compostability properties of our products, all without compromising on technical performance.
“Meanwhile, our free FR technology is a highly efficient flame-retardant treatment, refined over the years through rigorous testing and development, free from many harmful substances, like heavy metals, fluorocarbon and bio-accumulative chemicals. These, together with the world’s lowest Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) for leather, make Muirhead FreeTAN with free FR a leader in the supply of the lowest-carbon aviation leather available today.”
Muirhead will showcase FreeTAN at this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX). Visitors can find out more at booth 6E95.
