Bisphenols, a threat for the leather industry? Strategy for a successful reduction of bisphenols in leather

Abstract

Research summary supplied by the authors

Syntans are a key class of products in the leather manufacturing process. They are either made from phenol or from bisphe- nol S. Bisphenol F can be formed as a side product in the condensation of phenol with formaldehyde and is also found in many syntans. Bisphenol A is listed in the candidate list of substances of very high concern due to its toxic for reproduction and endocrine disruption properties. It is also recommended for inclusion in the authorization list. Bisphenol A is not a common used mon- omer for leather. Also Bisphenols S and Bisphenol F came into focus and the regulatory agencies called for evidence for a proposed restriction of all bisphenols. In this presentation examples will be given how Bisphenols S and Bisphenol F could be reduced signifi cantly through pro- cess optimization, maintaining the performance properties of the optimized products on leather. Additionally this presenta- tion will focus on the development of the extraction analytics of bisphenols from leather. Examples will be shown how optimized syntans contribute to optimized leathers concerning bisphenols.