Abstract

An objective review of the strong points and the shortcomings of Corfam may be of assistance to shoe and leather manufacturers. It is, of course, clear that Corfam is only one of many synthetic materials that are challenging upper leather, sole leather, upholstery leather, clothing leather—indeed all the products of the tanner. I am concentrating on Corfam partly because it is, by itself, a big enough subject and partly because Corfam is representative of the newer types of synthetic material which seek to simulate the desirable properties of upper leather as closely as possible. Many other synthetic materials with properties markedly inferior to those of upper leather are being widely used for the lower grades of footwear. The challenge of Corfam is special in the sense that it is not confined to the inexpensive shoes; indeed at present it is a very high priced material and ultimately it is likely to be a competitor for most qualities of leather.