Abstract

Leather finishers have made a tremendous effort to reduce their solvent usage. The problem is that this is still not enough (according to the legislators) and the higher the percentage reduction, the more difficult the remaining percentage becomes to remove. The finishers, particularly in the developed world, need to avoid being forced into trying to meet impossible objectives. There still is a need for solvent in leather finishing and at this time, total elimination is impossible. The industry as a whole should be prepared to defend this position at a national or international level, and not leave it to each individual finisher to fight a lone battle.