Technological Breakthrough Creates Care-Free Leather

Furniture World Magazine

A breakthrough in leather technology that makes possible carefree leather furniture that can survive unscathed from spills like coffee, soda or red wine has been introduced in the United States. The new technology produces waterproof leather with exceptionally high stain-resistance, while maintaining the buttery softness of untreated leather. Leather tanned with the new technology will be marketed under the brand name Lezanova®. Lezanova technology was invented by Daikin Industries, Ltd., of Osaka, Japan, the largest fluoro-chemical manufacturer in Asia and the largest producer of package air conditioning equipment in Japan. The key to Lezanova technology is a patented tanning treatment based on tiny fluoro-chemical molecules that can permeate leather evenly in a way never before possible, explained Hiroharu Okamoto, president of International Textile Management Consulting Co., LLC, of New York, the sole licensing agent for Lezanova in North America. Permanent Soil Release with Buttery Softness "Lezanova's fluoro-chemicals repel water and oil in a way never before possible," Mr. Okamoto declared. Earlier generation products intended to make leather waterproof and stain-resistant are based on compounds with significantly larger molecules that cannot permeate leather, he explained. The Lezanova molecule is far smaller than the size of the Scotchgard® molecule and one-tenth the size of the Teflon® molecule. Scotchgard and Teflon are surface treatments and are not effective once the surface of the leather has been scratched or worn or the treatment has been rubbed off. Because the Lezanova molecules permeate leather, it is a permanent treatment that is not affected by wear or tears. Moreover, the Lezanova treatment does not spoil the buttery soft feel of natural leather in the way that heat-coating for Teflon can. Washable Leather Furniture Once they permeate the leather, the fluoro-chemical molecules of Lezanova form links among the collagen molecules of leather in a "cross-linking" pattern, a kind of molecular latticework. Cross-linking virtually eliminates shrinkage and wrinkling by holding the collagen molecules in their original position. As a result, Lezanova furniture can be washed without shrinkage or wrinkling. Even under severe conditions Lezanova leather is waterproof. Mr. Okamoto explained that a spilled pitcher of water simply runs off of Lezanova. "This development by Daikin is the first successful cross-linking of collagen molecules in leather," he added. "The startling technological advance in Lezanova is that the fluoro-chemicals that repel water and stains also act as the cross-linking agent." Mr. Okamoto is a partner in American Textile Processing Co., which introduced Vapor-Phase® technology to produce the first wrinkle-free and moisture-absorbent cotton garments, based on cross-linking, about ten years ago. In addition to its other advantages, Lezanova leather is not marked by salt or water and has excellent oil repellence and soil release. Most water-based stains can be removed with a damp cloth, and Lezanova leather provides superior results from cleaning with oil-based stains. Leather 'Without Fear' "Until now, leather has been a high-maintenance material that was easily marked by water and easily stained," Mr. Okamoto declared. "Lezanova leather will allow consumers to buy luxurious leather furniture without fear. An expensive leather sofa will no longer be ruined if a guest spills coffee or red wine or junior drops a soda on it." /more/ Manufacturers who have wanted to provide some protection for their leather furniture occasionally have used polyurethane coatings that destroy the buttery soft feel of untreated leather, he added. Lezanova provides protection from stains, while maintaining the buttery softness that consumers want. "Leather that can survive normal household accidents may substantially increase the market for leather furniture. We anticipate a strong consumer demand for Lezanova products," Mr. Okamoto predicted. Royalty-Free Licensing Lezanova will be licensed on a royalty-free and non-exclusive basis, Mr. Okamoto said. No special equipment is required. The licensing program calls for licensees to use Daikin chemicals, to manufacture Lezanova fo llowing Daikin's technical guidance and to promote the Lezanova trademark. Products using Lezanova will be sold with a Lezanova tag. Several of the largest tanneries in the world have signed licensing agreements to produce Lezanova leather, Mr. Okamoto noted. North America is the first market outside of Japan where Lezanova has been introduced. Lezanova products have been sold in Japan for about three years. Information about licensing Lezanova technology may be obtained from International Textile Management Consulting Co., LLC., 350 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10118. Telephone: 212-268-7181. Fax: 212-629-3294. Direct inquiries to Mr. Kazuhiko Sugie. e-mail: jg@eg.pr.com