Analysis
novel coarse wool/natural rubber composite could be a sustainable alternative to leather in certain applications. It exhibits superior physic-mechanical properties due to the inherent features of natural rubber and wool, making it highly flexible and durable. With our team, we have developed three novel materials:
(1) Coarse wool/natural rubber latex composite: wool coated with latex is used to create faux leather, combining the natural properties of wool with the durability and flexibility of natural rubber. This results in a synthetic leather alternative that mimics the look and feel of real leather, offering a sustainable and ethical option for fashion and furnishings. (2) Coarse wool/natural rubber latex composite with polyurethane (PU) coating: wool coated with latex and PU, utilising embossed techniques, produces artificial leather. This method merges wool’s softness, latex’s flexibility and PU’s durability, creating a synthetic leather with embossed textures, akin to genuine leather. It offers a sustainable and ethical alternative for fashion and furnishings, boasting versatility and style. (3) Heat transfer-printed coarse wool/natural rubber latex composite: artificial leather is made from wool that has been coated with latex and printed using heat transfer methods. This technique creates a synthetic leather substitute by fusing the natural softness of wool with the flexibility of latex. It is possible to apply textures and patterns using heat transfer to replicate the appearance and feel of real leather. This method provides a long-lasting, fashionable and ethical alternative for fashion accessories.
Above: The raw materials for wool/ rubber composite are cost-effective.
Right: Globally, many sheep breeds produce highly coarse wool that cannot yet find appropriate applications.
Previous page: Novel wool-natural rubber could be a commercial solution for a few applications such as bags and wallets.
materials for products ranging from clothing and home goods to footwear and accessories are companies such as Adidas, Hugo Boss, Stella McCartney, and Matt & Nat.
While traditional leather has a global market worth over $80bn and is still in strong demand due to its premium appeal and longevity, the market for vegan leather, estimated to be worth $30bn globally in 2023, is anticipated to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7-9% over the following ten years due to the aforementioned rising consumer demand for cruelty-free and environmentally friendly products, as well as developments in material science.
Coarse wool/natural rubber Into this realm steps a new initiative to create a sustainable alternative to animal leather. Recently, we developed a green composite by reinforcing coarse wool with natural rubber latex. Fine-quality wool (below 25 micron diameter) is utilised in the apparel industry, and medium coarse wool (25- 35 micron) is used in the carpet sector. Globally, however, many sheep breeds produce highly coarse wool (greater than 40 microns), which cannot yet find appropriate applications. The
10 Leather International /
www.leathermag.com
Significant elements in the cost analysis of the process and products of leather versus artificial leather made from wool/rubber composite show
Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute; Wirestock Creators/
Shutterstock.com
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