BASF leather chemicals distributor meeting

The main topics of the event were the present and future challenges and developments in the leather chemicals market and the focus products for 2009. Among the products presented were: Densodrin EP. This product heralds the start of a new generation in water-repellent treatment. The new development is characterised especially by more even dyeing and reliability in use, especially in regions with hard water. Lepton Aquatop TG. It is used in the top coat and is a simple and effective means of obtaining a transparent finish with high gloss. Astacin Hardener CT. This is a crosslinking agent for aqueous finishing systems that leads to improved embossing and greater fastness to wet rubbing. Basyntan IS. This product makes leather immune to iron stains, so it no longer has to be masked specifically and an entire processing step is eliminated. Furthermore, grain fineness and tightness are improved considerably and the cutting yield is increased. Lugafast reactive dyes. They stand out because of their sensational fastness properties. In addition, new marketing concepts were presented, showing where the focus will be in future. ‘This event is the start of a regular, worldwide exchange of information with our distributors', says Thomas Sattler, who is responsible for the global business. He continues: ‘We want to ensure that we also offer our distributors' customers the best solution and work according to our motto ‘one team - one goal'. In an award ceremony three distributors received the Distributor Award of the leather chemicals unit from Thomas Sattler in recognition of their many years of service. ‘The work with our distributors, which has existed for more than 20 years - in one case even extending to the third generation -  is clear proof that joint success is based first and foremost on a long, stable and reliable partnership', explained Sattler. ‘This award is a great honour for us', said Dr Marco Toscano from Chime SpA, Narenda M Vasa, Indchem Marketing Corporation and Cheng-Fu Tsai, Colormate Trading Co Ltd. ‘We are proud of this recognition of our performance, which we have achieved together with BASF. Thanks to the partnership, we are able to offer our customers innovative products of the highest quality. We look forward to the continuation of this productive partnership over the coming years.' The meeting was complemented by a social programme that gave delegates the opportunity to get to know each other better and to exchange thoughts about the different markets.