TFL COOL SYSTEM receives award

TFL Cool system was awarded first prize in the category of best product innovation. One of the judging panel, Prof Droescher described it as having a 'wow!' factor - demonstrating that even in a mature sector such as leather processing, there can be startling, unexpected innovation. Dr Dirk Carrez added that TFL had shown an in-depth knowledge of the properties of a natural material to come up with innovative dyes and coatings that worked with the properties of leather to deliver the desired effect. The technology came about thanks to a coincidence. Dr Jürgen Christner, head of research and application at TFL, sat next to Gerd Hugo of IPS Innovations, inventor of the cool effect on a flight. After exchanging ideas, it did not take long for the TFL research team to develop the reflective technology for leather. The patented technology comprises Cool dyes (Sella Cool dyes) to colour the leather and cool NIR (near infrared) transparent pigments (Roda Cool pigments), which are applied in the finish coat. The cool pigments do not absorb near infrared waves but let them pass through allowing the leather's natural collagen fibre network to reflect the NIR rays. Without absorption, there is no heat build up. In this way, dark leathers remain considerably cooler when exposed to direct sunlight. Only the right combination of dyes and pigments provide the optimum performance in keeping the leather cool. The temperature difference can be up to 20°C between Cool and non-cool black leathers. The Cool technology is particularly suitable for car seats in convertibles, steering wheels, motorcycle garment and shoes. Motor-cyclists are reportedly enthusiastic about Cool leather, as it offers bikers a cool ride.