Generally, soaking is probably the most under-valued process in leather making. Many of the problems occurring in the final leather are a result of improper soaking. Adjusting the products used in soaking to all conditions influencing the effect and the intensity of the process is often not practiced. Therefore, there is a major need for a modern soaking system providing a good soak without negatively affecting the properties of the finished leather.

Two years ago TFL launched Pellvit IS-A, a multifunctional soaking agent for all hides and skins developed in response to requests from tanners for a system with greater emulsifying power to cope with greasy hides. In addition TFL have developed a new soaking agent Pellvit IS-B to the Pellvit IS range.

Pellvit IS technology covers a group of enzyme-free products mimicking the effect of enzymes, but which are not as sensitive to the degree of deterioration of the hides or to the climatic conditions. Pellvit IS is based on special inorganic alkali, surfactants and bactericides, thus providing a one-product solution for the tanner. The system provides a good soaking effect keeping the hide surface free of grease.

A major advantage of Pellvit IS is that bellies and flanks are stabilised to mechanical action in soaking and liming. This results in fuller and tighter bellies. In addition, swelling in liming is better regulated leading to less growth in neck and bellies thus improving the lay-out. These effects combined lead to an improved cutting yield.

Pellvit IS-A and Pellvit IS-B are easy to handle as they are simple in application and little monitoring is needed. They are also suitable for overnight soaking due to good bactericidal properties. Moreover, the system provides uniform and optimised results and storing, handling, dosing and weighing are very safe and very easy.

In summary, Pellvit IS helps the tanner to improve his cutting utilisation from as early in the process as the soaking stage.