Glossary
Kover Factory only selects manufacturers who are committed and involved in the search for new ecological solutions, both in the composition of the vegan leathers produced and in the manufacturing process thereof.
We deemed it appropriate to offer our customers a glossary of the terms most commonly used in the industry as well as the components of vegan leather, in order to help you better understand our product sheets as well as the ecological advantages of our vegan leathers.
Carbon footprint
The carbon footprint of a human activity is a measure of greenhouse gas emissions of anthropogenic origin, i.e. which can be attributed to human beings. It depends on the emission factors of the inputs linked to this activity and, in particular, on the emission factors associated with the energy sources used.
The carbon footprint of a company, country or individual is calculated by adding the CO2 emissions of their different activities: production, transport, energy consumption, etc.
Renewable resources
Renewable natural resources are those that regenerate naturally at a rate greater than their consumption. Therefore, we are talking about resources that we can use continuously without harming future generations.
Polyurethane (PU)
Polyurethane, commonly referred to as PU, is part of the large, diverse family of polymers and plastics. PU is made by chemical reaction between various polyols and di-isocyanates. These two components are essentially derived from petroleum chemistry.
PU can be called environmentally friendly. It constantly outperforms traditional insulators in terms of its performance in thermal and acoustic insulation. . It is thus an ecological insulator which does not contribute to global warming because it does not produce toxic gases.
PVC (Polyvinyl chloride)
It is a high-consumption thermoplastic polymer. PVC is mainly made from two raw materials: 57% salt and 43% petroleum derivatives. PVC releases, in contact with heat, harmful toxins present in the many additives necessary for its stabilization. These toxins are propagated in the atmosphere, this is called ” VOC ” (volatile organic compound). The particles that are released form dioxin and hydrochloric acid, which cause acid rain.
DMF (N,N-Dimethylformamide)
DMF is a commonly used solvent in organic chemistry. This colorless liquid is miscible with water and most organic liquids. It is a high melting/boiling point polar aprotic solvent commonly used for chemical reactions. Dimethylformamide (DMF) is a particularly dangerous solvent that is used to waterproof the fabrics.
Conscientious manufacturers refrain from using DMF in the manufacture of vegan leather or comply with European standards of 500 PPM or less per square meter.
Phtalates
Phtalates are a group of chemicals used in plastics to soften them and increase their flexibility. The main risk is repeated and daily exposure to phthalates. Several phthalates have been classified as substances suspected of being toxic to human reproduction by the European Chemicals Agency. Measures have been taken to limit, or even prohibit, the use of certain phthalates of concern in cosmetics, toys and items that can be put in the mouth by children, medical devices and food contact materials.