Graphene-based innovation enters the leather industry through BeDimensional-Dermacolor collaboration
Graphene Flagship partner BeDimensional has partnered with Dermacolor to bring two-dimensional materials into leather manufacturing, demonstrating how advanced materials can improve performance in one of Europe's most established industrial sectors.
Graphene Flagship partner BeDimensional has partnered with Italian leather-chemistry specialist Dermacolor to develop a new solution that brings two-dimensional materials into leather manufacturing, demonstrating how advanced materials can create value in traditional industrial sectors.
The collaboration has led to the development of Dermasoft Climaflex BDM, an innovative tanning auxiliary that combines BeDimensional's expertise in industrial-scale production of two-dimensional materials with Dermacolor's knowledge of leather processing and tanning chemistry. According to the partners, tests on treated leather showed improvements in burst resistance and tear resistance, alongside enhanced heat dissipation and surface temperature reductions of up to 5°C. The solution can be integrated into existing production processes without requiring significant changes to manufacturing operations.
“The product development carried out with Dermacolor strengthens BeDimensional’s journey within the leather supply chain and confirms the ability of two-dimensional crystals to generate value even in highly traditional manufacturing sectors,” said Andrea Gamucci, Marketing Director of BeDimensional. “This development is taking place in an area that combines tanning excellence, industrial expertise and a strong inclination toward innovation. It is precisely in ecosystems like this that advanced materials can find concrete and transformative applications. Thanks to our two-dimensional crystals, it is possible to improve the functional characteristics of leather, offering the market higher-performing, lighter and more sustainable solutions.”
The development highlights the growing range of industrial applications for graphene-related and other two-dimensional materials. While initially associated with high-tech sectors, advanced materials are increasingly finding opportunities in established manufacturing industries, where improvements in performance, durability and sustainability can deliver significant value.
The partnership also strengthens innovation within Tuscany's historic leather manufacturing ecosystem, where Dermacolor is based, while BeDimensional continues expanding its industrial footprint through a new production facility in Collesalvetti, Italy.
Founded as a spin-off of the Italian Institute of Technology, BeDimensional produces industrial-scale few-layer graphene and other two-dimensional crystals for applications spanning energy storage, coatings, textiles and composite materials. The latest collaboration demonstrates how these materials continue to move from research laboratories into commercial products and manufacturing value chains.
Source: BeDimensional press release
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Andrea Gamucci
Federico Giunto
Leather jacket treated with Dermasoft Climaflex BDM
“The product development carried out with Dermacolor strengthens BeDimensional’s journey within the leather supply chain and confirms the ability of two-dimensional crystals to generate value even in highly traditional manufacturing sectors.”
Marketing Director at BeDimensional