Muirhead, which supplies Scottish leather to some of the world’s most respected passenger transport and aviation brands, is showcasing its latest product innovation at InnoTrans 2022 in Berlin. Muirhead says its low-carbon, reduced-weight, full substance LightCore leather is re-engineered for the next generation of passenger transport. Made with a unique, durable, micro-light core, the innovative product is up to 33% lighter than standard leather, without sacrificing thickness or strength the manufacturer says. With integrated ActiveHygiene technology, Muirhead adds that 99% of bacteria and viruses are eliminated from its surface within two hours.
Muirhead explained that its LightCore technology is not about making the leather thinner or inferior in quality, as simply shaving off grams or making the leather thinner would have a dramatic impact on performance, reducing durability and increasing the chance of ripping. Instead, the manufacturer says it has re-invented its high-performance leather from the inside out, using a pioneering tanning process to create a true full substance leather with a reduced weight that maintains the strength, quality and technical performance the passenger transport industry requires.
Stephen Hems, Innovation Manager at Muirhead, added: “We knew we wanted to cut weight, but we refused to cut corners. To create true performance full substance leather with reduced weight, our innovation team had to rethink the entire process – from the exact hides we choose, through pioneering new manufacturing techniques, to the rigorous testing that ensures every leather meets the highest safety standards.”
The new product builds on Muirhead’s existing commitments to creating the world’s lowest carbon leather. Founded in 1840, the Scottish manufacturer says it is proud to be the market leader in the global aviation industry, and an important player in the passenger transport sector. Archie Browning, Sales Director at Muirhead, concluded: “Muirhead has been manufacturing the finest sustainable Scottish leather since 1840 – and innovation is at the heart of what the business does. We are proud that our low carbon, high-performance product innovations lead the leather industry, and support our valued customers in achieving their own technical performance and sustainability targets.”
