specialty latex manufacturer Dow Reichhold Specialty Latex LLC has entered into a partnership with
Sustainable Solutions Inc. (SSI), a Wagoner, Okla.-based developer of materials using
post-industrial as fresh raw materials, to develop and market efforts products that use regenerated
leather and other post-industrial waste.
The partnership involves SSI’s SmartStreams™ system that processes manufacturing waste for
use in such applications as furniture upholstery and automotive seating; and Dow Reichhold’s
refinement of the process through advanced latex binder chemistry and its access to development
resources.
“SSI, with our support, is showing manufacturers that good environmental stewardship can be
very profitable,” said Galen Hatfield, vice president, development, Dow Reichhold. “Together, we
are developing products from post-industrial waste streams that are of the same — or better —
quality as those produced via traditional processes. It is an exciting endeavor and we are happy to
be working with an industry leader like SSI to bring these products to market.”
The companies have already produced three branded products: Dilusso™, a leather-like
composite rollgood produced from sustainable materials and regenerated leather; Thermold™, a
nonwoven with thermo-molding properties, is targeted to replace traditional plastics; and
UrbanWood™, made from shipping pallets and other materials to serve as an alternative to
medium-density fiberboard.
August 14, 2007
