Industry processes
Processes we support
IPCO solutions
Industry processes
IPCO solutions
Bio-based leathers
IPCO works with innovative companies producing sustainable alternatives to leather, to help them optimize the quality of their product and increase volumes. These eco-friendly leather alternatives are then used widely in the automotive sector to drive down costs and help reduce vehicle weight – a further efficiency gain.
Across the automotive sector, demand for plant based leather alternatives is soaring due to their lower cost, lower weight and the circularity of materials. That means producers of biodegradable leather urgently need to increase volumes without compromising quality. To create these luxury biomaterials requires extremely precise processing, at different temperatures and profiles. IPCO ThermoPress equipment, with its double belt press technology, can deliver this capability in a single continuous production system, operating at the speeds needed for commercial viability.
From using renewable sources of materials, without the chemicals needed in traditional tanneries, to the fact that they are fully recyclable at end of life, bio-leathers are a solution for the circular economy. What’s more, because they enable the production of lightweight automotive parts, these plant-based materials also result in weight reductions, which can drive down fuel consumption.
Producers of sustainable alternatives to leather can work with the material scientists at IPCO’s productivity centers to exploredifferent ptfe conveyor belts and steel belts, test the polymer curing process and develop new products.
With service technicians and technical experts in 25 countries worldwide, IPCO clients benefit from ongoing operational support to optimize production and increase productivity. We also offer preventative maintenance, including site inspections, as well as highly responsive local support to keep production lines running, with the greatest possible uptimes.
Scale-up in volume
26x
A single IPCO ThermoPress enabled a client to achieve its high production target, to meet growing industry demand.
Weight reduction with bio-materials
30%
Lightweight bio-material interiors make cars more fuel-efficient than either leather or petrochemical-based “pleather”.
Productivity centers across the world
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Work with our experts to develop and test new materials and solutions.
IPCO works closely with innovative companies at the forefront of production of pvc free leather alternatives for the automotive sector. Our specialist manufacturing equipment enables these businesses to achieve high volume production with no compromise on quality, with advanced polymer curing to create the desired look and feel.
Operating in 25 countries with dedicated sales and service teams
100+ years of expertise in process manufacturing
Productivity centers in Europe, the US and Asia to support your product development
ThermoPress systems allow heating and pressure to be precisely adapted in incremental steps
Multiple output options, from sheets to rolls
Viable for continuous production at high speeds
Used by leading automotive brands for high-quality, high-volume components
World leader in precision scattering technologies with ScatterPro
Suitable for creating the right cure on different types of bio leather and patterns for automotive upholstery
Ability to integrate different scattering machines in sequence on the same double belt press production line
Renowned for ease of control, adjustment, cleaning and maintenance.
Double belt presses
IPCO’s modular double belt presses can seamlessly integrate numerous processes into one continuous system, for efficient production at scale.
Scattering systems
IPCO’s oscillating and rotating brush-off systems deliver versatile and precise scattering for powders, granules, fibers, chips, flakes, and other materials.
IPCO as a partner
IPCO works with a range of companies developing and manufacturing alternatives to animal leather and plant-based automotive upholstery materials. Our experience and technology enables them to scale production and our productivity centers provide an opportunity to test and co-develop new sustainable materials.
We believe strongly in collaboration and love to share our knowledge and experience. Fill out the form, and one of our experts will contact you shortly.
