Our Journey in the Automotive Industry

Klassik has been successfully supplying PVC leathercloth and foam laminated textiles to automotive OEMs and the aftermarket for replacement seat covers since 2001. We have been doing so through direct supply as well as technical collaborations.

Our journey in this industry has seen substantial growth over all these years.

We started by producing for the local market, which is also known as the replacement market. The replacement market is where one would go to purchase new PVC Leatherseat covers or get new covers made in the occurrence of damage, needing a different color or other such instances.

Starting from there, we gradually went on to supply to major automotive OEMs (or original equipment manufacturers). The growth has been fulfilling.

As we grew further, we started supplying PVC Vinyl to major global brands for various automotive requirements. However, working with brands across the globe has been a completely different experience for us as a company. For starters, different countries require different variations - we supply PVC Vinyl to the USA. PVC leathercloth to the UK and PVC leather or Rexine to India. Then, getting approval from an automotive company is a long and technical process. It’s not only about successfully achieving the price target of the brand but we also need to get cleared by their styling and technical teams. We often work closely with the styling teams and engineering teams to match the approved grains and colors, as well as the stringent technical requirements of automotive interiors.

Not only that, the requirements for these automotive brands are extremely extensive as their list includes specific features such as high strength, durability, stain resistance, anti-squeak, UV resistance, cold crack resistance, and Low VOC to name a few.

As a company, we have global approval for some of the car models, and our material has to perform in all kinds of weather conditions and situations.

To ensure that our products and our company meet all these needs successfully we have a focused production process. Our technical capabilities allow us to tick-mark every requirement that our clients have without any concern. We have invested in top-quality machines that allow us to make the product in various widths such as 140 cm, 150 cm and 158 cm, giving us an edge. We recently received the IATF 16949:2016 certification, which is specific to the automotive industry.

We supply a wide range of PVC Vinyl, PVC Leathercloth and PVC leather products to automotive companies which include materials for automotive seats, interior and door trims, gearboxes, tool kit pouches or covers, along with hood toney covers or trunk covers.

Apart from all the essential requirements we receive from our clients we also hugely focus on durability and style. A car is a very special possession for anyone and why shouldn’t it be every bit long-lasting and stylish? Your mode of transport should also be comfortable and the PVC leather ensures that the seats don’t get too hot unlike real leather or tear up like fabric and make your journey smooth. PVC leather is also easier to clean in comparison to the rest and hence, easier to maintain. Anything that lasts long is deemed as a good investment and for us, that is PVC leather or artificial leather products. And since many brands locally and globally are seeing a shift towards being sustainable and environmentally friendly, real leather is being used less and less, giving way to artificial leather or PVC leather.

You can explore our entire automotive collection here

Published on
May 12, 2023
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Premium Marine PVC Leather

When it comes to PVC leather/ Vinyl for marine products, key features like durability and performance are non-negotiable for us. Since marine products are mostly meant for the outdoors, there are a lot of relevant finishes and product specifications that need to be met.

Whether it's pool loungers or seats on various water transportation, the materials used need to withstand the harshest elements without compromising on the quality and durability of the PVC leather being used. We understand the demands of customers and manufacture marine PVC leather/Vinyl which is suitable for outdoor and water-based applications. Our marine range offers unmatched resilience, ensuring that the furniture looks good and lasts long, even in the most challenging environments.

Marine PVC leather is created to survive the elements. Whether your furniture is exposed to the sun or enduring life at sea, our products are built to last. Ordinary PVC leather has the risk of fading and damage when exposed to intense UV rays, moisture, and dust. We are focused on ending these concerns.

One of the standout features of our marine products is the UV resistance. Sunlight can cause colours to fade and materials to get damaged over time. Depending on the customers’ specific needs, we offer UV resistance ranging from 100 hours to 1000 hours of direct sunlight exposure. Even with constant and direct exposure to the sun, our leather will retain its colour and structural integrity for extended periods.

Goes without saying that marine environments are susceptible to moisture, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and mildew. Regular PVC leather can get affected by moisture, leading to unpleasant smells, and stains, and causing health hazards. To avoid such mishappenings, our marine PVC leather comes with specialized anti-bacterial and mildew-resistant finishes. Our PVC leather is made to protect against the growth of bacteria and fungi, even when the material is constantly exposed to moisture. This adds to the durability of the PVC leather.

In addition to its durability and resistance to environmental factors like sun rays and moisture, our marine PVC leather also meets high standards of safety. An additional feature that truly sets our marine range apart is its flame resistance. Safety is paramount in any situation, and our products are designed to meet the Flame Resistance (FR) specifications set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Our marine PVC leather not only resists ignition but also helps prevent the spread of flames in the event of a fire.

At Klassik, it’s not simply about manufacturing PVC leather products but about giving tailored solutions to meet the specific demands of marine and outdoor environments. Our marine PVC leather range is created with research and innovation, which results in products that offer a special combination of durability, safety, and aesthetic appeal.

The materials you choose make all the difference and we’re here to help you make the right choice of not just style but durability, quality and safety. Our commitment to meet your needs will ensure you only get the best.

Explore our marine range here and discover why Klassik is the preferred choice for discerning clients who demand the best in marine furnishings.

Company culture at Klassik

We at Klassik, function as a team but also as a family. When it comes to running a large business with employees from various backgrounds and strata, we believe it is essential to find ways to create bonds that make working together a smooth and seamless process. Keeping our employees happy and satisfied is a big part of our company ethos and culture.

Apart from the regular check-ins to ensure everything is running smoothly, we also host company events that help blow off steam and create a lively, healthy environment. However, these events or activities, as we call them, are not only aimed at leisure but have certain wellness aspects to them.  

One of the activities, which we find extremely beneficial, is the Health Camp. Many people in India do not have easy access to quality healthcare. We want our employees to be healthy and happy as they work hard to make our brand what it is. A Health Camp is conducted on a yearly basis to identify any undetected health issues that our employees might be suffering from. Furthermore, we take proactive steps to ensure the treatment of any health concern, if detected. We want to work towards a healthier future and ensure our employees’ utmost comfort and well-being.

Another event, which is popular amongst all employees, is the Cricket Tournament. Cricket is one of the most beloved sports in India and who doesn’t love some friendly competition to distract themselves from the stress of work with an enjoyable game. We host the Cricket Tournament twice a year - during Summer and Winter, which gives our employees something to look forward to as a much-needed break from their daily routines. This event is a big team-building activity in which more and more employees seem eager to participate. Apart from promoting teamwork, playing a sport is also a great way to build physical fitness, further boosting endurance and stamina.

International Yoga Day is observed yearly on 21st June, and we at Klassik conduct a yoga session for our employees every year. Yoga is an activity that not only boosts physical health but also mental well-being. It is important for us to ensure that our employees are looked after physically and mentally. The yoga session aims to reduce mental stress, increase energy levels and improve physical fitness as well as flexibility. Healthy employees, as it turns out, are happy employees.  

Getting our employees together to participate in activities other than work is a great way to create a positive work culture and environment. We take the health and wellness of our employees very seriously. Most people might not have access to medical attention or have time to take a break from daily routines with yoga sessions and cricket matches but we want to ensure they receive all the attention they need.

While keeping all customers and clients happy is a major priority for any business, one must not forget about keeping the hardworking employees happy too.

The Benefits of Fire-Resistant Artificial Leather

In recent years, the demand for fire-resistant or fire-retardant PVC leather has gone up a significant amount, especially when it comes to public spaces and hotels where safety is of utmost importance although people use fire-retardant artificial leather in their homes too. Today, we will explore the significance of fire resistance in artificial leather and shed light on the various fire standards we have available - CRIB 0, CRIB 1, NFPA 260, CAL TB 117, DIN 4102-B2, EN 1021, 1&2, and CRIB 5. We will also delve into the challenges faced while manufacturing this product and in achieving the stringent CRIB 5 standard and how reputable external labs help in providing credibility through rigorous testing and certification for our products.

Different countries require different fire standards - CRIB 0, CRIB 1 AND CRIBE 5 come under the UK norms, NFPA 260 and CAL TB 117 come under the USA norms, DIN 4102-B2 comes under the Germany norms and lastly EN 1021, 1&2 comes under the EU norms. Our company follows all these norms and supplies fire-resistant artificial leather to all these countries.

The fire standards, namely CRIB 0, CRIB 1, and CRIB 5 serve as benchmarks to determine the fire resistance of the artificial leather. The CRIB 0 test involves exposing the material to a matchbox flame, while the CRIB 1 test simulates a cigarette burn. These standards indicate that while the material may catch fire, it will self-extinguish and prevent the spread of flames during small accidents. The NFPA 260 uses standard methods of tests and a classification system for cigarette ignition resistance on the fabric. The CAL TB 117 test requires the fabric to withstand 12 seconds of an open flame without letting it spread. The DIN 4102-B2 test involves the fabric being suspended vertically with a 20mm high flame being applied for 15 seconds. The EN 1021, 1&2 examines the fabric’s reaction with a burning cigarette and butane flame.

On the other hand, CRIB 5, which is the highest fire standard, poses a significant challenge due to its technical complexity. It is a mandatory requirement for public spaces and hotels, emphasising the need for PVC leather that offers exceptional fire resistance. Achieving CRIB 5 certification is not an easy feat, and only select companies possess the expertise to produce such products, Klassik being one of them.

To ensure the reliability and credibility of fire-resistant artificial leather, manufacturers often rely on the services of external laboratories such as SGS. SGS is a renowned global testing and certification agency that operates labs worldwide, providing comprehensive assessments of various materials. In the case of our CRIB 5 artificial leather, we have gone the extra mile to obtain certification from both Indian and UK SGS labs. This dual certification enhances the credibility and authenticity of our fire-retardant artificial leather, assuring customers and clients that the product has undergone rigorous testing and meets the stringent CRIB 5 standards.

We produce a whole range of fire-resistant artificial leather products - one conforming to CRIB 0 and CRIB 1, and the other meeting the challenging CRIB 5 standard - and all of these have distinct advantages. While both CRIB 0 and CRIB 1 provide a certain level of fire resistance, CRIB 5 artificial leather provides superior protection, making it ideal for high-risk environments. By utilising CRIB 5 artificial leather, public spaces, hotels, boats etc. can significantly enhance their fire safety measures, mitigating the risk of fire-related incidents and protecting the lives of occupants. Additionally, the utilisation of such materials promotes compliance with fire safety regulations, demonstrating a commitment to ensuring the well-being of visitors and employees.

Fire resistance is a crucial aspect to consider when selecting materials for public spaces and hotels. The three fire standards - CRIB 0, CRIB 1, and CRIB 5 - serve as essential benchmarks in evaluating the fire resistance of artificial leather. While achieving CRIB 5 certification presents a significant challenge, it offers unparalleled safety benefits and peace of mind, and we are here to make it easy for our customers.

Safety is always a priority and by investing in our machinery and gaining credible certification, we aim to offer the best and safest fire-resistant artificial leather to our trusted clientele.