Role of fabric backer in PVC textiles

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Nothing ever works without a backing, not even artificial leather. Artificial leather or PVC leather is in reality PVC coated textiles. There are layers created to achieve the final product and a very essential layer is that of a fabric backer. Let’s talk about the crucial role a fabric backer plays in the final PVC leather product.

When it comes to PVC textiles, one crucial component that is not talked about often enough is the fabric backer. This is an unseen layer in the final product and plays a pivotal role in providing structure, strength, and durability to PVC leather, making it an indispensable element and an important step during artificial leather production.

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A PVC textile without a fabric backer would be like a ship without a sail, lacking the necessary support to be a strong piece of fabric to use on a variety of furniture pieces, footwear, automotive etc. The fabric backer is what transforms a flimsy and thin PVC sheet into a robust and strong material which is capable of withstanding rigorous use and maintaining its quality as time passes.

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One of the primary functions of a fabric backer is to add strength to the PVC textile. Without it, the fabric would simply lack the necessary strength and be susceptible to easy wear and tear along with other mechanical stresses. This is why we ensure that every product has a strong and durable backing.

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Moreover, a fabric backer can also enhance the dimensional stability of artificial leather. When combined with the PVC layer, it prevents the material from warping or getting distorted when it’s exposed to varying environmental conditions, such as temperature changes or exposure to moisture. Fabric backing ensures that the fabric maintains its intended shape and appearance, contributing to its longevity and visual appeal.

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Another significant benefit of a fabric backer is that it improves the overall look and feel and handling of PVC leather. By providing a smooth and consistent surface at the back, the fabric backer truly enhances the user’s experience and makes it easier to work with the fabric while installing and maintaining it.

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So, how is a fabric backer made?

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Much like any other material, the fabric backer is made via knitting and weaving. But when it comes to the final process of how it is added to create the final PVC leather product, the process is different.

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The process typically involves geling the PVC resin on an existing fabric backer and further processing it through big ovens to get the final, desired artificial leather. A strong bond is created between the layers of the PVC resin and fabric backer to ensure they merge well together to produce the final fabric. Going through intense heat in the ovens ensures that the fabric backer is effectively reinforced in the PVC resin.

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We do customize the thickness and composition of the fabric backer to meet specific performance requirements. We work closely with our global and domestic suppliers for R&D and fabric innovation to stay up to date with what’s best out there. Having a fabric backer to create the final artificial leather products adds to the characteristics of the fabric being fire-retardant, antimicrobial, and more. However, this is not a one-step process. For example most fabrics are generally made from polyester, but to achieve the desired fire-retardant specification we blend polyester with cotton.

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In conclusion, the fabric backer is a critical component that significantly enhances the performance, durability, and versatility of all PVC leather. Without it, it’s not possible to make high-quality, long-lasting artificial leather.

Published on
April 9, 2024
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Pantone’s colour of the year 2024 - Peach Fuzz

In the ever-evolving world of design, colour plays a pivotal role in shaping trends and reflecting the way in which we move ahead with changing times. Pantone, the global authority on colour, has once again captured the essence of this constantly developing world with its Colour of the Year for 2024. As we step into the future, Pantone has invited the world to embrace a shade that transcends traditional boundaries and resonates with the energy of the times.

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Pantone’s pick for the 2024 colour of the year is a soft, pinkish-orange hue called “Peach Fuzz”, the company announced recently. It is officially called “Pantone 13-1023 Peach Fuzz,” and according to the authorities is described as being “velvety,” “gentle” and “subtly sensual”.

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We at Klassik offer a very wide range of colours to choose from. With a diverse clientele which ranges from footwear and upholstery to medical, automotive and more - we aim to ensure that getting the perfect shade is never a concern for our clients. Our shade French - Powder closely resembles Peach Fuzz, the Pantone colour of the year making it a popular choice for all trend followers.

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Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute mentioned in a statement that Peach Fuzz echoes their innate yearning for closeness and connection. She also said that they chose a colour which was radiant with warmth and modern elegance. It’s a shade that resonates with compassion, offers a tactile embrace and effortlessly bridges the youthful with the timeless. All of which is indeed a thoughtful sentiment.

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Over the years, artificial leather or PVC has emerged as a frontrunner, offering a cruelty-free and eco-friendly alternative to traditional leather. As clients are prioritizing ethical choices more and more these days, we are not only focused on creating high-quality products that offer the luxurious feel of genuine leather but also exploring a diverse color palette to meet the demands of a vibrant and dynamic market. This has allowed us to always stay ahead of the game when it comes to having shades that match the Color of the Year.

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Selecting the right color palette for our PVC or artificial leather products is a meticulous process that we follow and it involves a number of steps like - a deep understanding of clients’ preferences, keeping up with industry trends, and the technical aspects of artificial leather production. Our dyeing plant ensures that we can achieve any and every color our clients require.

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In conclusion, we are proud to present our wide selection of colors and look forward to seeing where the Peach Fuzz trend goes in the coming year with product design and manufacturing.

Stepping into the Footwear Industry

We manufacture PVC leather or artificial leather for various components of open and closed footwear. We have been trusted suppliers to many footwear OEMs and brands in India, as well as neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

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Open footwear consists of formal, casual, sports as well as school shoes. On the other hand, open footwear consists of sandals, slippers, and other such products. Each type of footwear has different components that make the design, and we supply PVC leather for all those components. For instance, we supply PVC leather or artificial leather for shoe uppers (used on closed footwear), lining (that’s used for the inner side of the shoe as well as the tongue of the shoe), folding upper (the strip that goes on top in slippers and sandals), sandwich (a two side stiff PVC which acts as folding upper), the industry name for this is double sided coated PVC Leather. We cover the entire shoe.

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We have a vast design library of more than one hundred embossing rollers, print rollers and design papers, making it easy for us to offer new products by trying different permutations and combinations. We also have low MOQ requirements which allows the customer to pick multiple colours and build a diverse portfolio of products.

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Our footwear production is not only about delivering the best quality product to our clients, it’s more than that. Our in-house design team specializes in forecasting fashion trends and is continuously launching new designs, colours, and grains. All our products are customized as per the technical requirements of our customers.

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Footwear is part of the fashion industry and so our clients require innovative designs, colors and grains every month. We launch new products every week after collaborating with our global partners and suppliers to keep up with market trends. Other than that, our marketing team travels extensively within India and other locations to catch contemporary trends and present them to our clients.

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However, manufacturing PVC leather or artificial leather for footwear is not just about trends, we often face technical requirements. Some footwear types such as sports shoes, school shoes or safety shoes are very technical products. They require not only strength but also durability in different weather conditions such as extreme cold, high heat and humidity. We understand these concerns faced by our clients and try to be a trusted supplier so these issues are not a headache for the clients.

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In a nutshell, we have the infrastructure and testing facilities to provide materials as per the specifications of our clients on a consistent basis.

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One must wonder why brands pick artificial leather over genuine leather or fabric for their shoes, and the answer is quite simple. PVC leather or artificial leather is less expensive than real leather and more durable than fabric. PVC leather has a good look and feel. Another major reason that has taken light in recent times is that people want to be more sustainable, and that reduced the usage of genuine leather. Apart from being sustainable, people who follow strictly vegan lifestyles and stand for animal rights do not purchase anything made from animal skin, thus shifting to more cruelty-free products.

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Most of our clients are big brands in the footwear industry and have their own specific requirements and specifications involving strength, durability, stretch and the like. Because our facilities help us meet those needs the clients have made us trusted partners and collaborate with us for their footwear requirements. The shoes that are made from our PVC leather or artificial leather are for the mass population and must be durable and withstand the test of time with ease. And, that has been one huge focus of ours during production. If you are a brand looking for a supplier for your products, then explore more about us here and get in touch with us.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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