TOKYO – Antibacterial and antiviral processing technology for general textile products has been developed for practical uses, but it has previously proved difficult to maintain these properties when processed into artificial leather.

Now, Japan’s Teijin Cordley has succeeded in developing a new artificial leather incorporating a long-lasting antibacterial agent.

The company will commence sales of the new material in October this year, with initial versions designed for the manufacture of children’s satchels

Subsequent versions will additionally be suitable for sporting goods such as shoes and leather balls. The sales target is 30,000 meters in fiscal 2021 and 580,000 meters in fiscal 2024.

Leveraging Teijin Cordley’s unique surface treatment technology, the new antibacterial and antiviral artificial leather can be treated with the same process as conventional artificial leathers such as natural-like, enamel and nubuck artificial leathers, and can be used in a wide range of applications.

In addition, products using the new leather material are created using recycled polyester raw materials.

The long-lasting antibacterial agent on the new artificial leather’s surface has enabled it to gain SIAA antibacterial processing and SIAA antiviral processing certification.

The technology in the antibacterial agent was originally developed to control the growth of microorganisms such as mould in the confined spaces of submarines, and is effective against various kinds of bacteria, mould and viruses. In addition, it has the potential to treat a variety of materials such as fibres and hard materials, and has been used in applications including apparel and humidifying filters for air purifiers.