Waalwijk, the Netherlands, 17 June 2025, Stahl, the global leader in speciality coatings and treatments for flexible substrates, proudly introduces Syncros™, a novel generation of hyperfunctional carbodiimide crosslinkers designed to bring high performance and sustainability to leather finishing. With the launch of this new patented technology, Stahl strengthens its commitment to providing environmentally responsible alternatives to traditional crosslinkers, while maintaining the highest levels of reactivity, efficiency, and durability. 

Bridging the gap between performance and safety 

Crosslinkers are essential in the coating process, enhancing the durability and performance of applications in performance coatings, packaging coatings and leather finishing. However, conventional crosslinkers such as aziri dines and isocyanates pose significant health and environmental risks due to their toxicity, requiring strict handling precautions. Syncros™ introduces a safer, next-generation alternative for leather finishing that eliminates these concerns while delivering superior performance. 

Sustainability and innovation in leather finishing 

Developed through Stahl's cutting-edge R&D centers, Syncros™ XR-55-400 is designed for aqueous topcoats and basecoats, delivering outstanding resistance, flexibility, and efficiency. The key benefits include: 

• Low toxicity validated by external accredited laboratories 

• Free from carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic (CMR) substances 

• Pot-life 4 to 6 hours, can be longer depending on the mixture  

• Enhanced durability, with high resistance to abrasion, stains, and chemical exposure 

• Non-yellowing properties for long-term aesthetic preservation 

• Strong adhesion capabilities, ensuring superior coating performance 

Meeting market needs with a future-proof solution 

The introduction of Syncros™ comes at a time when the industry is shifting toward greener chemistry solutions due to increasing regulatory pressures and growing consumer awareness. By providing a sustainable alternative to conventional hazardous crosslinkers, Stahl is leading the transition toward safer, future-proof solutions without compromising the high-performance standards expected in leather finishing applications. 

With Syncros™ XR-55-400, customers can now achieve best-in-class leather finishes that enhance product durability while aligning with responsible production practices. Stahl remains committed to developing solutions that touch lives, for a better world. 

Syncros™ XR-55-400

Today's consumers need products that deliver high performance over the long term, offering lasting quality that keeps them coming back. And increasingly, this enhanced performance must not come at the expense of people and the planet. Stahl's coating solutions are the invisible force behind many everyday items, offering more sustainable options that lower the overall impact of the finished product.

Syncros™ XR-55-400 is a super-functional polycarbodiimide crosslinker that can be used to produce high-quality coated surfaces in a compliant, consistent and responsible way – articles that touch lives while delivering both superior performance and a lower environmental footprint.

Higher performance, lower impact

Traditional crosslinkers, though offering high reactivity, also bring high toxicity levels due to their aziri dine concentrations. In line with our purpose, Touching lives, for a better world, Stahl researches and develops alternative technologies with a lower footprint, such as water-based, fluorine-free or bio-based finishes, without compromising on performance.

Syncros™ XR-55-400 is an advanced chemical solution designed to enhance the performance of aqueous top coats and base coats, offering our customers and their partners numerous benefits, including:

• Versatile and adaptable for a range of leather applications

• More environmentally friendly alternative to traditional crosslinkers

• Reduced yellowing effect

• High resistance to abrasion, scuffs, heat and light

• Excellent anti-soiling properties

• No carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic (CMR) substances

• Compliant with the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (ZDHC-MRSL) and EU REACH regulation

Versatile application options

Syncros™ XR-55-400 is suitable for aqueous top and base coats on a wide range of luxury and fashion leather articles. And the more innovative the crosslinking technology, the more resilient and reliable the materials produced by manufacturers.

For the most durable products, the superior fastness of Syncros™ XR-55-400 increases its resistance to wet, dry and solvent rubs. For embossed surfaces, it reduces the tackiness of base coats and prevents cut-through at high temperatures and pressures.

Trust in the track record

Stahl has a long history in crosslinker production, which we’ve leveraged to create Syncros™ XR-55-400. Combined with our in-depth expertise and partnership-as-a-service approach, you can create the desired finish and meet ever-evolving performance and sustainability goals.