Perrone Performance Leathers and Textiles
Perrone Performance Leathers and Textiles
Perrone Performance Leathers and Textiles
This article first appeared in the Railway-News magazine, Issue 2 2023.
Perrone Performance Leathers and Textiles is a leader worldwide specialising in high-performance, sustainable leathers and textiles for the transportation industry.
Perrone manufactures a full range of genuine leathers suitable both to high-traffic applications as well as for the most bespoke passenger environments. Perrone’s focus has been on weight reduction and the development of sustainable, lightweight leathers and synthetics that meet the stringent regulatory demands of the transportation market.
Perrone offers three genuine leather options for rail clients: Featherweight, Elite and Skyline. Featherweight offers a 25–35% reduction in weight versus standard leathers and is made from a raw state to maintain durability. Elite features a minimally corrected surface, and a finish which provides enhanced performance plus a soft supple hand similar to the finest grain leathers. Skyline provides enhanced performance and is designed for price-sensitive applications.
Perrone’s flagship synthetic leather product for rail is Ecolite™. Ecolite™ is a polyurethane-coated synthetic developed by Perrone exclusively for the rail industry. Ecolite™ weighs 330g/sm, a weight savings of 30–60% compared to traditional leather. Compared to fabric, the closed-cell surface coating of Ecolite™ ensures an inherently stain and graffiti-resistant surface that is also antimicrobial. Ecolite™ is easy to maintain with periodic soap and water cleaning, eliminating the need for environmentally damaging dry-cleaning and treatment chemicals. Rail seats dressed in Ecolite™ can also be cleaned without any need for removal. This removes costs and carbon emissions from transport.
Traditionally, fabric has been the preferred choice for rolling stock upholstery due to a limited number of customisation options for leather and synthetics. “Our new printing capabilities are closing this gap, giving the rail market a unique design option for their seating,” explains Perrone.
An additional textile innovation offered by Perrone is Monulite™, a state-of-the-art, non-wovenbacked polyurethane coated material. Monulite™ was specifically developed for headliner and side wall surface applications, meeting all certification requirements. Monulite™ can be produced in any colour, a wide variety of finishes or with gaufrage embossing. Monulite™ co-ordinates well with other materials due to its leather-like appearance. This significant and innovative Perrone textile offers superior noise abatement characteristics and offers a complete range of customisation choices, including custom printing.
