Chamois Genuine or Counterfeit

Chamois Leather is
prepared from sheepskins
or lambskins from which
the grain has been
removed.
It shall be tanned using
marine fish oil.
This is the internationally
accepted definition.

"Many articles
sold as 'genuine'
chamois leather
do not legally
meet the
requirements of
this definition"


			Ref: British Standard 6715:1991 and US Standard CS 99-1970


			Article: A Goat in Sheep's Clothing? BLC Journal. SEPTEMBER 20, 2004

WHY USE GENUINE CHAMOIS LEATHER...
Oil tanned sheepskins described as "peau de chamois" were first produced in France in the Middle Ages as a gloving leather. They were made to absorb water and be easily washed and dried. Their main function was as an inner glove for the steel gauntlets used by men in armour.				Now, Chamois Leather is used to dry and shine polished surfaces, glass and car bodywork. It is preferred because of its unique properties of water absorption, shine and ease of drying. This is because the oil tannage forms soaps within the open fibre structure of the sheepskin. It is hardwearing and retains its performance even after frequent use.

WHY SHEEPSKIN...
Because sheepskin has a naturally open fiber structure. Once the grain layer has been removed this allows the tanning oil to fix in the skin to form soaps. The loose weave of the fibres allows the leather to retain water whilst still being easy to wring out.	It's all in the weave! Closed fibres Open fibres

WHY FISH OIL...
To form the properties of genuine Chamois Leather a unique tannage is used. Cod fish or similar marine oil is pounded into the skin and then oxidized. This fixes the oil in the leather making it soft and durable. The oil forms soaps on the fibres to produce a highly absorbent leather that will shine as it dries.

IMITATIONS
Formaldehyde Content in counterfeit "Chamois Leather" Recent analysis of Chinese so-called "Chamois Leathers" purchased in various markets have revealed very high Formaldehyde content. This is perfectly consistent with these leathers being Formaldehyde tanned. Therefore they do not comply with any of the International Standards for Chamois Leather, which specifies a tannage of marine or fish oil hence the term "Cod Oil Tanned". There is a more sinister side to the use of Formaldehyde, which is a noxious molecule and probably carcinogenic to humans, High profile Brands have imposed threshold values for Formaldehyde content in leather e.g. Nike 75 ppm; Adidas 150 ppm; Puma 300 ppm and the EU Ecolabel for footwear is 150 ppm. In Netherlands there is a Statutory limit of 120 ppm and in Japan it is 75 ppm. We have had samples of Chinese leather analysed by an independent laboratory. They have found Formaldehyde content ranging from 570 ppm to a staggering 942 ppm.		The greatest form of flattery due to the popularity of Chamois Leather. The imitators take many different forms. Synthetics such as Cellulose/Polyurethane and Viscose/Polyamides are sold dry or wet in tubes. Other types of leather from diverse species and variable tannages are treated and dyed to look like Chamois. These products may have similar appearance but the should not be mistaken for genuine Chamois Leather.

HOW CAN YOU COMPETE ?

In a recent independent
survey published in Auto
Express, the Natural
Chamois was given a full
5 star ratting, placing it
ahead of any of it's rivals
and achieving the
prestigious Auto Express
Best Buy Award.

"It started by soaking up
345g of water - more
than three times the
amount the lowest
product achieved... the
cloth was good quality,
thick and produced a
great non-smear finish"

It is a popular misconception that labour
cost is the overriding factor in pricing a
product. For genuine Chamois Leather, the
main cost is the raw materials, the
sheepskin and the cod oil. A modern,
efficient tannery can compete when
traditional values ensure that the quality of
the leather is maintained.


			Article: Wring leaders Auto Express JULY 21, 2004

HOW CAN I TELL A FAKE ?
Most countries have laws, which specify how a product can be labelled so if it is described as Genuine Chamois Leather, that is what it should be. Counterfeits can be identified by DNA and scientific analysis to tell if it is sheepskin. The leather can be analysed to determine the effective extent of the oil tannage. Laboratory testing can easily identify tannages that are not permissible. It should look and feel like a genuine Chamois. It should have a fish oil smell and it will fade in sunlight. It should perform like a genuine Chamois after repeated use.
Remember if it doesn't say Chamois leather on the pack it's not the real thing!


	Chamois Leather - Genuine or Counterfeit
	Is it the real thing...
	Why use genuine chamois leather...
	Why sheepskin...
	Why fish oil...
	Imitations
	How can you compete?
	How can I tell a fake?

	FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
	CHAMOIS STANDARDS
	FTC ADVISORY #1
	GENUINE OR COUNTERFEIT


			Real quality shines through