Stahl, a global provider of speciality coatings for flexible materials, has announced the worldwide launch of PermUCell, its next-generation, fully water-based, DMF-free coagulation technology designed to produce high-quality polyurethane (PU) substrates.

 

Following successful industrial adoption by key manufacturing partners in Asia—the world’s leading hub for footwear and synthetic material production—the technology is now fully market-ready and available to manufacturers worldwide.

 

PermUCell is positioned as a new solution for performance footwear manufacturers seeking to meet sustainability targets without sacrificing product quality or manufacturing efficiency. The fully DMF-free system is compatible with existing coagulation lines, allowing producers to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the aesthetics and durability demanded by global brands.

 

The technology also aims to elevate the consumer experience with materials engineered for exceptional softness, breathability and flexibility, delivering enhanced comfort in finished products.

 

After successful industrial-scale implementations with partners across Asia and Europe, PermUCell has demonstrated readiness for a global rollout.

 

Stahl’s water-based coagulation range is supported by the company’s international network of technical specialists and application Centers of Excellence, providing hands-on guidance to manufacturers throughout the transition.

 

Support includes production setup and parameter optimisation, line integration and scale-up, performance tuning to meet brand specifications, and troubleshooting for continuous improvement.

 

“Our goal is to enable a smooth and confident transition to cleaner coagulation technologies, supported by stable process control and consistent technical performance,” says Montse Pous, Global Technical Manager Synthetics at Stahl.

 

“With PermUCell, and the support of our global technical teams, manufacturers can accelerate their sustainability journey and phase out DMF without compromising performance or production efficiency,” adds Lidia Martínez, Global Market Manager Synthetics at Stahl.

 

PermUCell uses a 100% water-based, DMF-free process, offering a cleaner and safer alternative to traditional coagulation methods while remaining compatible with existing industrial infrastructure.

 

The system also delivers a reduced environmental footprint through lower emissions, helping manufacturers comply with increasingly strict global chemical-management regulations.

 

Technically, the material’s aliphatic backbone improves colour stability, softness and durability—performance characteristics that Stahl says surpass traditional aromatic-based coagulation processes.

 

Already proven at industrial scale in Asia and Europe, the technology is designed to be both scalable and flexible across a wide range of substrate types, supported by Stahl’s global technical teams guiding manufacturers through each stage of implementation.