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BIOTHANE FAQ

Here is a general "cheat sheet" which will answer commonly asked questions regarding BioThane®. Our goal is to have well-educated and happy customers that are aware of not only the benefits of BioThane, but also its limitations. Should you find yourself still having questions at the end of this FAQ, feel free to reach out to us prior to placing your order so we can help.

BioThane® represents the premier line of coated webbing products crafted by BioThane Coated Webbing Corporation, a proud manufacturer based in the United States. We exclusively employ BioThane®-brand waterproof coated webbing, ensuring a commitment to unparalleled quality.

 

Distinguished by rigorous manufacturing standards, regulatory compliance, and utilization of premium raw materials, BioThane® outshines competitors in terms of UV stability and outdoor weatherability. Notably, not all "waterproof webbing" bears the BioThane® brand or adheres to our elevated standards. Some alternatives may compromise quality by employing lower-grade raw materials or substituting nylon core for polyester. We take pride in delivering superior and authentic BioThane ® products that meet and exceed industry benchmarks.

Under the umbrella of BioThane products there are several subgenres. Each subgenre will have a different look, feel and performance standards. At Sloppy Chops Co. we stock BETA BioThane. Beta BioThane is composed of a woven polyester webbing with a soft PVC coating intended to mimic the look of leather.

 

This PVC coating makes it waterproof, durable and easy to clean, yet still supple. Beta BioThane is available in two (approximate) thickness profiles: 2 millimeter and 4 millimeters. The difference in material thickness is due to to the amount of PVC coating applied to the polyester webbing and does not change the strength of the material. The 2.5mm thickness is generally preferred for collars and leashes on smaller dogs and cats or where the lightest weight material is preferred; 4mm thickness is generally used for leashes and collars on medium to large dog dogs for a slightly more padded feel. Here is a list of our current thickness profiles for each width of flat Beta BioThane we stock:

 

    • 1/2 inch (2.5mm)
    • 5/8 inch (4mm)
    • 3/4 inch (2.5mm)
    • 1 inch (4mm)
    • 1.5 inch (4mm)
    • 2 inch (4mm)

      biothane widths

      BioThane's strength is determined by the material's width and not its thickness profile (2mm vs 4mm). Here is a list of BioThane-tested break strengths for the widths we stock:

      • 1/2 inch (500lbs)
      • 5/8 inch (625lbs)
      • 3/4 inch (750lbs)
      • 1 inch (1000lbs)
      • 1.5 inch (1500lbs)
      • 2 inch (2000lbs)
      These numbers are impressive, but it is important to remember that your leash or collar will only be as strong as its weakest point. This is most commonly the hardware/snap or the connection points where two different pieces of material are joined together. For this reason, we stock the highest quality hardware we can find. To learn more about hardware options and which may be the best fit for your needs, visit our blog post here.

       SLOPPY CHOPS CO BIOTHANE COLOR 

       

      Every attempt is made to portray color as accurately as possible, but actual colors may vary due to individual monitor settings. 

      Our Denali Color Wheel is available to view colors in person prior to purchase if you so wish. 

       

      Our Limited Edition Colors encompass unique colorways not a part of our regular inventory, most of which have been specially crafted by BioThane® for exclusive use and are available in limited quantities. We cannot consistently assure the availability of these colors in all sizes, and there is no guarantee of restocking in the future. 

      In most cases, water and dish soap is all you will need to clean your collar or leash. You can then wipe with a dry cloth and it will be ready for its next adventure. Special care may be needed if your collar is outfitted with crystals or other such embellishments. More information on specialized care can be found in our Crystal and Cabochon & Fancy Oval FAQ.

      Additional Care Notes:

      • Do not allow DEET to come into contact with BioThane as it will adversely affect the material, causing tackiness or pitting of the material.
      • In the event your collar or leash comes into contact with an especially smelly substance (such as skunk spray), create a paste by mixing hydrogen peroxide, dawn dish soap and baking soda; allow the collar to sit in mixture, rinse and repeat as needed. This solution is not recommended for collars with embellishments.
      • Do not leave your pet gear outdoors for prolonged periods or in direct sunlight
      • Inspect your gear regularly for signs of wear or fatigue
      • If your pet will have exposure to chlorinated or salt water while wearing our products, we do recommend rinsing them with fresh water after exposure to enhance the hardware/product's longevity.
      • Do not use wire brushes or wool pads to clean BioThane or its hardware

      While BioThane is highly stain-resistant and very forgiving of most substances, it is not always 100% stain-proof. Lighter colors are more apt to become stained than darker colors. For especially stubborn stains, you can utilize a magic eraser and/or lemon juice & baking soda to help lighten any staining significantly. For the hardware on your collars and leashes, we recommend cleaning regularly with Brasso or similar product to remove the patina from the hardware, which can leave residue on BioThane.

      EXAMPLE OF LIGHT-COLORED BIOTHANE POST CLEAN:

      EXAMPLE OF LIGHT-COLORED BIOTHANE STAINED AFTER EXPOSURE TO HORSE MANURE:

      BioThane® has rightfully earned a commendable reputation for its low-maintenance and easy-to-care-for qualities. While we celebrate its benefits, it is equally important to be aware of its limitations, as no product is without its constraints. As an experienced shop that is committed to supporting our customers and delivering accurate and transparent information, here's an overview of the pros and cons we've encountered with BioThane:

      • Waterproof --  Yes, BioThane® is indeed waterproof thanks to its PVC coating and high quality polyester core. Renowned for its exceptional strength, UV-stability, and non-stretch properties, BioThane outperforms imitation "waterproof webbing" products made with nylon webbing. Due to its polyester core, BioThane products do not require specialized finishes for end sealing to protect the product or increase its longevity.

      • Smell and Stain-Resistant -- BioThane is impressively odor-resistant and easy to clean with soap and water in most cases. However, it is not entirely 'stink or stain-proof.' Certain permeative substances, such as skunk spray, may leave a lingering odor that regular cleaning might not entirely eliminate. Refer to our Care Section above for more information and tips on how to clean and maintain your gear if usual maintenance does not do the trick.

      • Resistant to Abrasion, Mold and Mildew -- BioThane demonstrates exceptional strength and abrasion resistance but is vulnerable to sharp objects, including teeth. Avoid allowing pets to bite or chew on BioThane, as it can be marred or punctured. The outer PVC coating, if compromised, does not affect the strength unless the inner polyester webbing is damaged. 

      The material's composition, including its waterproof properties, makes it less susceptible to the growth of mold and mildew compared to natural materials like leather. Regular cleaning and proper storage can further enhance BioThane's resistance to organic materials.

      • Fade Resistant -- BioThane resists fading unless left outside for extended periods. While most items retain their original color for the lifetime of the product, neon colors (such as the Fluoro Pink and Blaze Orange) may experience faster fading, and color transfer can occur. Storing such colors separately is recommended to prevent direct contact and potential color transfer.

      • Leather-Like Appearance, Softness and Flexibility -- Unlike leather, BioThane does not require conditioning or oils and will likely require little in the way of cleaning and maintenance. BioThane will not stretch over time. BioThane also does well in lower temps, retaining its flexibility and brittleness not becoming an issue until temps of -49°C | -56°F are reached.

      • Pliability Over Time -- One of the least discussed traits we have encountered with BioThane is that unlike leather, which gets softer with use, BioThane's pliability decreases over time. While these changes usually take years to occur and are considered a normal aging process of the material, the exact lifespan will vary based on environmental exposures and each animal's unique body chemistry. Per BioThane directly,

      "Biothane is a man-made PVC product and as such, additives are included in the manufacturing process which make the material soft and flexible. A combination of abrasion, sunlight, heat, cold, oils from the dog, water, time, and other such various environmental exposures, will eventually work out these additives, decreasing the flexibility of the material over time and perhaps even lead to cracking. "

      BioThane Corp. is working on identifying more exact causes that exacerbate a decrease in pliability or cracking of the material. If you have ever experienced a decrease in pliability or cracking of Beta BioThane® (whether it was purchased from SCCo. or another shop), we invite you to fill out this survey -- results of which are shared directly with BioThane to aid them in their efforts.

      • Vegan Certification -- Although BioThane is crafted without any animal products, it does not hold vegan certification. The manufacturing process involves the use of dyes and lubrication which may include animal byproducts.

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      Overall, BioThane stands out as an excellent product, demanding very little in the way of maintenance compared to alternative options. Nevertheless, it's important to acknowledge that, like any product, it has its limitations. Our primary objective is to empower and educate our clients, enabling them to make informed decisions aligning with their preferences and their pet's lifestyle. If any questions arise or if further assistance is needed, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are always here and eager to assist you.