BIOTHANE FAQ

BioThane® is the brand name of coated webbing products manufactured by BioThane Coated Webbing Corporation, a company based in the United States. Not all products sold as “waterproof webbing” are BioThane®, and many do not meet the same material or manufacturing standards.

BioThane® is produced under consistent manufacturing controls and regulatory oversight, using higher-grade raw materials than many alternatives on the market. Some substitute products rely on lower-quality coatings or use a nylon core in place of polyester, which can affect long-term performance, UV-stability, and overall durability in outdoor conditions.

At Sloppy Chops Co., we use authentic BioThane® brand material, not generic waterproof webbing that many other shops employ. After years of testing and real-world use, we choose BioThane® because it offers consistent performance where other coated webbings have proven to fall short.

For customers who spend time outdoors, or simply want equipment that is straightforward and easy to maintain, BioThane® provides a practical balance of durability, structure, and ease of care, with clear tradeoffs that we are transparent about throughout this guide.

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 specifically work with BETA BioThane®, which is composed of a woven polyester webbing at its core, with a soft PVC coating. This PVC coating makes it waterproof, durable, easy to clean, and mimics the looks of leather.

Beta BioThane is available in two thickness profiles: 2 millimeter and 4 millimeters (approximately). The difference in material thickness is due to the amount of PVC coating applied to the polyester webbing and affects the feel and flexibility of the material, but does not change its strength.

Thinner (2mm) profiles feel lighter and more streamlined and are generally preferred for collars and leashes on smaller dogs and cats, or where a lighter weight material is preferred. Thicker (4mm) profiles feel slightly more cushioned/substantial in hand and are generally used for leashes and collars on medium to large dog dogs for a slightly more padded feel. Both are equally strong when the width is the same. We choose thickness based on comfort, proportion, and intended use, not aesthetics alone.

Here is a list of our current thickness profiles for each width of flat Beta BioThane we stock:

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

BioThane's is extremely strong for its weight. Strength is determined by the width of the material and not its thickness profile. 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.

Please visit our blog on Hardware, which discusses the pros and cons of different metal types/finishes.

All of our brass hardware is solid brass.

Wherever possible, we utilize stainless steel for our "Silver" hardware option. If this option is chosen, your collar's hardware will be stainless steel, except for the following instances in which it is solid brass with nickel or chrome plating (which appears silver in color):

• Metal strapkeepers
• Chicago Screws and Rivets
• Embellishments (rimsets, spots, pyramids, etc.)
• Lightweight Silver Bolt Snap

We utilize a combination of PVD and black-oxide coating for our "Black" hardware option. As discussed in further depth in our blog linked above, black hardware is plated and can be prone to chipping. As such, we recommend reserving its use for special occasion collars to keep them looking their best. Please note that Black hardware is not available for all collar designs.

Note: The hardware finish you choose from the dropdown when building your collar will be used not only on the buckle and D-ring, but also on any embellishment rimsets, so everything will match.

We are also very happy to offer Rivet-on Tags which can hold several lines of information and may be applied to our BioThane collars. 

BioThane® requires less upkeep than most traditional materials, but it is not maintenance-free. Routine care will help preserve its function and appearance over time.

For regular cleaning, rinse with water and wipe with a cloth. Mild dish soap can be used if needed. Rinse thoroughly to remove any residue and allow the item to dry fully before storage. 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:

• Avoid contact with DEET-based insect repellents, solvents, or harsh chemical cleaners. These can damage the coating and may cause tackiness, pitting, or surface breakdown.
• 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
• After exposure to salt water, chlorine or heavy grime, rinsing them with fresh water after exposure is recommended to enhance the hardware/product's longevity.
• Do not use wire brushes or wool pads to clean BioThane or its hardware.
• As with any material, inspect hardware, attachment points, and overall condition regularly. Discontinue use if the material or hardware shows signs of damage that could affect safety.

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:

• TRUTH: BioThane is 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 and inferior coatings. BioThane® products do not require specialized finishes for end-sealing to protect the product or increase its longevity and maintain its waterproof attributes.

• MYTH: BioThane is Smell and StainProof -- BioThane is impressively odor and stain 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.

• TRUTH: BioThane is Resistant to Mold and Mildew --  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.

• MYTH: BioThane is Chew/BiteProof -- BioThane® is durable, not indestructible. BioThane demonstrates exceptional strength and abrasion resistance, but it is not invulnerable to sharp objects like teeth. Avoid allowing pets to bite or chew on BioThane, as it can be marred or punctured. Damage to the outer PVC coating alone does not compromise strength, but if the inner polyester webbing is affected, integrity is reduced.

• MYTH: BioThane is Vegan -- BioThane® is not certified vegan. The manufacturing process may involve dyes, additives, or processing agents that can include animal-derived byproducts. Because these components and processes can vary, BioThane® cannot be represented as a verified vegan material.

• TRUTH: BioThane is Fade Resistant -- BioThane holds its color very well under normal use. Most items will look like new for the life of the product. Prolonged exposure to sunlight, however, can cause some fading over time. 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.

• MYTH: BioThane is Like Man-Made Leather -- It’s tempting to compare BioThane® to leather because it can look similar at first glance, but in reality, they are almost polar opposites. Leather softens and stretches over time, developing character and a patina that feels personal. BioThane® stays more consistent. It will not stretch, it will not soften with age, and it does not require oils or conditioning as part of its care.

Where BioThane® really shines is in its practicality and variety. It comes in a huge spectrum of colors and is built to handle life as it comes, whether that means rain, mud, travel, or adventure, with minimal fuss. It is not a leather substitute. Instead, it is its own thing: reliable, colorful, and low-maintenance.

• TRUTH: BioThane Can Handle Cold Temps -- 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.

• MYTH: BioThane Will Stay Soft Forever -- This is probably the least discussed trait we have encountered regarding BioThane. 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.

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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.