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Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Biothane®, a highly versatile material that has gained immense popularity in a wide range of projects and applications.

Biothane®, also known as coated webbing, is a synthetic material that combines the strength and durability of traditional webbing with the added benefits of a protective coating. Biothane's unique composition offers a myriad of advantages, making it a go-to choice for various industries and projects. Its versatility stems from its exceptional qualities such as water resistance, easy cleanability, UV resistance, and superior strength. These properties make Biothane® an ideal material for applications ranging from pet accessories and equestrian gear to outdoor and industrial equipment.

Whether you're a DIY enthusiast, an outdoor adventurer, or a professional in need of reliable materials, this guide will take you on a journey through the numerous uses and benefits of Biothane®. We'll explore its applications in pet collars and leashes, horse bridles and harnesses, sports and adventure gear, as well as in the industrial and medical fields.

Additionally, we'll delve into the different variations of Biothane® available, including options for color, texture, and thickness, allowing you to choose the perfect fit for your specific project requirements. We'll also provide insights into the manufacturing process and discuss tips for working with Biothane® effectively.


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WHAT IS BIOTHANE®?

Comprehensive Guide to Biothane®

Welcome to our in-depth guide on Biothane®, a highly versatile material renowned for its strength, durability, and adaptability across a wide range of applications.
Also known as coated webbing, Biothane® combines the resilience of traditional webbing with a protective synthetic coating. This unique construction provides numerous advantages, including water resistance, easy cleaning, UV stability, and exceptional tensile strength, making it a preferred choice for both recreational and professional use.
Biothane®’s versatility makes it ideal for applications spanning pet accessories, equestrian products, outdoor and adventure equipment, and industrial or medical products. Whether you are a DIY enthusiast, an outdoor adventurer, or a professional seeking reliable materials, Biothane® offers unmatched performance and durability for your projects.
In this guide, we will explore the full range of Biothane® applications, from collars, leads, and harnesses to sports equipment, safety equipment, and specialty industrial uses. We’ll also highlight the different variations of Biothane® available, including options in color, texture, and thickness, helping you select the perfect material for your specific needs.
Finally, we provide insights into the manufacturing process and share practical tips for working with Biothane® effectively, ensuring that your projects achieve both professional quality and long-lasting performance.

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Durability in Extreme Conditions

One of Biothane®’s standout qualities is its exceptional durability under extreme environmental conditions. Whether exposed to intense sunlight, heavy rain, freezing temperatures, or high humidity, Biothane® maintains its strength, flexibility, and appearance, making it a reliable choice for both outdoor and industrial applications.

Key Durability Features

One of the main advantages of Biothane® is its exceptional durability across a wide range of environments and applications. Designed to outperform traditional materials in demanding conditions, it offers consistent performance without the maintenance typically associated with leather.

UV Resistance
Biothane® is highly resistant to ultraviolet exposure, meaning it will not easily degrade, become brittle, or lose colour when used outdoors over long periods. This makes it particularly suitable for equestrian, pet, and outdoor equipment that is regularly exposed to sunlight.

Waterproof Properties
Unlike natural materials such as leather, Biothane® does not absorb water. It remains stable when wet, meaning it won’t swell, warp, or weaken over time. This makes it ideal for use in wet or muddy conditions, as well as applications where regular washing or exposure to moisture is expected.

Temperature Stability
Biothane® maintains its flexibility and structural integrity in both high and low temperatures. It will not stiffen excessively in cold conditions or soften and lose shape in heat, ensuring reliable performance in a variety of climates and working environments.

Chemical & Abrasion Resistance
The protective coating surrounding the webbing core provides resistance to mild chemicals, dirt, oils, and general wear. This helps prevent damage from everyday use while also making the material easy to clean and maintain. Its abrasion resistance ensures it can withstand friction and repeated use without compromising strength or appearance.

Why It Matters

Durability in extreme conditions is essential when it comes to equipment that is used regularly and exposed to the elements. Whether it’s pet accessories, equestrian tack, or industrial straps, materials need to perform consistently without compromising safety or reliability.

Biothane® is designed to do exactly that. Its resistance to water, UV exposure, temperature changes, and general wear means products maintain their strength and performance over time, even in demanding environments. Unlike leather or untreated webbing, which can stretch, crack, or degrade, Biothane® remains stable and dependable with minimal maintenance.

This makes it an excellent choice for applications where longevity and ease of care are key. By combining strength, flexibility, and resilience, Biothane® offers a practical, long-lasting solution that gives users confidence their equipment will continue to perform, day after day.

Why Use Biothane®?

Biothane® is a polyester webbing coated with either TPU or PVC, designed to deliver exceptional durability and long-term performance. This coated construction creates a material that is not only strong and flexible, but also waterproof, easy to clean, and resistant to wear.

Its smooth, non-porous surface prevents moisture absorption and makes it hygienic and low maintenance, while also being hypoallergenic — an important consideration for both animal and human use. These qualities make Biothane® a reliable choice across a wide range of demanding environments and applications.

What is Biothane® Used For?

Biothane® is an extremely versatile material used across both consumer and professional industries. It is commonly found in pet accessories such as dog collars, leads, and harnesses, as well as equestrian equipment including reins, headcollars, and straps.

Beyond this, its durability and ease of cleaning make it suitable for more specialist uses, including medical and safety equipment, outdoor gear, and industrial applications. Wherever strength, flexibility, and low maintenance are required, Biothane® provides a practical and long-lasting solution.

Is Biothane® Better Than Leather?

Biothane® is often used as an alternative to leather, particularly in applications where durability and ease of care are a priority. It offers several advantages: it does not absorb water, will not crack or stiffen over time, and requires minimal maintenance compared to traditional leather.

While leather remains valued for its natural appearance and heritage, Biothane® provides a more consistent and hard-wearing option, especially in wet, muddy, or high-use environments. It is also available in a wide variety of colours and finishes, making it a flexible choice for both functional and decorative use.

Is Biothane® Odour-Resistant?

Yes — one of Biothane®’s key benefits is its resistance to odours. Because the material does not absorb moisture, dirt, or bacteria in the same way as natural materials, it maintains a cleaner, fresher finish even with regular use.

This makes it particularly well-suited to pet products, equestrian equipment, and outdoor gear, where exposure to water, mud, and general wear is unavoidable. The result is a material that not only performs well but also remains hygienic and easy to maintain over time.

Detailed Applications of Biothane®

Detailed Applications of Biothane®

Biothane®’s unique combination of strength, flexibility, waterproofing, and durability makes it suitable for a wide variety of applications, far beyond traditional pet or equestrian products. Its ability to perform consistently in demanding environments has made it a trusted material across leisure, industrial, medical, and outdoor sectors.

In equestrian use, Biothane® is commonly found in reins, headcollars, training aids, and straps, where a strong yet low-maintenance alternative to leather is required. Its waterproof and easy-clean properties make it particularly useful in muddy or wet conditions, while still offering flexibility and comfort in use.

Within the pet industry, it is widely used for collars, leads, harnesses, and tracking equipment. Its resistance to odours, moisture, and wear ensures it remains hygienic and reliable even with daily use and exposure to the elements.

In industrial and safety applications, Biothane® is valued for its strength, consistency, and resistance to environmental stress. It is often used in straps, securing systems, and protective equipment where dependable performance is essential.

It is also used in outdoor and recreational products, including hiking gear, water sports equipment, and general utility straps, where exposure to weather and frequent handling demands a material that will not degrade or lose performance over time.

Across all applications, Biothane® offers a practical alternative to traditional materials, combining modern performance with long-lasting reliability and minimal maintenance requirements.

Pet Accessories

  • Dog collars, leads, and harnesses
  • Cat collars and small animal accessories
  • Durable, easy-to-clean surfaces that resist chewing and odours

Equestrian Gear

  • Horse bridles, reins, and halters
  • Saddlery straps and harnesses
  • Stable and outdoor-ready equipment that withstands mud, sweat, and rain

Industrial and Safety Applications

  • Safety harnesses and climbing gear
  • Heavy-duty straps and tie-downs
  • Medical equipment straps and supports
  • Applications where strength, flexibility, and hygiene are critical

Sporting and Outdoor Gear

  • Adventure and camping equipment (e.g., tent straps, cinches, backpacks)
  • Sporting goods such as chin straps, yoga bands, and protective gear
  • Products that require UV resistance, abrasion resistance, and waterproofing.

Custom and Decorative Uses

  • Colourful webbing for DIY crafts, belts, or fashion accessories
  • Event gear and specialised straps
  • Any project where a balance of functionality and aesthetic appeal is needed

Why Biothane® Excels:

Biothane® stands out due to its unique combination of performance-driven properties and design versatility. Its waterproof coating ensures it remains unaffected by rain, mud, or moisture, while its odour-resistant and easy-clean surface makes it highly practical for regular use in demanding environments.

In addition to its functional benefits, Biothane® is available in a wide range of colours, widths, and textures, allowing it to be tailored to both practical and aesthetic requirements. This makes it suitable not only for heavy-duty applications but also for products where appearance and design are equally important.

From high-stress outdoor conditions to environments where hygiene and reliability are critical, such as medical or professional settings, Biothane® provides a dependable, long-lasting solution. Wherever a strong, flexible, and low-maintenance webbing is required, it consistently delivers performance without compromise.

Customisation & Colour Options

One of Biothane®’s greatest strengths is its extensive range of colours, textures, and finishes, allowing users to tailor the material to both functional and aesthetic requirements. 
This versatility means it can be adapted to suit a wide variety of applications, from practical, high-performance uses to products where appearance and design are just as important as durability. As a result, Biothane® offers not only reliability and strength, but also creative flexibility for bespoke and visually distinctive projects.

Colour Options

Biothane® is available in a broad spectrum of vibrant and neutral colours, allowing users to match or complement their project’s design requirements with ease. Whether a bold, high-visibility finish or a more traditional, understated tone is needed, the range offers flexibility across both functional and decorative applications.

Colour consistency is maintained throughout the coating process, ensuring a uniform, professional finish across the entire length of the material. This reliability makes it ideal for projects where visual consistency is essential, particularly in bespoke or matched sets.

Texture & Finish

Biothane® is also available in a variety of textures and finishes, including smooth, matte, and leather-like surfaces. These options allow the material to replicate the appearance of traditional materials while retaining the performance benefits of coated webbing.

Certain variations also feature enhanced grip surfaces or embossed finishes, providing additional functionality for handling or decorative detail. This adaptability ensures Biothane® can be tailored to both practical performance needs and specific design preferences.

Thickness & Width

Biothane® is available in a range of widths and thicknesses, allowing you to select a specification that best balances strength, flexibility, and visual appearance for your project. This versatility makes it suitable for both light-duty and heavy-duty applications, depending on the requirements of the end use.

Thicker webbing provides increased strength and durability, making it ideal for high-stress applications where reliability is essential. In contrast, thinner webbing offers greater flexibility and a lighter feel, making it well suited to smaller, more refined, or decorative projects where precision and appearance are key.

Why This Matters

The ability to customise width and thickness ensures that Biothane® is not only a highly functional material but also a design-conscious one. It can be adapted to suit a wide range of applications, from fashion-forward pet accessories to demanding industrial or professional equipment.

This flexibility allows users to select a Biothane® specification that aligns precisely with both the practical requirements and the aesthetic direction of their project, ensuring the right balance of performance, comfort, and visual appeal.

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Working with Biothane® — Practical Tips

Biothane® is a highly versatile and user-friendly material, but achieving the best results depends on using the correct techniques during cutting, assembly, and finishing. With the right approach, you can ensure clean, accurate, and professional outcomes across a wide range of projects.

When cutting Biothane®, always use a sharp blade or specialist cutting tool to achieve a clean edge. A blunt tool can cause fraying or uneven finishes, reducing both the appearance and performance of the material.

For assembly, ensure that holes are punched cleanly and accurately before fitting hardware. Biothane® responds best to precision tools, as this helps maintain structural integrity and prevents unnecessary stress around fittings.

When securing fittings such as rivets, screws, or buckles, take care not to overtighten, as this can compress the material excessively and affect its flexibility. Proper spacing and alignment are key to maintaining both strength and a professional finish.

Finally, one of Biothane®’s greatest advantages is its ease of cleaning. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt or debris, helping to maintain a consistent appearance with minimal maintenance.

By following these practical steps, users can maximise both the durability and visual quality of Biothane® in any application.

Cutting Biothane®

Achieving a clean, professional finish when working with Biothane® begins with using the correct cutting tools. Because of its coated webbing structure, precision is key to ensuring smooth edges and accurate dimensions.

Sharp scissors or rotary cutters are recommended to produce clean, even cuts without damaging or distorting the material. A well-maintained blade will help prevent jagged edges and ensure a consistent finish across all components.

Unlike traditional webbing materials, Biothane® does not typically require heat-sealing. Its coated surface naturally resists fraying, helping maintain a neat edge without additional treatment. This makes it a low-maintenance and efficient material to work with, particularly for repeat production or detailed assembly work.

Joining Biothane®

Biothane® can be joined using a variety of methods depending on the application, but it is generally best sewn where possible to achieve a strong, neat, and reliable finish. Industrial stitching provides a clean and flexible connection while maintaining the integrity and appearance of the material.

For additional reinforcement, rivets can also be used alongside stitching. This combination helps to strengthen key stress points, such as straps, collars, harnesses, and belts, where extra durability is required. Rivets provide added security while still allowing the material to retain its waterproof and low-maintenance properties.

Where hardware such as buckles, clips, or Chicago screws is used, it is important to ensure all components are correctly sized to match the width and thickness of the Biothane®. This ensures a secure fit, reduces strain on the material, and maintains a clean, professional finish.

Hardware Considerations

When working with Biothane®, selecting the correct hardware is essential to ensure both durability and long-term performance. Because Biothane® is designed for strength and longevity, it should always be paired with fittings that match its quality and resilience.

It is recommended to use rust-resistant materials such as stainless steel, nickel, or brass for buckles, rings, and clips. These materials complement Biothane®’s waterproof and low-maintenance properties, helping to prevent corrosion and ensuring the finished product remains reliable even in wet or demanding conditions.

For thicker webbing or high-stress applications, it is advisable to reinforce key load-bearing points. This can be achieved by using multiple rivets or washers, which help distribute pressure more evenly and reduce the risk of tearing or distortion over time. Proper reinforcement ensures a secure, professional finish and extends the overall lifespan of the product.

Cleaning & Maintenance

One of Biothane®’s key advantages is its low-maintenance nature. Thanks to its waterproof, non-porous coating, it does not absorb dirt, moisture, or odours in the same way as traditional materials, making it quick and easy to clean.

In most cases, a simple wipe down with warm soapy water is sufficient to remove surface dirt and restore the material’s appearance. For more stubborn marks, a soft cloth or sponge can be used to gently clean the surface without damaging the coating.

It is best to avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning products, as these may affect the finish over time. Once cleaned, allow the material to air dry fully before storage or further use.

Regular cleaning helps maintain Biothane®’s appearance and performance, ensuring it remains hygienic, odour-free, and looking its best even after repeated use in demanding conditions.

Tips for Cutting & Joining

When working with Biothane®, careful attention to cutting and joining techniques will help ensure a clean, professional, and long-lasting finish.

When using rivets, it is important to maintain even spacing throughout the project. Consistent placement not only improves the overall appearance but also helps distribute stress evenly across the material, enhancing strength and durability in high-use areas.

Biothane® can also be joined using specialised adhesives in certain applications, particularly where a smooth or low-profile finish is required. However, rivets and mechanical fixings remain the most reliable and widely used method, offering superior strength and long-term security.

By following these best practices, you can make full use of Biothane®’s strength, flexibility, and durability, resulting in finished products that are both professional in appearance and built to withstand demanding use.

Care & Maintenance of Biothane®

One of the key advantages of Biothane® is its low-maintenance durability, making it an ideal material for demanding and high-use environments. However, with simple and regular care, products made from Biothane® can maintain their appearance, hygiene, and performance for even longer.

Thanks to its waterproof, non-porous coating, Biothane® does not absorb dirt, moisture, or odours, meaning routine cleaning is quick and straightforward. In most cases, wiping the surface with warm soapy water and a soft cloth is sufficient to remove everyday grime and restore a clean finish.

For best results, avoid the use of harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning products, as these may affect the surface coating over time. After cleaning, allow the material to air dry fully before storage or further use to ensure it remains in optimal condition.

By following these simple care steps, Biothane® will continue to perform reliably while maintaining its clean, professional appearance, even after prolonged and repeated use.

Cleaning Biothane®

Biothane® is fully waterproof and designed for easy maintenance, meaning most dirt, mud, and general grime can be removed quickly with minimal effort. Its non-porous surface prevents absorption, helping to keep the material hygienic and looking clean for longer.

For routine cleaning, use warm water mixed with a mild soap or detergent. A soft cloth or sponge should be used to gently wipe down the surface, lifting away dirt without damaging or marking the coating. It is important to avoid harsh scrubbing or abrasive materials, as these may affect the finish over time.

Once cleaned, rinse the material thoroughly with clean water to ensure all soap residue is removed. This helps maintain the integrity of the coating and prevents any build-up that could affect appearance or performance.

After rinsing, allow the Biothane® to air dry completely before storage or reuse.

Drying

After cleaning, it is important to allow Biothane® to air dry completely before storing or reusing. This ensures that any remaining moisture has fully evaporated and helps maintain the material’s long-term performance and appearance.

Biothane® should always be dried naturally at room temperature. Avoid placing it near direct heat sources such as radiators, tumble dryers, or open flames, as excessive heat can damage the coating and compromise the integrity of the material.

Allowing the material to dry slowly and evenly helps preserve its flexibility, finish, and durability, ensuring it remains in optimal condition for future use.

Avoiding Chemicals

While Biothane® is highly resistant to many common substances, it is still important to avoid exposure to harsh chemicals, strong acids, and industrial solvents, as these can gradually degrade the protective coating over time.

For best performance and longevity, cleaning should always be carried out using mild, non-abrasive cleaning solutions. This helps preserve the integrity of the surface while maintaining its colour, flexibility, and overall finish.

It is also advisable to avoid prolonged or repeated contact with aggressive cleaning agents, as even limited exposure over time may impact the material’s appearance and durability.

By sticking to gentle cleaning methods and avoiding unnecessary chemical exposure, Biothane® will continue to perform reliably while maintaining its clean, professional finish.

Storage Tips

Proper storage is key to maintaining the appearance, flexibility, and long-term performance of Biothane® products.

It is recommended to store Biothane® items in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to UV light can, over time, lead to fading or gradual degradation of the material’s surface coating.

Where possible, avoid unnecessary folding or sharp creasing of thicker webbing. Repeated bending in the same areas may create stress points that could affect the material’s long-term strength and flexibility.

For best results, store items laid flat or loosely coiled, ensuring they are not under tension or pressure. This helps preserve the integrity of the material and keeps it in optimal condition for future use.

Maintaining Hardware

Regular inspection and maintenance of hardware components is essential to ensure the continued safety, performance, and longevity of Biothane® products.

It is recommended to routinely check rivets, buckles, clips, and other fittings to ensure they remain securely fastened and in good condition. Over time and with frequent use, these components may experience wear or loosening, so periodic inspection helps maintain reliability and prevents potential failure points.

Using rust-resistant metals such as stainless steel, nickel, or brass is strongly advised, as these materials are designed to withstand moisture and environmental exposure. This helps preserve both the structural integrity and appearance of the finished product, particularly in outdoor or high-use applications.

By combining regular checks with high-quality hardware, you can ensure long-term durability and consistent performance across all Biothane® applications.


By following these simple care and maintenance practices, Biothane® products will retain their strength, colour, and flexibility for many years of use. This ensures consistent performance, a clean professional appearance, and long-term reliability across a wide range of applications. With minimal upkeep required, Biothane® remains a dependable choice for both everyday use and professional environments where durability and ease of maintenance are essential.

YOUR ESSENTIAL KIT FOR COLLAR & LEAD MAKING


Everything you need for making collars & leads

Creating high-quality collars and leads starts with having the right tools, materials, and hardware at your fingertips. In this guide, we take you through the essential kit required for successful collar and lead making, helping you achieve strong, durable, and professional results.

Whether you’re working with traditional leather or modern materials such as Biothane®, we’ve got you covered. From cutting and measuring tools to rivets, buckles, and finishing hardware, having the correct equipment ensures accuracy, consistency, and a high-quality finish every time.