We spoke to Dr Luis Zugno, Chair of Leather Naturally, a non-profit organisation dedicated to leather education and the promotion of compliant, regulated leather manufacturing. Our conversation focused on the organisation’s role in the industry and current debates surrounding leather
Cotance and industriAll Europe have adopted a new Social Dialogue Work Programme 2026-2030. This is aimed at strengthening the skills, sustainability and competitiveness of the EU leather industry
The Italy-based luxury group is collaborating with Indian artisans on a limited-edition sandal collection inspired by the country’s traditional footwear, aiming to turn cultural appropriation backlash into a positive partnership
Portuguese tannery exports grew by 5.8% year-on-year up to September 2025, reflecting the recovery in external demand and the ongoing efforts of the sector to modernise production
Brazilian companies JBS Couros and Viva have signed a binding memorandum of understanding to form a new group called JBS Viva. The new company will process over 20 million hides per year
The not-for-profit membership association representing the leather industry has appointed Jim Deheer (Loop Marketing) and Carla Vélez (Leather Cluster Barcelona) to its Management Board
We spoke to Gustavo Gonzalez-Quijano, who has been the Secretary General at COTANCE for more than 30 years. We discussed some of the critical issues around the European leather industry, including traceability standards and material metrics
Several organisations in the leather industry are challenging environmental misconceptions and urging COP30 to recognise leather as a sustainable, bio-based material that supports the circular economy
With exhibitors from nearly 20 countries, the Italian fairs provided a platform for industry dialogue and showcased Italian resilience in a sector facing export declines and shifting global dynamics
The Shanghai trade fair welcomed thousands of professionals, with global trade links and emerging markets offering prospects for the leather sector. The next edition is set to occur in September 2026
The leading footwear and leather technology fair, Simac Tanning Tech, is now underway in Milan. Highlights of the agenda include sessions on artificial intelligence, digitalisation and sustainability
The footwear and leather technology fair, happening in Milan from September 23 to 25, will welcome over three hundred exhibitors, emphasising global collaboration, sustainability, and innovation in machinery and production processes
From China to Vietnam, the industry spotlight was on innovation, sourcing and design as leading trade fairs hosted global brands, suppliers and buyers seeking to reinforce connections across markets
The deadline for early bird registration for the next UITIC Congress, to be held in Shanghai from the 31st of August to the 3rd of September, has been extended until the 1st of July
Data from the Export Promotion Bureau reveals that Bangladesh’s footwear sector has shown an upward trend between July 2024 and May 2025, across both the leather and non-leather segments