Author: Rose Tong

18 September 2025 Europe – Automotive leaders push back on 2035 combustion engine ban Leading automakers, as well as Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz, are urging the European Union (EU) to reconsider its planned 2035 ban on new combustion engine vehicles, warning that a rushed transition could destabilise key parts of the country’s automotive supply chain,… Continue reading Europe – Automotive leaders push back on 2035 combustion engine ban

18 September 2025 Automotive – Leather: officially certified as the sustainable option Leather’s Official Recognition as a Bio-Based Material: A Game Changer for OEMs. By One4Leather. The automotive industry faces increased scrutiny over sustainability claims. Consumers and regulators alike demand proof, clarity, and authenticity, especially regarding the interior materials that comprise the most visible part… Continue reading Automotive – Leather: officially certified as the sustainable option

18 September 2025 Design and Creation – The Creative Profession Today According to Nicolas Ghesquière In the contemporary fashion landscape, the role of the creative director is no longer that of a solitary genius dictating trends from the heights of an ivory tower. Nicolas Ghesquière, who has led Louis Vuitton for over ten years, told… Continue reading Design and Creation – The Creative Profession Today According to Nicolas Ghesquière

17 September 2025 One4Leather – Bovine Circularity Did you know cows are nature’s recyclers?   Globally, around 95% of what cattle eat is inedible to humans. For dairy cows, up to one-third of their diet is made up of agricultural byproducts like almond hulls, beet pulp, citrus pulp and brewers’ grains. Beef cattle also play… Continue reading One4Leather – Bovine Circularity

17 September 2025 Europe – COTANCE announces SYMBIOS Porto, 9–10 Sep, 2025: COTANCE is excited to announce the launch of SYMBIOS, a new Erasmus+ project for the leather industry. SYMBIOS will explore industrial symbiosis between the agrifood and leather sectors, building a replicable model of sustainable practices. A key outcome: a digital platform to: ✅… Continue reading Europe – COTANCE announces SYMBIOS

17 September 2025 The Disposability Epidemic – What We Lost When We Stopped Fixing Things We used to fix our boots. Now we throw them away and buy another synthetic pair. By Is it Leather? On LinkedIn. At some point, convenience overtook craftsmanship. Price trumped longevity. And we started replacing instead of repairing. We are… Continue reading The Disposability Epidemic

16 September 2025 US – Impact of Tariffs Shoe Prices Continue to Climb in August, More Increases Expected as Tariffs Impact Footwear Imports.   By Stephen Garner   Reference: WWD

16 September 2025 Tariffs – Supreme Court Agrees to Rule on Trump’s Tariff Scheme The high court will hear the Trump administration’s appeal of its sweeping tariff regime in November.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

16 September 2025 More tariff chaos avoided Trump Asks EU to Pressure Putin. By Levying Tariffs on China, India.   The president has called upon the European Union to join the United States in imposing trade penalties against China and India as he aims to push Russia to end its assault on Ukraine.   However,… Continue reading More tariff chaos avoided

16 September 2025 France – Leather trade balance critical in the first half of the year In the first half of 2025, the leather trade balance is critical. This is according to a report by Alliance France Cuir, which finds that imports remain stable, while exports decline slightly, signaling a shift in trade flows. Asia… Continue reading France – Leather trade balance critical in the first half of the year

16 September 2025 Leather to be officially recognised as bio-based material Presenting at the 38th IULTCS congress, scientific director of CTC ARS Tinctoria, Gustavo Adrian Defeo, announced that, following four years of work to combat greenwashing, leather will be officially registered as a bio-based material under the CEN/TC 411 standards by the end of the… Continue reading Leather to be officially recognised as bio-based material

16 September 2025 Bosnia-Herzogovina: Boxmark plans Bosnia plant expansion in 2026 From January 2026, Bosnian leather maker Boxmark Leather, a subsidiary of Boxmark Austria, will invest 13 million KM (€6.65 million) to expand the machinery park, boost production and increase its workforce by 400 workers. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Federal Minister of Labor and Social Policy,… Continue reading Bosnia-Herzogovina: Boxmark plans Bosnia plant expansion in 2026

15 September 2025 APLF Report – ASEAN Auto Sales 2024 and 2025 Outlook and Leather Interior Penetration Changan Automobile Factory for EV Production located in Rayong Province, Thailand Introduction One of the main drivers of leather demand in China and Southeast Asia is the automotive sector. In China, in 2025, with total vehicle sales estimated… Continue reading APLF Report – ASEAN Auto Sales 2024 and 2025 Outlook and Leather Interior Penetration

15 September 2025 Automotive Design Studio The Bridge of Weir Advanced Design and Trim Studio gives customers direct access to a team of world-class trim engineers, who turn bold design concepts into beautifully finished automotive interiors. From the earliest sketch to the final detail, the studio enables seamless collaboration between technical experts and creative minds.Combining… Continue reading Automotive Design Studio

15 September 2025 38th IULTCS Congress closes in Lyon The 38th congress of the International Union of Leather Technologists and Chemists Societies (IULTCS) came to a close in Lyon on September 11, with more than 200 delegates attending two and a half days of presentations. By Leatherbiz. The programme reflected the theme, “Beyond leather tradition,… Continue reading 38th IULTCS Congress closes in Lyon

12 September 2025 Jolt for New Gen Materials as NFW Winds Down Brett Mathews writes on LinkedIn: Natural Fiber Welding (NFW), one of the most hyped innovators in so-called ‘next-gen’ materials for fashion, is winding down operations. This is the company behind MIRUM, the plant-based leather alternative that promised to cut fashion’s reliance on synthetics.… Continue reading Jolt for New Gen Materials as NFW Winds Down

12 September 2025 Circular Economy: Reducing Waste, Protecting the Planet The Circular Economy is all about moving away from the “take, make, dispose” approach. Instead, we focus on reusing, repairing, and recycling products so they stay in use for as long as possible — protecting both our planet and its resources. By Sadesa. Where does… Continue reading Circular Economy: Reducing Waste, Protecting the Planet

12 September 2025 Biomimicry by Pangea Made Mimicking the natural world, Biomimicry embraces Earth’s wisdom as it guides our path to innovation and sustainable design. As part of Pangea’s 2024 Trend Show, we introduced the theme Biomimicry. Studying nature’s patterns and processes, this theme is driven by our passion for constructing bio-led designs. By observing… Continue reading Biomimicry by Pangea Made

11 September 2025 Giorgio Armani dies at 91 The world of fashion is mourning the death of Giorgio Armani. He died at his home in Milan on September 4. By Leatherbiz. The brand that bears his name confirmed that, even at 91, Mr Armani had worked until his final days, “dedicating himself to the company,… Continue reading Giorgio Armani dies at 91

11 September 2025 IULTCS Congress – Heidemann lecture focuses on collagen and upcycling The XXXVIII IULTCS Congress opened in Lyon on September 9 with the keynote Heidemann lecture delivered by Dr Dietrich Tegtmeyer. By Leatherbiz. Dr Tegtmeyer explored the fundamental role of collagen in leather making and urged the industry to broaden its focus beyond… Continue reading IULTCS Congress – Heidemann lecture focuses on collagen and upcycling

11 September 2025 Volkswagen in advanced discussions amidst U.S. tariff pressures Volkswagen Group is reportedly in advanced discussions with the U.S. government regarding a potential investment agreement that could strengthen the German carmaker’s manufacturing footprint in North America. By ILM. The talks come as the company continues to navigate tariff pressures, restructuring costs and profitability… Continue reading Volkswagen in advanced discussions amidst U.S. tariff pressures

10 September 2025 Tariffs – U.S. tariffs increase leather goods prices by 39%, The Budget Lab says According to analysis from Yale University’s policy research centre, U.S. consumers have seen leather goods (shoes and handbags) prices jump by approximately 39% in the short term. By ILM. Even with substitution and global supply shifts, the research… Continue reading Tariffs – U.S. tariffs increase leather goods prices by 39%, The Budget Lab says

10 September 2025 IULTCS – THANK YOU to our YLSG 2026 Sponsors! We extend our deepest appreciation to the three outstanding organizations supporting the next generation of leather scientists through the IULTCS Young Leather Scientist Grant 2026: Italprogetti – Driving innovation in industrial leather machinery Leather Naturally – Advocating globally for sustainable leather education Trumpler… Continue reading IULTCS – THANK YOU to our YLSG 2026 Sponsors!

10 September 2025 Italy Footwear – Tough first half of 2025 for Italy’s shoe manufacturers Italy’s national footwear industry association Assocalzaturifici has published an update on the sector’s performance on the eve of the 100th edition of the Micam exhibition in Milan. By Leatherbiz. Assocalzaturifici said that, based on surveys it carries out of its… Continue reading Italy Footwear – Tough first half of 2025 for Italy’s shoe manufacturers

5 September 2025 Trade – US BRICS Tariff Ticker: Treasury Sec. ‘Confident’ Supreme Court Will Uphold Trump Tariffs, BRICS Members Convene in ChinaTreasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration will push forward its tariff agenda as it heads to the Supreme Court.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

5 September 2025 India Trade INDIA to begin trade negotiations with the EU to step up FTA. INDIA to tap Textile, FOOTWEAR markets in the EU. Source: CNN NEWS18

7 September 2025 Impact of Tariff Chaos Global Trade Policy Uncertainty Reaches Record Highs as Industrial Rivalries Weaken Multilateral Safeguards Worldwide Global Trade Policy Uncertainty Reaches Record Highs as Industrial Rivalries Weaken Multilateral Safeguards Worldwide. Trade policy uncertainty has surged to unprecedented levels across global markets, creating widespread disruption for businesses and economies worldwide. New… Continue reading Impact of Tariff Chaos

7 September 2025 China and U.S. working together on leather tariffs Speaking at the All China Leather Exhibition (ACLE) in Shanghai on September 3, Chen Zhanguang, Vice Chairman of the China Leather Industry Association (CLIA), said that his organisation was engaged with his U.S. counterparts to mitigate the impact of trade tariffs between the two… Continue reading China and U.S. working together on leather tariffs

7 September 2025 Appointment for Leather Naturally Applications are shortly close for a new Communications Lead to join our Board and drive awareness and engagement for the vision and mission of Leather Naturally. We are looking for a passionate leather industry professional who believes in the mission of Leather Naturally and our initiatives. This position… Continue reading Appointment for Leather Naturally

7 September 2025 China Automotive – Room for growth in China’s €50 billion leather market All seats in the X9 are covered in nappa leather. Maker, Xpeng, tells consumers: “Every inch has a high-end touch.” The director general of industry body Alliance France Cuir, Marc Brunel, said at the start of the All China Leather… Continue reading China Automotive – Room for growth in China’s €50 billion leather market

7 September 2025 APLF Report: Automotive – Update and Outlook for China Vehicle Sales in 2025 Geely Starship 7 EM-i PHEV, at Auto Shanghai 2025 China’s total vehicle sales for 2025 were tracking for 32.9 million units, with a significant 11.4% increase in total sales by the first half of the year and a forecast… Continue reading APLF Report: Automotive – Update and Outlook for China Vehicle Sales in 2025

6 September 2025 Weev x Sustainable Leather Foundation Weev is excited to announce a strengthened collaboration with the Sustainable Leather Foundation (SLF) to make sustainable material sourcing simpler, smarter, and more transparent. By connecting SLF’s Transparency Dashboards with Weev’s cutting edge digitalisation systems for the creation process, brands and suppliers now have one seamless window… Continue reading Weev x Sustainable Leather Foundation

6 September 2025 TFL Group at ACLE 2025 ACLE Shanghai has come to a close! This event confirmed once again the energy and forward-looking spirit of the leather industry — determined to thrive despite the current global economic challenges.  TFL proudly stands alongside tanneries, supporting them with great chemicals. Excellent advice.  Let’s continue to shape… Continue reading TFL Group at ACLE 2025

6 September 2025 Leather Naturally – Accomplishments during 2024 We’re proud to share the Leather Naturally 2024 Annual Report, highlighting a year of growth, impact, and global advocacy for sustainable leather. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/eGpx4nWB In 2024, we: – Welcomed 172 member organisations – Reached 600,000 views through paid awareness campaigns – Increased… Continue reading Leather Naturally – Accomplishments during 2024

5 September 2025 India braces for U.S. tariffs but EU concerns linger While expressing confidence in its ability to navigate the challenge of the U.S. tariff storm, Kolkata’s leather industry has also communicated concern about the European Union (EU) being pressurised by the U.S. to raise tariffs in response its continued import of Russian oil.… Continue reading India braces for U.S. tariffs but EU concerns linger

5 September 2025 Vegan Leather Won’t Help Save The Planet In recent years, fashion houses and carmakers alike have started moving away from traditional leather, swapping it for mushroom-based fabrics, pineapple fibres, or recycled plastic composites. By One4Leather. Stella McCartney, the poster child for luxury sustainability, has built her entire empire on avoiding animal hides.… Continue reading Vegan Leather Won’t Help Save The Planet

5 September 2025 Environmental Regeneration – Regenerative Fund for Nature Surpasses 2026 Land Goal with 1.1 million Hectares Enrolled across Eight Countries The Regenerative Fund for Nature’s 2024 Annual Report shows it has exceeded its land transformation target two years early. With 1.1 million hectares and 105,000 beneficiaries enrolled, the Fund’s projects in eight countries… Continue reading Environmental Regeneration

4 September 2025 Uruguay – Minerva and Marfrig dispute Uruguay plant sale Brazilian meatpackers Minerva and Marfrig told investors on August 29 that they dispute the termination of a contract for three Uruguayan beef plants. By ILM. Coprodec blocked Minerva’s proposed acquisition of three meat plants from Marfrig due to antitrust concerns in 2024, maintaining… Continue reading Uruguay – Minerva and Marfrig dispute Uruguay plant sale

4 September 2025 Leatherbiz Market Intelligence – Some positive signs in China Image shows the interior of the Hongqi H9. We published the newest edition of our Leatherbiz Market Intelligence newsletter on September 2. By Leatherbiz.   As the industry prepares for the 2025 edition of the All China Leather Exhibition in Shanghai, the newsletter… Continue reading Leatherbiz Market Intelligence – Some positive signs in China

4 September 2025 TFL at IULTCS Congress 2025 in Lyon IULTCS Congress in Lyon is about to start! We’re thrilled to announce that TFL will be participating in this important event, contributing to the global conversation on innovation in the leather industry. Our Global Head of Business Development and Industry Relations Dr. Volker Rabe will… Continue reading TFL at IULTCS Congress 2025 in Lyon

3 September 2025 Puma and Charles F Stead collaborate again on suede sneakers Puma has renewed its partnership with British tannery Charles F Stead for its Puma Suede, a shoe renowned for its signature upper and nostalgic colourways. By ILM. In the second iteration of this collaboration, the Puma Suedes feature original detailing and are… Continue reading Puma and Charles F Stead collaborate again on suede sneakers

3 September 2025 Tricker’s England – Est. 1829: The Burford ConsTruct Derby Boot in Albbueffel® Olivenleder® Buffalo Leather. Handmade in our Northampton factory on the iconic 4497S last, each pair is crafted from Albbueffel® Olivenleder® Buffalo Leather, which is a rare, sustainably produced hide tanned with olive leaves, a byproduct of the olive oil industry.… Continue reading Tricker’s England – Est. 1829

3 September 2025 LHCSA Appointment ISA Next-Gen Materials reports on LinkedIn: We’re proud to share that Adam Simon, our U.S. Sales Director, was nominated to the Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA) Foundation Board, which oversees the Leather Research Lab at the University of Cincinnati. This well-deserved recognition highlights Adam’s dedication and contributions to… Continue reading LHCSA Appointment

2 September 2025 Footwear – Import ban can boost Mexico’s footwear industry, minister says Mexico has announced a ban on the temporary import into the country of finished footwear. The country’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, announced the measure on August 28 and said it would take effect immediately. By Leatherbiz. Minister for the economy, Marcelo Ebrard,… Continue reading Footwear – Import ban can boost Mexico’s footwear industry, minister says

2 September 2025 Slow Luxury by Leather Naturally Slow luxury. In a world of fast fashion and frenzy, a counter trend is emerging that embraces authenticity, craftsmanship, sustainability and quality. According to fashion trend magazine, WWD, whilst the global luxury market experiences fatigue, slow luxury leather bags that champion sustainability and timelessness are gaining momentum.… Continue reading Slow Luxury by Leather Naturally

2 September 2025 Tibet- Home of ZANG YAK® Leather Francis Tsang writes on LinkedIn: Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (玉树藏族自治州), located in Qinghai Province, China, is renowned for its unique Tibetan culture, stunning landscapes, and rich Buddhist heritage. Traditionally, nomadic herders in this region used black yak-hair tents to protect themselves from the harsh climate, which… Continue reading Tibet- Home of ZANG YAK® Leather

1 September 2025 US and EU finalise deal on car export tariffs According to new details released following a revised U.S.-EU agreement on August 21, the EU will first have to pass legislation reducing U.S. export tariffs to zero in order to get the 27.5% tariffs on car exports reduced to 15%. By ILM. In… Continue reading US and EU finalise deal on car export tariffs

1 September 2025 Tariffs & Trade – Turkey’s Tariff Edge: Cliff Hanger or Easy Road Ahead? With a new rate of just 15 percent, Turkey has a significant advantage compared to its Asian competitors.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

1 September 2025 Tariff Ticker: Trump Threatens 200% Duties on China and Higher Tariffs for Furniture The Trump administration’s tariff policies remain consistently in flux.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

1 September 2025 Trade – China’s Alliance With India Blossoms as Ambassador Terms US a ‘Bully’ on Trade China and India have lately made inroads in their historically icy relationship by commiserating over steep, double-digit duties leveled on both countries by the U.S.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

1 September 2025 Tariffs On India Modi Pushes India’s Citizens to Buy Domestic as Tariff Deadline Approaches. The Indian prime minister is encouraging the country’s consumers to buy Made in India products as the U.S. tariff escalation threatens local manufacturing.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

1 September 2025 ACLE 2025 Leather and business: Brazil will be at the Shanghai fair with 11 companies The growth of finished leather exports, with high added value, is a constant pursuit of Brazil’s tanning industry. China, the leading buyer of Brazilian leather in the international market, increased by 10% the value of its imports… Continue reading ACLE 2025 – Leather and business: Brazil will be at the Shanghai fair with 11 companies

1 September 2025 Leather Naturally on Hermes Success Congratulations to Hermès, setting a new record in 2025 sales with 9% growth at 3.9bn euros, led by customers in Japan and the Americas, driving sales in saddlery and leather goods. What’s behind this iconic leather brand’s success in a challenging global luxury sector? Commentators are pointing… Continue reading Leather Naturally on Hermes Success

1 September 2025 Footwear Vietnam Vietnam Footwear Industry Faces Three Major Problems in Domestic Market Says Lefaso https://lnkd.in/gfamMs2T. “The paradox is that we lack the raw materials to make a complete pair of shoes. Sometimes importing finished products from outside is cheaper than producing them domestically. That is what makes us extremely worried” – Phan… Continue reading Footwear Vietnam

29 August 2025 Brazil – CICB puts figures on Brazil’s leather exports to the US Brazil’s national tanning industry association CICB has put figures on the value of the sector’s exports to the US, which are now subject to tariff levels of 50%. By Leatherbiz. In 2024, Brazil exported leather worth $166.8 million to the… Continue reading Brazil – CICB puts figures on Brazil’s leather exports to the US

29 August 2025 Celebrating 5 Years of Sustainable Progress! Today we’re proud to mark a significant milestone — 5 years of the Sustainable Leather Foundation! Since our launch in 2020, we’ve been dedicated to making the leather industry more transparent, responsible, and sustainable. Thanks to our growing global community, we’ve: Developed practical tools to support… Continue reading Celebrating 5 Years of Sustainable Progress!

29 August 2025 Tasman Leather of New Zealand We’re proud to be a member of Leather Naturally – a global initiative that champions responsible leather production and tells the truth about leather’s environmental and material strengths. As Australasia’s only end-to-end tannery, our membership reflects a shared belief in transparency, traceability and innovation across the full… Continue reading Tasman Leather of New Zealand

28 August 2025 Sustainable Cars One4Leather writes on LinkedIn: When discussing sustainable cars, the conversation often focuses on batteries and emissions. But the materials inside the vehicle tell their own story. Most plastic-based substitutes for leather follow the linear economy: 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲, 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲, 𝗨𝘀𝗲, 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲. They are made from fossil fuels, wear out quickly and usually… Continue reading Sustainable Cars

28 August 2025 Land Rover Classic by Bridge of Weir Leather We are delighted to continue our long-standing partnership with JLR Classic on the launch of the Land Rover Defender V8 Churchill Edition which is inspired by Sir Winston Churchill’s original Series I. Featuring a distinctive Bridge of Weir Bottle Green semi-aniline leather interior, this… Continue reading Land Rover Classic by Bridge of Weir Leather

28 August 2025 Ecco launches resale programme Footwear brand Ecco has introduced a resale initiative, Ecco PreLoved, in Germany. By Leatherbiz. The programme allows consumers to trade in pre-owned Ecco shoes and bags at selected stores in exchange for a voucher towards a new purchase.   Collected items will be professionally cleaned, repaired and prepared… Continue reading Ecco launches resale programme

27 August 2025 U.S and EU finalise deal on car export tariffs According to new details released following a revised U.S.-EU agreement on August 21, the EU will first have to pass legislation reducing U.S. export tariffs to zero in order to get the 27.5% tariffs on car exports reduced to 15%. By ILM. In… Continue reading U.S and EU finalise deal on car export tariffs

27 August 2025 Tibet – Support for Communities by the ZANG YAK® team Francis Tsang writes on LinkedIn: Before the ZANG YAK® team launched its initiative to source domestic yak rawhide, support for Tibetan communities was limited, and much of their resources ended up in landfills. The extreme geographic isolation of the Tibetan Plateau, characterized… Continue reading Tibet – Support for Communities by the ZANG YAK® team

27 August 2025 Retail – Fashion: 5,000 stores closed in Germany in 5 years, Spanish exports down The new frontiers of the crisis. The (surprisingly) negative data demonstrate the impact of the German retail apocalypse. Every year, for the last five years, nearly 1,000 clothing, footwear, and leather goods stores have closed, resulting in 10,000… Continue reading Retail – Fashion: 5,000 stores closed in Germany in 5 years, Spanish exports down

26 August 2025 Trade – India and China India and China: US Tariffs Turn Rivals Toward Friendship in Major Geopolitical Shift.   Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in New Delhi on Monday for a two-day visit viewed by many as the first indication of a thaw in relations between two rivals.   Reference: Sourcing… Continue reading Trade – India and China

26 August 2025 Tariffs – US and India India Suspends Duties on Raw Cotton Imports, Benefitting US Exporters, as a concession to tariff war with US. The move is expected to grant some measure of relief to domestic textile and apparel manufacturers grappling with potential revenue loss from higher U.S. tariffs.   Reference: Sourcing Journal

26 August 2025 Sustainable Leather Trends ISA New Gen Materials writes on LinkedIn: Crafted with precision and care, our sustainable leather trims are designed to elevate every detail of your product. With customized technology options: debossing, embossing, foiling, printing, and special finishing – our trims bring style and distinction to apparel, bags, footwear, and furniture.… Continue reading Sustainable Leather Trends

26 August 2025 One4Leather: The Uses and Circularity of Leather Did you know cows are nature’s recyclers? Globally, around 95% of what cattle eat is inedible to humans. For dairy cows, up to one-third of their diet is made up of agricultural byproducts like almond hulls, beet pulp, citrus pulp and brewers’ grains. Beef cattle… Continue reading One4Leather: The Uses and Circularity of Leather

26 August 2025 Zero Waste Leather CO – Elmo Circular Operating model sets a new benchmark for circular economy within the tanning industry. The tradition of leather, refining a material made by nature is one of the oldest circular economies in the world, creating a sustainable value proposition based on upcycling. At Elmo, we apply… Continue reading Zero Waste Leather

25 August 2025 Trade: Details of US-EU Bilateral Trade Agreement Here are the 4 fundamental points for the Italian and European fashion supply chain that emerge from the details published jointly by the United States and the EU to clarify the bilateral trade agreement. By La Conceria. 1 – the 15% duty applied to the… Continue reading Trade: Details of US-EU Bilateral Trade Agreement

25 August 2025 Monterey Car Week with Bridge of Weir Leather The debut of our newest design concept, The Conscious Collection, was recently shared with our US-based customers during an unforgettable Monterey Car Week. As the automotive world gathered to celebrate innovation and craftsmanship, it was a highlight to see our leather featured in some… Continue reading Monterey Car Week with Bridge of Weir Leather

25 August 2025 APLF Report – Automotive Leather Production and Consumption in China: 2024-2025 Background Over the past decade, China has emerged as a global leader in both the manufacture and consumption of automotive leather. As the largest automotive market in the world, the country’s demand for high-quality interiors has fueled significant growth in the… Continue reading APLF Report – Automotive Leather Production and Consumption in China: 2024-2025

22 August 2025 TFL in China Bo Li, Wet End Technical Manager at TFL China, says:   One of my favourite TFL products is TANIGAN® PSW-C Liq. good lightfastness and heat resistance very good tightness good fullness good for FOC retanning due to its tanning power good bleaching effect   TANIGAN® PSW-C Liq. is the… Continue reading TFL in China

22 August 2025 Brazil – Strong quarterly revenues for JBS JBS, the world’s largest meat company and hide processor headquartered in Brazil posted record quarterly net revenues of nearly US$21 billion on August 13 as it navigates a challenging U.S. cattle cycle and deals with global geopolitical tensions. By ILM. The company, which reported results… Continue reading Brazil – Strong quarterly revenues for JBS

22 August 2025 Events – IULTCS Congress 2025 in Lyon France Dietrich Tegtmeyer to Deliver Heidemann Lecture at IULTCS Congress in Lyon this September https://lnkd.in/gGqJEqeX. The International Union of Leather Technologists and Chemists Societies (IULTCS) has confirmed that Dietrich Tegtmeyer will present the prestigious Heidemann Lecture at the XXXVIII IULTCS Congress in Lyon, France from… Continue reading Events – IULTCS Congress 2025 in Lyon France

21 August 2025 Footwear – Trump tariffs threaten Indian leather industry, by @ILMEditor India’s leather exporters face a severe blow as U.S. President Donald Trump imposes steep tariff hikes on Indian footwear, jeopardising recent export gains in the American market.   Reference: ILM

21 August 2025 Trade – U.S. and China extend tariff deadline by 90 days, by @ILMEditor The United States and China have agreed to extend their trade truce for a further 90 days, avoiding planned increases in tariffs between the world’s two largest economies.   Reference: ILM

21 August 2025 Scotland – Muirhead’s Lowest Carbon Leather Leading the Leather Industry to Net-Zero – One Hide at a Time. Through our patented circular manufacturing process, we have created the world’s lowest-carbon leather, with an independently verified impact of just 8kg CO₂e per square metre. Every hide is sourced locally with full traceability, ensuring… Continue reading Scotland – Muirhead’s Lowest Carbon Leather

21 August 2025 Leather Trends Show by Pangea Made Ancestral merges the past and present to forge leather that redefines what timeless beauty means. Our second theme for our 2024 Trend Show was Ancestral. Taking inspiration from the rich heritage of design and craftsmanship, the theme pays homage to classic patterns and techniques while coexisting… Continue reading Leather Trends Show by Pangea Made

21 August 2025 Record full-year revenues for Tapestry Accessories group Tapestry has reported full-year revenues of more than $7 billion for the fiscal year ending on June 28, 2025. This figure represents growth of 5% year on year. By Leatherbiz. Chief executive, Joanne Crevoiserat, said this was a record figure for the group and that… Continue reading Record full-year revenues for Tapestry

20 August 2025 Tibet – Regenerative Yak Leather and Tibetan Culture https://www.aplf.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Yaks2.mp4 Francis Tsang writes on LinkedIn: Our progress will significantly impact us, no matter how slow or minor. The global promotion of Tibetan Regenerative Yak leather should be essential for spreading Tibetan culture internationally. This initiative connects tradition with modernity and local identity with… Continue reading Tibet – Regenerative Yak Leather and Tibetan Culture

20 August 2025 Leather – Durability is a Form of Honesty Is it Leather? Writes on LinkedIn: What if that shiny fake leather jacket didn’t just show you how it looks today – but how it would look a year from now? Would you still buy it? Imagine browsing your favorite store. On the hanger:… Continue reading Leather – Durability is a Form of Honesty

20 August 2025 Real Leather, Stay Different – Defining Luxury through Sustainability As the daughter of a Uruguayan cattle rancher, Gabriela Hearst’s connection to leather runs deep. Since launching her namesake label in 2015, she’s made sustainability central to her vision – drawing from a childhood spent on her family’s 17,000-acre ranch in Paysandú, where… Continue reading Real Leather, Stay Different – Defining Luxury through Sustainability

19 August 2025 Global Footwear Statistics 2025 Global Footwear Industry Produced 23.9 Billion Pairs and $170 Billion in Exports in 2024 (HERE’s EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW) 2023 was a rough year for global footwear Industry as a whole. Well, in 2024 things changed. According to the latest World Footwear Yearbook 2025 by APICCAPS, the… Continue reading Global Footwear Statistics 2025

19 August 2025 Slight growth for Hugo Boss in second quarter Hugo Boss reported a modest 1% increase in group revenue for the second quarter of 2025, amid what it described as an “ongoing challenging market environment”. By ILM. Boss Menswear, boosted by the David Beckham collaboration, delivered the strongest performance, while Boss Womenswear and… Continue reading Slight growth for Hugo Boss in second quarter

19 August 2025 Leather Technology from TFL Group Christoph Roth, Automotive Finishing Technician at TFL Germany, says:“One of my favourite TFL products is RODA® CAR B 34/N.   Good flexibility (Bally Flex approved!) Bends, flexes, and moves like a yoga master in a leather jacket Good covering. Smooth & even application every time Good dry… Continue reading Leather Technology from TFL Group

18 August 2025 Leather Naturally opens applications for Communications Lead Leather Naturally has announced the opening of a voluntary position for a Communications Lead on its Management Board. By ILM. The role involves overseeing the organisation’s communications strategy, working closely with the Communications Team and acting as a link between the team and the board.… Continue reading Leather Naturally opens applications for Communications Lead

18 August 2025 We don’t have a Leather Problem. We have a Marketing Problem Is it Leather? Writes on LinkedIn: Leather didn’t fall out of favor because it failed. It wasn’t durability, performance, or sustainability that pushed it aside. It was optics. It was spin and headlines that told half-truths. It was activist campaigns –… Continue reading We don’t have a Leather Problem. We have a Marketing Problem

18 August 2025 Mexico clamps down on footwear imports Mexico will temporarily stop the importation of finished footwear under the IMMEX programme to prevent tax evasion and protect local producers. By Leatherbiz. Economy minister Marcelo Ebrard said the change, ordered by president Claudia Sheinbaum, will take effect in the coming days. IMMEX, designed for raw… Continue reading Mexico clamps down on footwear imports

15 August 2025 Spain – Next edition of Loewe Craft Prize launches Leathergoods brand Loewe has launched the 2026 edition of its Craft Prize. By Leatherbiz. Launched in 2016, this competition aims to celebrate the traditional skills and also the innovation that current generations of craftspeople display. It aims to celebrate and support working artists… Continue reading Spain – Next edition of Loewe Craft Prize launches

15 August 2025 German Court Bans Misleading Use of “Apple Leather” On July 4, 2025, the Higher Regional Court of Cologne ruled that plastic collars sold as “apple leather” must no longer mislead consumers. The case involved TV personality Martin Rütter’s brand, Mina Merchandising GmbH, which falsely marketed synthetic products using the term “leather.” The… Continue reading German Court Bans Misleading Use of “Apple Leather”

15 August 2025 Real Leather Stay Different (RLSD) – Student Design Competition Leather Naturally writes on LinkedIn: Huge congratulations to the shortlisted winners of the Real Leather. Stay Different. student competition. This year’s shortlisted cohort have definitely raised the bar to a whole new level and with 1,483 projects submitted from around the word, 2025… Continue reading Real Leather Stay Different (RLSD) – Student Design Competition

14 August 2025 Traceable, No Waste, Automotive Leather Brusarosco writes on LinkedIn: Sustainability guides every stage of our production and the selection of our suppliers. With the Zero Waste Leather® and Sec0nda Vita® trademarks, we offer innovative, circular solutions that enhance material reuse the in leather industry. We use traceable raw materials and hides sourced… Continue reading Traceable, No Waste, Automotive Leather

14 August 2025 Water Saving and Usage Isa New Gen Materials writes on LinkedIn: At ISA, we look for sustainable methods to minimize our impact on the environment as much as possible. To limit the impact on the local communities, we minimize the usage of municipal water by the collection of rainwater for production and… Continue reading Water Saving and Usage

14 August 2025 Colombia – Bogotá again plays host to artisan leather fair A new edition of an open-air artisan fair to celebrate local leather craftsmanship took place in Bogotá from August 8-10. By Leatherbiz. For a number of years now, Bogotá’s chamber of commerce has invited manufacturers of leather, leathergoods and footwear to take… Continue reading Colombia – Bogotá again plays host to artisan leather fair