More tanners are concerned about the quality of raw materials in 2023, according to insights from the latest ILM Tanner Business Confidence Survey, writes ILM.

In 2023, the number of tanners concerned about declining raw material (hides/skins) quality jumped from 56% in 2022 to 68%. Meanwhile, the total respondents who would be prepared to pay more for guaranteed higher quality raw materials increased from 65% in 2022 to 75% in 2023.

When asked about the steps the industry could take in order to improve this raw material quality going forward, respondents focused on improving animal welfare and training suppliers at the farm level.

One tanner said: “The food and tanning industries should support the sustainability of farms and slaughterhouses in the supply chain. The diet and living conditions of the animals are the basis of the quality of the leather.”

The full results of the 2023 Tanner Business Confidence Survey are available now on the website for all ILM subscribers, including more information from tanners on the raw materials situation as well as a range of other data and hot button issues.