In comparison, industrial output in Turkey in September was 2.2% higher year-on-year.

The main reason given for leather industry companies not operating at full capacity in August this year was a shortage of raw materials.

Production was 2.5% lower than in the January to September period in 2006. In comparison, industrial output in Slovakia was 14.2% higher year-on-year.

The CE mark reassures customers that the safety footwear they are buying is fit for its intended use, and meets some of the world's strictest standards. For a product to receive a CE mark, it must be assessed by an accredited European Notified Body, such as SATRA. Simmons also stressed the need for European distributors and retailers to check that all footwear they are supplied with has received an EC type examination certificate.

New or modernised capacity for the accommodation of 26,100 head of cattle was put into operation at Russian livestock farms in the first nine months of this year. The figure in the same period in 2006 was 6,000 head.

Georgian imports of the same types of commodities in the January to September period were worth US$808,600.

Danish exports of the same types of commodities to Germany in the same month were worth US$518,700.

In comparison, industrial output in the Czech Republic in the January to September period this year was 8.9% higher year-on-year.

Albanian exports of the same types of commodities in the January to September period were worth US$18 million), as against US$13 million in the corresponding period last year.

Serbia exported leather and leather products worth E122 million in the first nine months of this year, compared with E99 million in the same period last year. Serbian imports of the same types of commodities in the January to September period were worth E176 million, as against E137 million in the corresponding period in 2006.

Large and medium-sized leather companies had working assets worth US$737 million and reserves worth US$328 million at the end of June.

Polish exports of the same types of commodities in the January to June period were 9.8% higher year-on-year at E188 million.

In comparison, manufacturing output in Macedonia in the January to September period was 4.3% higher year-on-year.

Dimko Mitrev export 70% of their production to Sweden and 20% to Germany, Russia, the Netherlands and other countries. 10% of production is sold on the domestic market.

Hungarian exports of the same types of commodities in the January to August period were 8.1% higher year-on-year at E94 million.

LCW is a specialist manufacturer of chromium-based chemicals and a provider of toll processing services, including spray drying and vacuum drying. The business is based in Glossop, UK, and employs 40 staff.

Dow will increase off-schedule prices for butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, methyl acrylate, and glacial acrylic acid globally as follows: in North America by US$0.04 per pound; in Asia Pacific by US$90 per metric ton; in Middle East/Africa by US$90 per metric ton; in Latin America by US$90 per metric ton; in Europe by 60 Euros per metric ton.

Croatian imports of the same types of commodities in the January to September period were 15.8% higher year-on-year at US$330 million.

Ireland exported hides and skins worth E54.7 million in the first seven months of this year, compared with E52.8 million in the same period in 2006. Ireland exported leather and leather products worth E20 million in the January to July period, as against E11.3 million in the corresponding period last year.

The programmes have yet to be endorsed by the government. They have been drafted jointly with the Economic Institute in Zagreb. The leather industry accounted for 0.24% of Croatian GDP and employed 8,100 people in 2005. The share of GDP held by the industry is expected to increase to 0.26% in 2015 as a result of the support programmes. The number of employees in the leather industry is expected to fall to 7,800 by 2015.

Argentine imports of the same types of commodities in the January to June period were 14.6% higher year-on-year at US$61 million.

'The costs of key raw materials - such as propylene, ethylene, methanol, as well as other raw materials like tin - have remained persistently high,' said Pierre Brondeau, executive vice president in charge of specialty materials. 'Earlier in the year, there were strong indications that raw material prices would peak around mid-year, and then trail off during the second half of 2007. Given these expectations, we did whatever we could to use internal controls to mitigate the impact of the cost increases to Rohm and Haas, and selectively sought price increases in extreme conditions.

The slaughterhouse will have the capacity to slaughter 100 cattle and 8,000 poultry a day. Hapro has already signed supply contracts with livestock farms in Ha Tay, Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Yen Bai and Phu Tho provinces.

Among the issues discussed were the manufacturing of leathergoods and the possible establishment of joint ventures in the leather industry.

Jordanian exports of raw hides and skins, and leather, in the January to June period were worth US$3.5 million, as against US$3.8 million in the corresponding period last year.

In comparison, industrial output in the Czech Republic in the January to August period this year was 9.9% higher year-on-year.

The investigation has not given grounds for hope that the seat will be returned and Matthew Nicholls, technical director, commented 'obviously we're hugely disappointed at the theft of this unique product, especially given the tireless amount of time and development work that went into creating the product. But our legal team is monitoring the situation carefully and are confident that the international patent and trademark will not be compromised, but we will be taking very swift action in the unlikely event that it does.'

TFL Cool system was awarded first prize in the category of best product innovation. One of the judging panel, Prof Droescher described it as having a 'wow!' factor - demonstrating that even in a mature sector such as leather processing, there can be startling, unexpected innovation. Dr Dirk Carrez added that TFL had shown an in-depth knowledge of the properties of a natural material to come up with innovative dyes and coatings that worked with the properties of leather to deliver the desired effect.

In comparison, overall industrial output in Ukraine in the January to September period this year was 10.7% higher year-on-year.

Production was 3.2% lower than in the January to August period in 2006. In comparison, industrial output in Slovakia was 14% higher year-on-year.

The launch of UK footwear manufacturer Van Dal's new collection was truly a work of art. Canvasses bearing six foot images of the new season's range adorned the walls of a gallery, as retailers were treated to a very artistic preview before the exhibition opened to the public.

The Spanish Council of Ministers have approved a set of measures to support the footwear, leather and leathergoods sectors in an attempt to safeguard 40,000 jobs.

Stahl's Colour Forecast for the Summer 2009 season shows a playful palette of warmer and lighter colour groups from which beautiful and thoughtful combinations create a perfect balance. Although more precious, refined and thoughtful, Stahl says, 'Have fun!' and don't take fashion too seriously while playing with colours and material contrasts. The meanings of 'Techno' and 'Futuristic' have changed, giving a new approach to nature and the environment. Techno takes over a new raw vegetal look. 'Futuristic' takes lightness and softness to a much higher level. Together they humanise technology with humble and familiar materials producing a crafted and natural look. The six colour groups featured are the refined neutrals of Plus Class, the radiant pastels of Evolving Shapes, the quiet world and moonlit shadow of Magnificent Rural, the spicy old damask shades of Grand Bazaar, the muted pastel colours of dried flowers in Bohemian Reverie and finally the sparkling lively scene of Sungliders. Plus Class is a celebration of the modern classic style enriched by a 40s heritage with silky surfaces and fluid ladylike shapes. Refined neutral colours range from vanilla cream through pale browns and greys to slightly deeper shades of rose and chocolate. Placed together they create a perfect balance. Evolving Shapes use contemporary design expressions of skyscrapers and modish advanced arts to develop a perfect synthesis between highly functional and modern personality for a look of super elegance with a strong creative value. The results are subtle rubbery surfaces with a look of vivid lustrous plasticity and a gamut of added value shapes that are truly original and exhibit charming and mysterious differences between day and night. Colours are more radiant ranging from the sensual vanilla, penguin grey and powder blue pastels to vivid Chinese red and the deep brown of peat. Magnificent Rural is inspired by the harmony and strictness of the orient. Shapes are designated by non-stop space defined by soft lines, strong shapes and free movement. Surfaces are solid yet create a mood of naivety and sensual natural. There is an opportunity for a return to the dimensional quality and textures of leather. The whole atmosphere is created by shadowy dark moonlit colours drawn from clay, trees and straw to play a game of dark and light. Beige and grey underscore a taste for natural clarity, quietness and sobriety. Grand Bazaar moves round the world to the Middle East with the bustle of its bazaars, quaint streets and tiled mosques. This is a dreamland of sparkling oriental treasure. Spices lead to a world of colour that is deep and warm though slightly bleached as if by the sun with the vivid mid-eastern tones that fire the imagination. Shapes are inspired by the harem with opposites attracting and leading to a sumptuous atmosphere of luxury enhanced by damask taffeta, metallic glows and solid silk surfaces reflecting the opulent splendour of the sultan's palace. Moving to Eastern Europe brings in the world of Bohemian Reverie with its romantic looked derived from a mix of country and casual, rustic and precious, and large and small flower graphics. Bohemia is a world of decorations that are extended and exaggerated to maximise the effect of wide shapes. Surfaces are rich and dry nubuck with a romantic washed-out touch. The pastel colours are a muted palette of dry flowers with greys and pinks enlivened by light celeste and beige. Sungliders is the final group, a world of sparkling, vivid, eye-catching fiction brights, glazed performance surfaces and techno vigour shapes. The future is explored from the credible to the incredible, calling on the myths and legends of science fiction. Sport is launched here with an unlimited view of the universe, space technologies and alien organisms forming the background for shapes, colour and textures. Colours across the spectrum are truly brilliant, truly bright. Summer 2009 is a true picture of the interaction of colours from neutrals and pastels through to the brightest shades. The interplay between them provides a fascinating interchange between night and day. The inspiration is thoughtful and beautiful.

Assomac have announced that Simac and Tanning Tech will be held together in Bologna, in conjunction with Lineapelle. The fairs will take place over three days from 28-30 October 2008. Assomac have taken the decision to keep the fairs together to offer the best advantages of each to the leather industry.

Irish imports of the same types of commodities in the January to June period were worth E2.2 million, as against E2 million in the corresponding period in 2006.

Croatia's Central Statistics Bureau reports that the production of leather and leather products in Croatia in the first eight months of this year was 19.2% higher than in the same period in 2006. In comparison, industrial output in Croatia in the January to August period was 7% higher year-on-year. Croatia's labour productivity in the leather industry in July was 25.7% higher than in the same month in 2006. This increase in productivity partly resulted from the year-on-year decrease of 9.8% in the number of employees working in the industry.

Turkey imported the same types of commodities worth US$369 million in the January to July period, as against 328 million in the same period last year.

In comparison, overall industrial output in Ukraine in the January to August period this year was 10.9% higher year-on-year.

Turkey imported the same types of commodities worth US$369 million in the January to July period, as against 328 million in the same period last year.

They also revoked the trade permit of a JBS-Swift & Co plant after it sent a box of beef containing banned ribs. Despite this, beef exports to South Korea are continuing to grow.

The decline has been attributed to high production costs and increasing competition with other countries such as China and India.In value terms, exports of US$546.091 million were recorded in July-June 06-07 compared with $722.553 million in the same period of 05-06.Looking specifically at leather garments, exports dropped by 22.72% in value and 21.71% in volume. Around 822,000 dozen pieces of leather garments were shipped in 06-07 compared with 1,050,000 dozen pieces in 05-06. The total number of leather gloves exported stood at 3.744 million dozens worth $125.612 million.

Mauricio de Luca from Italven Pelli (Italy), one of the 32 new exhibiting companies, was happy to have taken the decision to participate in the show and confirms that not only they have met all their clients but they have also made new potential contacts. 'We will surely be present next February ', he states.

Israeli exports of the same types of commodities in the January to July period were worth US$11.2 million, as against US$11.7 million in the corresponding period in 2006.

This increase in productivity partly resulted from the year-on-year decrease of 9.8% in the number of employees working in the industry.

Macedonia's State Statistical Office has reported that the production of leather and leather products in Macedonia in the first seven months of this year was 1.8% lower than in the same period in 2006. In comparison, manufacturing output in Macedonia in the January to July period was 4.6% higher year-on-year.

Serbia's Statistical Office reports that Serbian exports of leather and leather products increased substantially in the first seven months of this year, compared with the same period in 2006. Exports worth E94.6 million were E19.7 million higher year-on-year. Serbian imports of the same types of commodities in the January to July period were worth E132 million, or E31.8 million higher year-on-year.

The reports add that this forced the company to store leather waste at their premises, following which they were fined by the Environment Ministry for pollution. As a result, Odos Gaminiai ir Ko intend to take legal action against the Economy Ministry, said the report, which has not been confirmed.

The production of leather and leather products in Ireland in July was 57% higher than in the same month last year. The turnover of leather industry companies in Ireland in July was 38% higher year-on-year.

Last summer was the hottest in Moldova's history, resulting in chronic feed shortages. The European Commission said that livestock held by many small farmers had perished as a result of drought and the lack of feed.

Showcasing at Milan's Micam trade show during 20-23 September at Stand 12 in the visitors area, and at the Premiere Classe exhibition in Paris - Stand 107 in the Jardin Des Tuileries during 5-8 October respectively, Gwendolyn Carrié will be available to speak about forthcoming trends and the influences behind her Spring/Summer 2008 collection.

'As a result, we will be in a better position to help our customers in Valencia in the development of new applications and, at the same time, our customers will benefit from a comprehensive technical service,' says Thomas Sattler, who is responsible for BASF's global leather business. 'In this way, we are also underlining our commitment to the Spanish market.'

Europe: +€40/mt

In response, the Humane Society of the United States have placed a full-page advertisement in the Sacramento Bee pressuring the governor to block legislation.

The Really Wild Clothing Company have designed a leather bomber jacket for women, described as a 'beautifully designed and gorgeously chic jacket and gilet, perfect for the autumn and winter months.'

For the first time, exclusive Dutch leather designs will be available to the international public. This global launch demonstrates the company's commitment to embrace leather and fashion within the online sphere. The website includes an amazing collection of several creative designers from the Netherlands, as well as exciting new design elements with enhanced selection guides and other unique features in the fashion e-commerce arena which allow anyone with an internet connection to purchase the full range of leather designs. Previously, Dutch leather designs were only available at a limited number of physical retail locations around Europe.

To cope with the market development and cater to the needs of various exhibitors and buyers, autumn fair will focus on both the import and export markets in China. More detailed product categorisation will be another highlight of the show in order to build up a more thorough and all-round business platform for the industry.

The new show, bringing the supply chain alongside the largest and most comprehensive footwear and accessories show in the world, The WSA Show, held in Las Vegas, will focus on innovative materials such as leathers, synthetics, textiles, components, technology and sourcing solutions for the footwear sector. Materials at WSA to be held at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas will open two days before The WSA Show and overlap The WSA Show by one day. This pattern will allow the design, product development and sourcing teams from the major footwear brands and retailers to use this expanded marketplace for maximum efficiency.

The Chennai facility, located in the Sriperambudur industrial area of Tamil Nadu in South India, is opening with the capacity to make 30,000 to 40,000 metric tons a year of specialty materials used in the manufacture of paints and coatings, adhesives, textiles, paper and leather. The plant, which cost US$12 million to build, is a 'zero discharge' facility that meets very stringent environmental standards set by the state of Tamil Nadu. The Chennai facility will also operate under the company's '21st Century' program which strives for reliable, cost-effective manufacturing facilities and a competent, motivated workforce continually focused on improvement.

DEFRA has also imposed a national movement ban affecting cattle, sheep, pigs and other ruminants in England and similar restrictions are in place in Scotland and Wales. No movements of susceptible animals are allowed except under licence.

For the first time financial statements for the six months ended 30 June, 2007, have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards which is now required for AIM listed companies. The differences under IFRS arise almost exclusively from the treatment of foreign exchange contracts (called derivative financial instruments under IFRS). Under the previously used UK GAAP system the company achieved an operating profit of £0.058 million in the first half of 2007, which compares to an operating loss of £0.402 million in the first half of 2006, and follows an operating loss of £0.056 million in the second half of 2006. After bank interest of £0.3 million (2006 £0.351 million) the loss on ordinary activities before taxation was £0.242 million (2006 £0.991 million loss before extraordinary items).&rtreturn;Turnover for the six months was £16.6 million (IFRS £15.9 million) which compares to £22.3 million in the first half of 2006 and £17.9 million in the second half of 2006 which still included some Leeds production. A record 91% of this was sold to customers outside the UK (2006 90%). Within the Leeds turnover a significant proportion of sales derived from the selling of wet-blue hides, whereas bovine production in Yeovil is based on hides bought part processed (wet-blue) which more closely match their finished leather requirements.&rtreturn;Sales of glove leather reduced by 8% in volume in the period due to lower demand for dress gloves following the mild winter. However other sales held up well. Revenue was adversely impacted by the weaker dollar which reduced average prices by over 5%. Recently some more military contracts were placed and sports glove leather sales remain steady. &rtreturn;Sales of bovine leather represented 23% of turnover in the first half year and reflect the superb team effort made to bring bovine production to Yeovil. Sales of saddlery and lifestyle leathers have picked up in the second quarter whilst sales of leather for sports footwear were particularly strong, exceeding forecast, and are expected to remain so in the second half. Production at Teh Chang in Taiwan totalled over one million square feet in the first half and this strategic partnership will continue to be developed. &rtreturn;The management contract to run ETSC has almost completed its second year. The significant capital investment programme is well under way with the majority of the equipment now installed or on site. Following the establishment of crust production some finished leathers are now being produced. The government backed scheme has now allowed early retirement for a significant proportion of the workforce which will improve profitability as the operation becomes more streamlined and focused.&rtreturn;The strategy is to continue exploring global manufacturing opportunities which would enable the expansion of the business. This includes the evaluation of a variety of other raw materials to support the development of new market sectors. &rtreturn;Net assets at June 30, 2007, were £4.238 million (£4.248 million under IFRS) compared to £4.819 million in 2006. On June 29, 2007, the company exchanged contracts to sell and lease back the Yeovil factory for a sale price of £3.1 million; the transaction was completed in July. The lease is for a term of ten years at an annual rental of £254,000pa initially following a six month rent free period.

This autumn's GDS and GLS, which will take place from September 14 - 16 in halls 9 - 17 will welcome 1,378 exhibitors from 45 countries. Collections for Spring/ Summer 2008 and Moda-pronta ranges for the current season Autumn/Winter 2007/08 will be on display, with articles including women's, men's and kids' shoes, bags, belts, and other accessories.&rtreturn;In addition to the usual mix of the latest designs in footwear and leathergoods, a symposium will provide information on the current developments in the Indonesian shoe industry covering the fields of production, legislation and quality management. Eddy Widjanarko and Yonki Komaladi of the Indonesian Footwear Association Aprisindo, will speak on 'Indonesia - A Leading Producing Country. Investment and Cooperation Options'. Aprisindo see participation at 'global shoes' in Düsseldorf as a key measure for promoting Indonesian shoe products and as an opportunity to actively make and maintain contacts with potential trading partners on international markets.

Business as usual was mixed. With such a wide range of products on show, from the raw materials and chemicals, through machinery and finished leather, to the finished goods provided at the China International Footwear Fair and Moda Shanghai in adjoining halls, it could not be otherwise.&rtreturn;There were 1,193 exhibitors across all three events from 37 countries and regions and these included 23 group pavilions. There was also a programme of special events including an afternoon seminar on Environment Friendly Supplies which was put on by ASSINTECAL, the Brazilian association for companies of components for leather, footwear and related goods, in partnership with the CLIA.&rtreturn;CLIA honorary chairman, Xu Yong told those attending that China was taking a very serious view of pollution and that new environmental regulations would come into force on October 1. He said that the government favoured the idea of gathering tanneries together into clusters to allow central control of wastewater treatment etc. The five-year plan requires the reduction of in energy consumption of 20% and a reduction in pollution of 10% per unit of GDP.

The prices are increasing and so are the pressures to buy new handbags. Some people have become desperate enough to rent a designer purse. But researchers like ABC News Consumer Correspondent Elizabeth Leamy and chemical biologists have shown bacteria found on a handbag are enough to make a person sick. In an article published in August 2006, Leamy documents the high risk of bacteria lurking in a used handbag. In this light, renting or borrowing a purse may not be very smart.

Designers will present their leather specialties in the webshop, which produces eclectic collections that change and evolve with the latest trends. The aim is to bring leather fashion to a higher level with respect for the versatility of leather. The refreshing collection includes a wide variety of articles including handbags, lingerie, jewellery, clothing and bed covers. Ines, the creator of Dutch Leather Design, noted, 'It is all about designs you cannot buy anywhere else. Dutch design is hot!'

On July 1, 2007, Cognis' Process Chemicals strategic business unit became a legally separate company, trading under the name of Pulcra Chemicals. This step was taken as a result of Cognis' decision to concentrate on the three core business areas of Care Chemicals, Nutrition & Health and Functional Products. Pulcra Chemicals supply process chemicals to the textile and leather industries. Lincoln International is an investment bank that specialises in M&A transactions, and it has been tasked with finding a suitable investor or partner for Pulcra Chemicals who can help them to develop their business successfully. Pulcra Chemicals develop and market products tailored to individual specifications at a competitive cost, backed with a full advisory and after-sales service for customers. The company operate production sites and service centres in Germany, Türkiye, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia and the USA.

The XIV World Ostrich Congress will take place in Riga, Latvia, from 19-20 October, 2007. This is a great opportunity to meet other people in the ostrich industry. There will also be a full programme to learn the latest tips and techniques.

Imports of leather footwear from China and Vietnam have, unsurprisingly, fallen in the first quarter of 2007 compared with first quarter 2006 due to the current anti-dumping duties in place against those two countries and imports from most other countries are more or less stable. However, imports from Malaysia, Macau and Cambodia have grown by a hefty 828%, 809% and 441% respectively. Although these are only small amounts in volume terms, Macau's market share has risen from 0% to 4% of the EU's import share.

Production will continue at the same facilities and some of the present staff at DyStar will transfer to Heim so to continue the same level of high-quality products and advice that customers are used to.

The event has registered confirmed participation of over 150 leading footwear and leather accessories companies from 20 countries. With more than five months to go before the show, the exhibitor number is expected to easily cross the 200 mark.

The 12th China (Wenzhou) International Leather Fair will be held at Wenzhou Interntational Convention & Exhibition Centre on September 21-23, 2007. The event will cover five halls containing a total of 815 exhibitor companies from across China, as well as international companies from Italy, Germany, India, America, China, Hong Kong, China and Taiwan.

According to S&V magazine, South Africa, the leather, footwear and leathergoods industries in Zimbabwe, who have survived against great odds thus far, may now be at the end of the road. The final straw came when the government decreed that all prices had to be cut to match prices on June 18.

Ukraine's State Statistics Committee reports that Ukraine exported leather and leather products worth US$183 million in the first half of this year, a year-on-year increase of 50%. Ukrainian imports of the same types of commodities in the January to June period were 17% higher year-on-year at US$72 million.

Italian brand Tod's is planning to enter India through a 51:49 joint venture with Bhukhanvala Holding Pvt Ltd.&rtreturn;The joint venture company, Tod's Retail India, has approached the Foreign Investment Promotion Board for retail trading under single brand, sources said. The permission is being sought for Tod's Hong Kong and its affiliate Tod's International BV to acquire 51% of shareholding in Tod's Retail India amounting to Rs 5.7 crore (US$ 1.4million).&rtreturn;The acquisition would enable Tod's to bring its range of products to India. The Tod's group sells shoes and luxury leathergoods under the brands Tod's and Hogen and also deals in casual wear under the brand name Fay.&rtreturn;As part of the plans, Tod's Hong Kong would hold a 50% stake while Tod's International would hold another 1% of the share capital of the joint venture. Bhukhanvala Holding would subscribe to a 49% stake for Rs 5.5 crore, sources said. Tod's Hong Kong and Tod's International BV, are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Tod's Group.&rtreturn;Tod's recently reported consolidated sales of €316.4 million in the first six months of 2007, up 15.7% on the same period of 2006. Products are made in the group's own factories, a total of seven for shoes and two for leathergoods, and in a limited number of specialised laboratories.

Mongolia's National Statistics Office reports that Mongolia exported raw or processed hides and skins worth approximately US$19 million in the first seven months of this year, equivalent to 2.2% of total Mongolian exports during the period.

The LANXESS chemicals group are to build their new ion exchange resin plant in the Indian state of Gujarat. Construction work on the €30 million site at the new Jhagadia Chemical Park near Baroda is set to begin in the second quarter of 2008. Production is scheduled to start at the beginning of 2010, with 200 new employees being taken on.&rtreturn;In terms of investment volume this is the biggest project undertaken by LANXESS's Ion Exchange Resins business unit since the end of the 1990s.&rtreturn;'This represents a commitment to one of the fastest growing and most future-proof areas of industrial chemistry. The aim of this move is to generate profitable growth and further strengthen our position on the global market,' explains Rainier van Roessel, of the LANXESS Management Board&rtreturn;.The new plant will manufacture products for industrial water treatment and the generation of ultra-pure water for the semi-conductor and pharmaceutical industries. The portfolio will comprise a selection of the ion exchanger grades in Ion Exchange Resins business unit's current product range such as anions, cations and mixed bed.&rtreturn;In March of this year, LANXESS launched an international competition that sites in China, India and Singapore entered. The Jhagadia Chemical Park in India was selected because it already has an excellent industrial infrastructure in place. The Ion Exchange Resins business unit belongs to the Performance Chemicals segment, which achieved total sales in 2006 of €1,8 million.&rtreturn;The Asia-Pacific region is of crucial significance for LANXESS. With sales increasing to €1.2 billion, Asia accounted for nearly 18% of the Group's sales in 2006. Driving this growth are the Chinese and Indian markets, where double-digit increases in sales were recorded. The Leverkusen-based chemicals group has inaugurated five new plants in China as part of the 'LANXESS goes Asia' strategy launched in April 2006. The company also plans to hire up to 1,000 new employees in Asia by 2009. For more information about the LANXESS Asia strategy, visit [http://www.lanxess-goes-asia.com]

Ireland's Central Statistics Office reports that Ireland exported hides and skins worth E39.5 million in the first five months of this year, as compared with E39.4 million in the same period in 2006. Irish imports of the same types of commodities in the January to May period were worth E2.2 million, as against E1.7 million in the corresponding period in 2006.

Russia's State Statistics Committee reports that Russia imported 34.6 million pairs of leather footwear worth US$515 million in the first half of this year, including imports worth US$7 million from countries within the Commonwealth of Independent States and US$508 million from non-CIS states.

The components sector for Brazilian leather and footwear will present new alternatives to Chinese industry on how to reduce environmental impact. The innovations will be presented in the Environment Friendly Supplies Conference on September 6 in parallel with the All China Leather Exhibition, which runs from September 5 to 7, at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.

'The optimistic target stemmed from a solid foundation of likely export revenue of $4.2 million this year and an average annual growth of 12-15%', Thuan added.

In value terms, exports of US$546.091 million were recorded in July-June 06-07 compared with $722.553 million in the same period of 05-06.

Silver Star Group, based in Sialkot, will eventually be given a contract for 2-3 million balls a day, according to Abbas Bhatti, production manager of Silver Star.

'We feel highly honoured by the presence of the German Federal Chancellor', said LANXESS Management Board Chairman Axel C Heitmann. German Foreign Minister Dr Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi have assumed patronage of the German-Chinese orchestra. The project is part of the series of events entitled 'Germany and China - together in motion' organised by the German Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Since the initial plant commissioning, approximately two million gallons of quality biodiesel have been produced, some of which is from 100% animal fat feedstock. The refinery has used a variety of feedstocks with free fatty acid (FFA) levels ranging from less than 2% to approximately 7% in sustained production runs at near-throughput design rates using Nova Biosource's proprietary, patented process technology.

The meeting will be held at Buckman Laboratories in Memphis, Tennessee. ASTM meetings are open to all interested parties. For more information, email Nancy Morrissey, ASTM International (nmorriss@astm.org) or visit http://www.astm.org/COMMIT/D31.htm

ACLE is expected to attract over 1,000 exhibitors who will showcase a wide spectrum of raw materials (including hides, skins and exotic leather), semi-finished and finished leather, man-made leather, process chemicals and dyes, tanning machinery, components and accessories, synthetic/natural materials, shoe machinery, CAD-CAM systems, etc.

Klaus Freund is the owner and managing director of Heim Leather Chem and was, until recently, Head of Leather Finishing at DyStar. This ensures that the transition will take place smoothly and that customers will receive the same high-quality products and advisory services as in the past.

The wide range of projects and standard of work produced exceeded all expectations, making the task of selecting three prize winners a very difficult one. Consequently, it was decided to include work from all of the students on display at BLC.

Prime Tanning and Irving Tanning Company have signed a letter of intent to merge, in a move that will create the largest vertically integrated tanning operation in the US with projected revenues in excess of US$225 million. Their combined client list includes leading footwear and accessory brands such as Timberland and Wolverine, as well as the US military.

Poland imported leather clothing worth US$42 million in 2006. Imports from China were worth US$24 million, from Italy US$4 million and from India US$3.5 million. Poland exported leather clothing worth US$29.5 million last year, including exports worth US$10.6 million to Germany and US$8.1 million to Italy.

'From collagen to leather' is the title of a new 350-page book published in English by BASF. Professor Günther Reich, the eminent collagen scientist and former head of the Research Institute Leder- und Kunststoffbahnen (FILK), Freiberg was assisted in the writing of the book by members of the BASF's leather department.

Synthetic leather manufacturer Toyocloth Co has developed a synthetic leather material that is both supple and dirt-resistant.

New website StillChic.com offers clients a unique service of renting designer handbags online to give you the most up to date fashion look at affordable prices. It began in Paris, as SACDUNJOUR.com and now STILLCHIC.com are offering their services to Canadian and American online consumers.

Albanian imports of the same types of commodities in the January to June period this year were worth ALL4.21 billion (USD46.8 million), as against ALL3.32 billion (USD36.9 million) in the corresponding period last year. Albania imported leather and leather products worth ALL3.96 billion from Italy (USD44.1 million) during this year's first half.