We’re underway at APLF 2015 and, so far, the pace of the first day has been very high. Apart from the gridlock in the show itself, APLF directors Michael Duck, Paul Batigneand and Perrine Ardouin kicked off the show with a press conference, which featured Frank Boehly, president Conseil National du Cuir (CNC), to describe the stste of the French leather industry.
As the Focus Country this year, France boasts some impressive statistics including 8,000 businesses employing 70,000 people to produce an annual turnover of €15 billion. As the world’s third-largest exporter, France opened with ceremonies at its pavilion, something it hasn’t done as Focus Country for 15 years. Following the Champagne reception (at 10:45am!), PrimeAsia CEO Jon Clark gave a talk on Beyond Trends, adjusting to the steep rise in labour costs, and leaving no margin for error when it comes to quality and adhering to increasing regulations.
Then Leather Naturally’s Mike Redwood spoke on the industry’s collective responsibility to use correct terminology in leather. There’s a lot to take in already, but thanks to the high standard of the event and its participants, we all have a lot to gain.
Check in at leathermag.com for further updates.
