All articles by Blatha
Blatha
Open for business: leather trade between the US and China
A new trade relationship between the US and China could mean big business for beef. Jenny Southan asks Su Chaoying, president of the China Leather Industry Association and Stephen Sothmann, president of the US Hide, Skin and Leather Association about the likely implications for leather.
A shared vision: Stahl’s acquisition of BASF Leather Chemicals
Stahl has topped up its product portfolio and expanded its workforce with the acquisition of BASF Leather Chemicals. CEO Huub van Beijeren tells Ross Davies why the deal is a natural fit for both companies.
Two shows, one city
This year’s ACLE took place at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre between 30 August and 1 September, one day after the World Leather Congress, which was held nearby. Leather International reports from China.
Business as usual: Milan’s Micam
Arguably the most important show for Europe’s footwear industry reflected a general mood of optimism and resilience. Leather International headed to Italy for a look ahead to spring 2018 at Micam on 17–20 September.
Break down the barriers: Turkey’s tanning tariffs
Turkey’s protectionist tariffs, and others like them, are threatening to sabotage the global leather trade. Andrea Guolo reports on the challenges facing tanners in Europe, North America and Oceania.
Joint enterprise: Dutch role in Bangladesh leather
Research by value chain consultant Ralph Arbeid addresses Bangladesh’s role in the global leather industry, the growth potential of the sector, and the factors that might influence development in the Asian nation, including assistance from the Netherlands. Leather International reports on a business opportunity scan on the leather sector commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on behalf of the Dutch embassy in Dhaka.
Clarity in the cloud
Leather International headed to France under some early autumn sunshine to attend the Première Vision show in September. Despite losing some traffic to Lineapelle, the event provided valuable insight into leather’s role within the European fashion industry.
Better times ahead: Lineapelle Milan
The next Lineapelle, in Milan on 4–6 October, looks to build on the work done at the previous edition, which offered a glimpse of a more buoyant future. Leather International prepares to head to Italy at a critical juncture for the European leather industry.
The drive away from leather
Leather has long been an integral part of the interior design of high-end cars, but Tesla and Jaguar Land Rover recently announced that they would be moving away from this traditional material. Jim Banks reports on their reasons, the response from customers and the reaction of the leather industry to what could be a turning point in one of its most lucrative markets.
A healthier tan
Formaldehyde in leather products is a problem for tanners. While traditional techniques yield mixed results to reduce its presence, new research, explained to Ross Davies by Sara Cuadros of the Spanish National Research Council, suggests dyes might be the way forward.