All articles by Blatha
Blatha
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.
Last days of chrome?
Chromium tanning agents are under the microscope more than ever, but they remain standard practice. New research led by Dr Valentina Beghetto at Venice’s Ca’ Foscari University, however, suggests active cross-linking agents could be a viable alternative.
The state of Chinese leather
China is a vital player in the global leather market. Chairman of the China Leather Industry Association (CLIA), Su Chaoying, examines encouraging figures from January–May 2017 and looks ahead to the third World Leather Congress in Shanghai.
Hides and humidity
The thermal behaviour of bovine skin and wet-blue in varying humidity can be measured by differential scanning calorimetry. Michaela Schroepfer and Michael Meyer from the department of leather, collagen and biopolymers at the Forschungsinstitut für Leder und Kunststoffbahnen (FILK), in Freiberg, Germany discuss the process.
Clear water ahead
Environmental issues in Asia have led to the development of special membrane systems to improve water recovery in tanneries. Dr Sengodagounder Rajamani, chairman of the Asian International Union of Environment Commission, explains how the continent is leading the way in this vital aspect of sustainable development.
Six months and counting
The US is now half a year into a controversial administration directing a hardline stance on international trade policies. Stephen Sothmann, president of the US Hide, Skin and Leather Association, examines how the global leather industry is faring as a result, and what it’s up against as things evolve.
Make things better
Wejdan Sager is cutting a swath through the Saudi fashion and design scene with her range of ethically conscious, nature-inspired products. Leather International catches up with the former medical student to discuss how her burgeoning label blends business, fashion and sustainability.
Struggling to cut it
Shaving and fleshing might have been part and parcel of leather production for the best part of two decades, but blade technology is obsolescent and increasingly unable to keep up with demand. Ross Davies meets Hanns Peter Spaniol, general manager at German manufacturer Heusch, to discuss how hardware must evolve to meet contemporary requirements.
Funding the future
Pasubio’s remarkable, automotive-driven growth over the past five years has seen it become one of Italy’s most successful businesses. Its recent sale to an equity fund causes Andrea Guolo to consider the ways in which expanding tanneries are financed.
Don Ohsman’s view from the US
The big news in North America since the last report was the severe July drop in benchmark heavy Texas steer…