All articles by julian turner
julian turner
An alternative view – Hidenet editor-in-chief Don Ohsman
In a break of form from the usual monthly round-up of the US and international markets, Leather International has an in-depth conversation with Hidenet.com’s editor-in-chief and publisher Don Ohsman ahead of the company’s forum on leather, and international hide and wet-blue markets to kick off ACLE in Shanghai.
Unique approach – product life-cycle management software
The innovative product life-cycle management software from Gerber Technologies, YuniquePLM, allows leather industry players to sync-up product lines and financial plans in order to modernise design and development. Leather International hears from Bill Brewster, vice-president and general manager, enterprise software solutions, to find out the details behind the software.
On a mission – CICB executive president José Fernando Bello
In mid-July, the Centre for the Brazilian Tanning Industry’s (CICB) ‘Business Mission to Vietnam’ aimed to bring $10 million in business to the Brazilian leather and skin sector, nearly doubling the total from last year’s mission. It was an ambitious target, but initial reports from project partners CICB and Apex-Brasil, the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency, indicate that such expectations were realistic. Leather International catches up with José Fernando Bello, CICB executive president, to find out more.
A strong contender – the 17th Shoes & Leather Exhibition in Vietnam
Although China continues to dominate the leather industry in Asia, Vietnam is on the rise as a country attracting more attention. This year’s Shoes & Leather Exhibition – its 17th edition and held at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre (SECC) – saw a dramatic increase in scale. Leather International was at the event to see the reaction and get the latest stats on this growing sector.
A catalyst for change – innovations in chemical and waste
It’s widely understood that the use of tanning enzymes can contribute to a better environment, but remain underused. Professor Dobre Jovanoski, a Macedonia-based international leather expert and chemical engineer, examines the environmental impact through life-cycle assessments, and explains how Novozymes’s protease and other innovations are leading the way in chemical and waste reduction.
Gain a foothold – CSR and sustainability in Turkey and China
Corporate social responsibility and sustainability are intrinsic to current guidelines being implemented throughout the leather industry. In this report, SGS Softlines Services details the latest standards affecting footwear and its production in two influential countries that aim to improve the global reputation of leather. First stop Turkey, then on to China.
A cut above – marrying craftmenship with technology
For furniture, fashion and automotive companies working with leather, it can be difficult to maximise productivity, minimise waste and keep to tight delivery times. Celine Choussy Bedouet, chief marketing officer of Lectra, along with company CEO Daniel Harari, explain the advantages of balancing a traditional approach to craftsmanship with technological innovation.
Read between the lines – inside Palestinian tanneries
To say that issues between Palestine and Israel were contentious would be a huge understatement; nevertheless, Sam Setter looks into the tumultuous world of Palestinian tanneries and how they should proceed.
A future to get excited about – Mike Redwood
Founder of Leather Naturally Mike Redwood discusses the resurgence of the leather industry and its implications for training future craftspeople at the University of Northampton, UK.
The family way – Pakistan’s Muhammad Shafi Tanneries
Although the global power ranking of leather exporters continues to shuffle in terms of which country has the upper hand, Pakistan’s long-standing industry has the added bonus of generation-spanning companies. Leather International looks at one such operation, Muhammad Shafi Tanneries, to see what makes its values stand out from the crowd.