All articles by Ky Nikitha
Ky Nikitha
A novel approach
Jin Li-qiang and associates from Biosk Chemicals discuss the results of a study into recycling technology for unhairing-liming and tanning waste water.
Good vibrations
Over six days on 9–14 April, the Salone del Mobile fair in Milan attracted over 386,000 visitors, a significant increase compared with 2017 and a fitting testament to the event’s global standing across multiple industry sectors – not to mention leather’s versatility. Andrea Guolo reports from Milan.
Lead by example
Hides producers must pay close attention to customers’ changing desires and the latest technologies that can make production more efficient. For a big integrated company like US-based Tyson Foods, strategy is key. Senior VP and GM, beef enterprise, Shane Miller, discusses where hides fit in its future.
A warm welcome
An air of optimism prevailed at Indo Leather & Footwear 2019 – which this year took place on 4–6 April – with an estimated 12,500 visitors descending on the Jakarta International Expo in the heart of the Indonesian capital.
The business of waterproofing
With over two decades of industry knowledge, Lionel Champanhet joined Stahl following its acquisition of the BASF Leather Chemicals division in 2017 and is now senior technical manager. Carl Friedmann sat down with him during APLF in Hong Kong in March to discuss how he is helping the company to break new ground, in particular with a pioneering 100% polymeric waterproofing system.
View from the US
April saw the US hide market turn very negative, with not only lower prices, but also unusually low volumes on sales. Any sellers who were well forward sold watched as those positions eroded, unfortunately, at a time when cattle slaughter seasonally moves upward. From a lack of demand and reluctant Asian customers to growing global supplies, pressure on the hide market continued to build.
Out of the blue: the sustainability low-down
The leather industry is becoming a champion of sustainability. Companies such as Stahl are showing a commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change, and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals are also high on the agenda. We speak to the company’s director of sustainability, Michael Costello, about Stahl’s ambitious goals and policy of transparency.
View from the US
The negative turn in the US hide market intensified in May, with prices on a steady decline and buyers reticent. Few packers could claim much of a forward-sold position on most selections, and supplies were rapidly growing thanks to some of the highest slaughter levels to date. At press time, renewed trade tensions with China were at the top of the news, but the effect on hide sales was minimal. That said, the situation was fluid as the US administration had threatened additional levies.
Proceed with caution
Price pressures, a global automotive industry in transition and changing consumer behaviour all constitute major challenges for the leather industry. Following APLF, Andrea Guolo looks at how political and economic trends around the world are impacting the sector.