All articles by Ky Nikitha
Ky Nikitha
On point
The Metropolitan Pavilion in Manhattan’s famous Chelsea district is the setting for the fourth World Leather Congress on 16 July, when industry big-hitters will gather to discuss ‘Leather in Everyday Life’ and how best to educate eco-conscious consumers about leather’s many virtues.
The e-learning revolution
Ivan Král, industrial development officer at UNIDO, discusses e-learning and blended training in professional leather education.
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.
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.
Brazil means business
The 43rd edition of Fimec, which took place on 26–28 February in Novo Hamburgo, reflected a change of fortune in the leather footwear industry in the country. Visitors flocked to the Fenac Exhibition Centre, where optimism prevailed and deals were closed.