All articles by Venugopal Immadi
Venugopal Immadi
Beyond the tariffs
The 35th APLF Leather and Materials+ trade show, held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, is a chance for China to reinvent itself as a sustainable industry powerhouse against a backdrop of US trade disputes and increased competition from India.
Open for business
The Indonesian Leather Fair on 4–6 April at Jakarta International Expo will showcase the latest leather and footwear industry technology, and promises to underline the South East Asian nation’s status as a long-term force in the international market.
Forward thinking
Simac Tanning Tech and Lineapelle took place on 20–22 February in Milan, one of the global capitals of technology, design and fashion. Innovations that boost efficiency and reduce environmental impact, and championing leather as a sustainable material of the future, were high on the agenda, as Leather International reports.
Follow the Silk Road: China’s leather industry
This year’s All China Leather Exhibition (ACLE) coincides with the 30th anniversary of the founding of the China Leather Industry Association (CLIA). With this in mind, Su Chaoying, CLIA’s honourary chairman, details the current state of the country’s leather industry.
A bundle of funds: private equity investment in tanneries
Scores of private equity funds have been steadily investing in traditional and specialised tanneries in recent years. Andrea Guolo gauges the response of leading tanners to the phenomenon, with a mind to ascertain where the economic boost could take the industry.
Trade Off: US-China trade dispute’s effect on leather
President Trump recently announced his intension to impose further tariffs on Chinese imports. This news has only added more fuel to the fire, as President Xi Jinping will, of course, respond in kind. Stephen Sothmann, president of the US Hide, Skin and Leather Association, assesses the state of the US-China trade dispute and how this will impact the leather industry.
Leather chemicals: catalysts for advancement
What’s new in the chemicals sector? Leather International takes its annual foray into highlighting chemical advancements within the industry, including updates on functionality, the latest products and state-of-the-art applications.
Material change: Gucci’s fashion swing
Led by the vision of Gucci head designer Alessandro Michele, many luxury fashion houses are moving away from full leather products to create bags that incorporate non-traditional fabrics and pop-culture prints. Andrea Guolo examines what the trend means for suppliers.
The home of fashion: Première Vision Paris
Fashion professionals descended upon Parc des Expositions on 13–15 February for Première Vision Paris, which gave them an exclusive look at upcoming spring/summer 2019 trends.
Codes to live by: due diligence for tanneries
At the Forum on Due diligence in the garment and footwear sector in January, Cotance and industriAll European Trade Union shared their views on health and safety in tanneries with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The former has also partnered with EURATEX and multiple organisations to lend its expertise to a blueprint, which was presented in February, and aims to revitalise skills and jobs in the textile, clothing, leather and footwear sectors.