Hot topics in global tanning

Many highly topical issues were discussed at the International Council of Tanners. Starting with the economic situation of global tanning, which is not only facing a long and repeated crisis, but also the consequences of the current conflict in the Middle East. Yet another war looks set to be a further destabilising factor for an industry that is also grappling with other essential and worrying issues. For example, the entry into force of the EUDR regulation against deforestation.

But also the new developments in some LWG (Leather Working Group) protocols. The EUDR is a sword of Damocles hanging over global, not just European, tanning. This was clearly demonstrated at the debate during the ICT Assembly, which, taking stock of the state of the art of the EU regulation, revealed some substantial (and additional) critical issues. One in particular: given the current path towards simplification of application, the EUDR is effectively a protectionist measure for non-European leather. The second topic of discussion was the new parameters set out in the new LWG protocol. ICT expressed general scepticism and concern about the new draft, which is currently being tested.

During the second part of the Assembly, ICT proposed two thematic presentations. The first, entitled ‘LeatherTrace: Solutions for traceability in informal farming geographies’, was curated by Deborah Taylor (managing director of the Sustainable Leather Foundation). The second, proposed by Nicholas Mudungwe (executive director of ALLPI – Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute), was titled ‘Transforming Africa’s Leather Ecosystem through Institutional Excellence’.