Areas of Innovation

Fashion: innovation as to color (s) effects , finishing effects

Performance: Easy Care, functional properties Leather Processing : Ecology, resources (chemicals,

energy, water)

Innovation in the Leather Industry

What will trigger innovation

Legislations : REACH, International Protocols on Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Scarcity of resources : Energy, chemicals , water

Pressure on leather as a material

At same we need to ask who wiil be paying (more) for what kind of innovation?

Europe’s strength in Innovation

Europe still has a good pool of leather technologists, engineers and chemists –BUT: This is about to change

Europe has numerous leather institutes and schools as a base for good education

Europe possesses a powerful chemical and machinery industry

The efficiency of R&D and innovation in Europe is high

Weakness / Threats for innovation in Europe

Costs for R&D activities in Europe are high Level of education and experience in areas outside Europe has

greatly improved Tanneries in emerging countries have become global players .

This triggers a demand for local R&D and innovation REACH is bureaucratic monster and will absorb resources

( which are not available for research) , it will lead to a reduction of available chemicals which must not necessarily be considered a problem

Opportunities

REACH and concerns regarding ecology and toxicity can further accelerate the development and production of leather as a high end , high quality material with unique properties ( re-discover leather and market it adequately )

Compliance with REACH will become a ’de facto ‘ requirement also outside of Europe , European companies being the closest to this development could be the first to be ‘REACH compliant’

REACH regulation offers special provisions (PPORD) which facilitate the development and test marketing of new chemical products

What is necessary ?

Clear positioning of all partners as to quality, ecology and sustainability in leather making

Find out what makes leather unique as a material for designers and decision makers

Pool resources ( within EU projects , collaboration of industry partners ) – less but meaningful projects involving as many as possible partners of the supply chain

Seek the partnership with leading international retail chains Tanneries open up to alternative value adding processing of

hides ( collagen)?

This development may go along with a further restructuring and consolidation of the European Leather and Supply Industry

Consumer expectations

Value

Leather holds value: - Appearance &- Experience

Performance

- Durability ( shape ,color, surface after wear)- Comfort ( ‘feel’, ‘smell ’: how close to nature)- Easy care

Ethics Animal treatmentEnvironment / Ecology

Fashion Color, textures, effects

Uniqueness of leather

uniqueness

Polymer to -Cover defects -Protect from soiling, wear, elements

Collagen fiber network -max. thermal comfort-water uptake /release -water vapor permeability -very high mech. strength-unique look and texture

-Not renewable -resources (fossil)

-Waste-Toxic substances-energy/resources