World Leather & Leatherbiz

14/11/2025

Welcome to this week’s Leatherbiz newsletter

From policy updates to market intelligence and sustainable initiatives, the past week has highlighted the challenges and opportunities shaping the leather industry across Europe and beyond. Here’s what you might have missed:

COTANCE calls for public procurement boost for leather

Leather industry body COTANCE submitted feedback to the European Commission on the upcoming Circular Economy Act. It urged recognition of leather as a sustainable material, supported authenticity labelling, inclusion in public procurement projects, and access to EU research funding.

https://leatherbiz.com/News/173546

Steady performance for French hide and leather exports

In the first nine months of 2025, France exported raw hides and skins worth €150.1 million, down 2% year-on-year. Bovine hides were slightly up, calfskins fell 17%, sheepskins rose 21%, and exotic skins increased 1%. Finished leather exports grew 2% to €144.5 million. Alliance France Cuir

https://leatherbiz.com/News/173555

Market Intelligence highlights lack of EUDR awareness

The latest Leatherbiz Market Intelligence newsletter noted significant gaps in understanding of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) across the hide and leather supply chain, warning that trade flows and protein-sector demand are being affected alongside leather production.

https://leatherbiz.com/News/173519

Brazil expands sustainable footwear campaign

Brazilian associations Abicalçados and ASSINTECAL are extending the Sustainable Origin campaign, highlighting ESG performance across the footwear sector. Renewable electricity use among companies rose from 47% in 2021 to 83% in 2024, while 71% conduct periodic supplier audits on legal, environmental, and social compliance.

https://leatherbiz.com/News/173547

EUDR could face further delay

EU governments are proposing a new postponement of the anti-deforestation law, moving the start date to December 2026 for large companies and June 2027 for smaller ones. Environmental groups warn further delay risks forest loss and undermines EU traceability goals.

https://leatherbiz.com/News/173525

31/10/2025

In Case You Missed It – Leatherbiz News Round-Up
October 31, 2025

This week in leather industry news: an updated Leather Manifesto ahead of COP30, Japan’s prime minister shines a spotlight on local leather, COTANCE Euroleather urges a pause on EUDR implementation, Mindhive Global secures Series A funding, and GSC Group publishes its 2024 sustainability report.

Updated Leather Manifesto for COP30

Twenty five organisations across the global leather sector have signed an updated Leather Manifesto in the run-up to COP30 in Belém, Brazil (November 10–21). The manifesto emphasises the durability, repairability, and circular-economy credentials of leather, while highlighting the material’s long cultural history. Signatories noted that sustainability debates often obscure reality, leaving leather misunderstood or mis-measured. The manifesto aims to correct this, positioning leather as a positive, renewable biomaterial within a circular economy.

Read more: leatherbiz.com/News/173371

Japan’s prime minister highlights local leather bag

Japan’s new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, has brought international attention to a domestic leather brand after being photographed with a Grace Delight Tote by Tokyo-based Hamano Inc. The bag, made from Japanese leather and finished with gold-coloured hardware, has sparked a surge in orders and extended delivery times into early 2026. Analysts note this episode demonstrates the influence of political figures on consumer demand and the potential for renewed visibility for local leather manufacturing.

Read more: leatherbiz.com/News/173415

COTANCE urges ‘stop-the-clock’ on EUDR

Leather industry body COTANCE , alongside 23 other organisations, has called on the European Commission to introduce a pause mechanism for the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The statement highlights that the proposed timelines for compliance, particularly for small and medium-sized operators, are unrealistic and risk undermining enforcement and credibility. While supporting EUDR’s objectives to combat deforestation, COTANCE insists obligations must be workable for all businesses.

Read more: leatherbiz.com/News/173383

Mindhive Global secures Series A funding

AI-powered leather quality specialist Mindhive Global has completed a Series A funding round led by Cultivate Ventures. The investment will support expansion across Brazil, Europe, and Asia, and accelerate development of AI-driven leather intelligence systems. Mindhive’s solutions provide verified hide data in seconds, helping tanneries optimise production, reduce waste, and improve consistency. The company recently launched its FinishSelect system, with Scottish Leather Group as its first customer.

Read more: leatherbiz.com/News/173382

GSC Group publishes 2024 sustainability report

GSC GROUP SPA Prodotti chimici per concerie has released its 2024 sustainability report, detailing environmental, social, and governance achievements. Highlights include a 14.5% reduction in CO2e emissions, recovery of over 84,000m³ of water, expansion of low-solvent and bio-based products, and high local employment with 94% of staff drawn from local communities. The report underlines the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainable practices and eco-innovation in leather manufacturing. Read more: leatherbiz.com/News/173404

24/10/2025

In case you missed it – Leather news highlights
October 25, 2025
A look back at the week in leather, with updates on EUDR, sustainable design, tanneries, industry figures and luxury leather performance.

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UNIC highlights main changes in new EUDR proposal

Italy’s tanning body UNIC - Concerie Italiane says it will monitor the European Commission’s October 21 proposal to amend the EU Deforestation Regulation. Larger companies remain subject from December 30, 2025, but checks will start June 30, 2026. Micro and small operators get an extra six months, with a one-time simplified declaration replacing full due diligence.

Read more: leatherbiz.com/News/173340

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RLSD finalists ‘instinctively understand’ sustainable design

Four students from Italy, the UK, Israel and Vietnam will compete in the Real Leather. Stay Different. International Student Design Competition final on October 28 in Taiwan. Designs range from modular footwear to armour-inspired apparel, showing strong sustainability awareness.

Read more: leatherbiz.com/News/173339

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Heidemann Lecture stresses collagen potential

At the 38th IULTCS Congress, Dr Dietrich Tegtmeyer highlighted underused collagen in hides, encouraging tanneries to adopt zero-waste practices and explore by-products for feed, fertilisers, gelatine and high-tech applications.

Read more: leatherbiz.com/News/173323

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Dr Luis Zugno retires after 23 years at Buckman

Veteran leather technologist Dr Luis Zugno steps down after more than two decades, having contributed to leather science, product development, and global industry collaboration. He plans to continue sharing his expertise.

Read more: leatherbiz.com/News/173301

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Hermès’ integrated artisanal model drives growth

Hermès reports €11.9 billion revenue in the first nine months of 2025, with leathergoods and saddlery up over 10%. The company opened its 24th French leathergoods workshop and plans three more by 2028, highlighting its integrated artisanal approach.

Read more: leatherbiz.com/News/173324

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Read more news stories at leatherbiz.com

22/10/2025

Record in the Bag 👜✨
The original Hermès Birkin, crafted for actress and singer Jane Birkin, has just sold for an astonishing $10.1 million — making it the most expensive handbag ever sold.
A timeless icon of craftsmanship, exclusivity, and elegance — this prototype Birkin proves that true luxury only gets better with age.

leatherbiz.com/Features/173316

17/10/2025

The leather industry never stands still. This week brought insights on market trends, climate targets, creative leadership, trade flows, and facility reopenings. Here’s what you might have missed:

🔹 Market Intelligence: Buyers’ Knowledge of Leather ‘Clearly Eroding’
Delays to business decisions, global trade tensions, and autumn holidays in Asia are affecting tannery production. Leather purchasing competence at several brands is declining, complicating specifications and slowing approvals.
👉 Read more
| leatherbiz.com/News/173249

🔹 New Zealand Revises Methane Targets
The New Zealand government has reduced its 2050 biogenic methane reduction targets to 14–24% below 2017 levels.
👉 Read more
| leatherbiz.com/News/173226

🔹 Return to Fendi for Maria Grazia Chiuri
Maria Grazia Chiuri appointed chief creative officer, succeeding Silvia Venturini Fendi, who becomes honorary president.
👉 Read more
| leatherbiz.com/News/173268

🔹 Falls Across the Board for China’s Hide, Skins, and Leather Imports
Imports of raw hides, semi-finished and finished leather all fell sharply in the first seven months of 2025.
👉 Read more
| leatherbiz.com/News/173259

🔹 Stahl Reopens Coatings Facility in India
Upgraded Ranipet facility combines production, R&D, and testing with automated systems & zero liquid waste treatment.
👉 Read more
| leatherbiz.com/News/173254

16/10/2025

Cromogenia Units is taking steps towards a circular economy at its Barcelona and Tarragona plants with recycled IBCs. A small change with a big impact on CO₂ emissions.

leatherbiz.com/News/173267

Spanish leather chemicals manufacturer Cromogenia Units has introduced intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) made with..read more

29/09/2025

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The Japan Leather and Leather Goods Industries Association ( ) has launched its Sustainable Certification, creating a global benchmark for responsible leather production. Designed to meet international expectations around ESG, product quality, and transparency, this certification guides companies across the leather supply chain—from rawhide traders to retailers—towards genuine sustainability.
Why it matters:
✔ Enhance international credibility and ESG recognition
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Open to all leather businesses—take the lead in building a sustainable, trusted industry.

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The Japan Leather and Leather Goods Industries Association (JLIA) has established a certification system to recognize companies that actively contribute to the realization of a sustainable society, economy, and environment by respecting the principles of the SDGs throughout the entire leather indust...