MILAN — Italian tanneries are reacting to a global slowdown in the sector, which is being impacted by international geopolitical instability and a shift in customers’ demands.
Natural, grainy finishes and earthy tones were among the key trends at the 97th edition of the Lineapelle leather trade show, as exhibitors aimed to spotlight the quality of their products. The ongoing spin on sustainable processes also stood out, at a time when trade show organizers put a focus on the sector’s circular economy.
“Today the sustainability label is used schizophrenically, and yet our sector has been committed to eco-friendly processes because of Italy’s strict regulations and because tanners are deeply rooted in their territories, which they aim to safeguard,” contended Fulvia Bacchi, general director of Lineapelle-Unic, the association of Italian tanneries. She added that 98 percent of the leather employed by Unic’s associates comes from waste of the food industry, and production leftovers are often repurposed for other sectors.
Held at the Milano-Rho fairgrounds, the trade show welcomed 19,000 visitors, in line with the February edition, hailing from 107 international countries. Foreign buyers were down 5 to 7 percent but that was counterbalanced by an increase in domestic attendees.
“The fair has confirmed again its role
Natural, grainy finishes and earthy tones were among the key trends at the 97th edition of the Lineapelle leather trade show, as exhibitors aimed to spotlight the quality of their products. The ongoing spin on sustainable processes also stood out, at a time when trade show organizers put a focus on the sector’s circular economy.
“Today the sustainability label is used schizophrenically, and yet our sector has been committed to eco-friendly processes because of Italy’s strict regulations and because tanners are deeply rooted in their territories, which they aim to safeguard,” contended Fulvia Bacchi, general director of Lineapelle-Unic, the association of Italian tanneries. She added that 98 percent of the leather employed by Unic’s associates comes from waste of the food industry, and production leftovers are often repurposed for other sectors.
Held at the Milano-Rho fairgrounds, the trade show welcomed 19,000 visitors, in line with the February edition, hailing from 107 international countries. Foreign buyers were down 5 to 7 percent but that was counterbalanced by an increase in domestic attendees.
“The fair has confirmed again its role