First International Leather Engineers Symposium At Izmir, Turkey

Clariant Chemicals inaugurates new Leather Service Centre in Kolkata

On the Road Consumer Products Foresight

Clariant Chemicals sales down by 7.4% in Q1’2009

New Head of Clariant’s PA Division

New products for the wet end process


Dimethylfumarate (DMF) product ban causes confusion

Kolkata Tanneries Gain from Slowdown

Current Export Trends: April ’08-March ‘09

Manmohanomics” Will Revamp The Economy And Growth

Noida Fair: Another Milestone In The Leather Industry

Engineering Education In Leather: A Case Study

Dindigul Leather Technologists Association (Dlta) Celebrates Its Anniversary

First-Ever Fmm&T Fair In India Reports Strong Buyer Participation And Overall Success

Export Credit Insurance Claims Go Up

Cotance’s General Council Meeting 2009

Industry Sees Signs Of Revival

CII welcomes Government of Tamil Nadu’s move to lift power cut in phases

Canton Sf Shoe Fair The Biggest Shoe Fair In China Closed Successfully

Successful Conclusion Of China Shoes

Indo Leather And Footwear (Ilf) & Indogartex 2009

Anteprima Concludes Successfully

CLRI celebrates National Technology Day

UNIDO’s Consolidated Project for SME Development in India



 
 
CURRENT NEWS ISSUE 2009
 
 
First International Leather Engineers Symposium At Izmir, Turkey

The Department of Leather Engineering, Faculty of Engineering of the Ege University, Izmir, Turkey organized the First International Leather Engineers Symposium on the theme “Leather Industry-Environment and Engineering Technologies” from 29th April 2009 to 1st May 2009 at Hotel Princess, Izmir. There were oral presentations and poster presentations and two invited lectures. Dr.S.Sadulla, Executive Director, Indian Shoe Federation, Chennai delivered the first invited lecture



Clariant Chemicals inaugurates new Leather Service Centre in Kolkata

Being ever alert to the needs of the customers and to extend service with a purpose, Clariant Chemicals (India) Limited, has set up a new Leather Service Centre in Kolkata, in West Bengal, India - which provide technical service to the customers in that region. The laboratory, has the requisite equipments required to meet the demands of customers within the leather industry.

Inaugurating the Leather Service Center Mr. Mike Lyons, Regional Leather Head-Asia Pacific, Clariant (Singapore) Pte Ltd. said, “The opening of Clariant’s new state-of-art leather service center in Kolkata demonstrates Clariant’s continued long term commitment to the leather industry in India and specifically Kolkata. The Kolkata Leather Complex-Bantala provides a bright future to the leather industry in India. The sheer size of the new complex with improved infrastructure is unprecedented in the Asian region.”

Mr. Lyons further pointed out that, “Due to the global financial crisis the entire industry is suffering, however, we believe that the Indian leather industry is extremely resilient and will weather the storm successfully. We will work even harder during these difficult times to provide our customers with improved technical support and new products and articles to assist them through the crisis”.

Explained Mr. P. Rajasekaran, Head of Leather Business in India, TLP Division-Clariant Chemicals (India) Limited, “Our lab has all the requisite Dyeing Drums to service color matching requirements of many of the small and medium tanners of Kolkata. We will help Kolkata tanners to develop new articles with our wet end and beamhouse equipment. Furthermore we are very well equipped in the finishing sector. Our lab is connected to Common Effluent plant of Kolkata Leather Complex and has the appropriate effluent pre-treatment equipment.”

On the Road Consumer Products Foresight

SSATRA has organized a series of technology roadshows in the US and China in June 2009 to provide information on current industry issues for consumer products and to discuss innovative ideas that SATRA intends to explore.

The roadshows are exclusive to SATRA members and topics will include:
Safety footwear/EU and US standards, Shoe sizes and fitting, Comfort and shock absorption, Current legislation on chemicals used in production, Stitchless technology, Environmental impact issues, Moisture management and thermal properties of footwear. It is an opportunity to be at the technology forefront of footwear and consumer product development.


 

Clariant Chemicals sales down by 7.4% in Q1’2009

Clariant Chemicals (India) Limited has recorded the sales turnover (net of excise) of Rs.189.28 crore during the quarter ended March 31, 2009 as against Rs.204.33 crore in the same quarter of previous year-down by 7.4%. However, the profit after tax (including exceptional income of Rs.3.6 crore during the current quarter) have gone up substantially from Rs.14.91 crore to Rs.25.80 crore, a rise of 73% over the same quarter in the previous year.


New Head of Clariant’s PA Division

Mr. Ravi Vaidya has been elevated as India Head of the Pigments and Additives Division of Clariant Chemicals (India) Limited, based on Balkum, Thane. Mr. Ravi Vaidya has done his Masters in Chemical Technology and Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management and was a brilliant scholar throughout his educational career. Mr. Vaidya has a vast experience of 32 years and has handled various responsibilities in marketing and technical services of pigments, PVAc dispersions and Speciality Chemicals for Paints, Printing Inks and Plastic industries.

New products for the wet end process

Levotan LB and Tanigan CF liquid are two new products from the specialty chemicals group LANXESS AG for the manufacture of high-quality shoe and upholstery leathers

 

Dimethylfumarate (DMF) product ban causes confusion

The recent directive issued by the European Union (2009/251/EC) restricting the import of products that contain dimethylfumarate is causing confusion among retailers and importers of consumer goods.

Dimethylfumarate is a biocide used to prevent mould growth on products during transit or storage and is most frequently supplied in the form of a permeable paper sachet through which the chemical will be released. Dimethylfumarate is recognized as a potential skin irritant and has been implicated in cases of contact dermatitis from furniture and footwear in several EU countries.

Kolkata Tanneries Gain from Slowdown

Kolkata’s leather tanneries are in a position to strike a better deal for importing hides from the US, with raw hides prices slipping. “Prices of raw hide have dropped nearly 60 per cent in the last six months owing to a slump in demand,” said Ramesh Juneja, promoter of city-based Indian Tanning Ltd (ITL) and president of the Calcutta Leather Complex Tanners’ Association (CLCTA). US raw hide prices are around $20-65 per piece now, he added. Source: Business Standard



Current Export Trends: April ’08-March ‘09

As per compilation of export data based on Customs Monthly Data, the export of Leather and Leather Products during April 2008-March 2009 touched US$ 3538.67 million against the performance of US$ 3477.52 million in the corresponding period of last year, registering a positive growth of 1.76% in dollar terms. In rupee terms, the export touched Rs.160124.90 million as against Rs.140007.33 million showing a positive growth of 14.37%.

The European Union, USA and Hong Kong etc. continue to be major importing countries of Leather and Leather Products from India.

MANMOHANOMICS” WILL REVAMP THE ECONOMY AND GROWTH
V.M. KHALLELUR RAHMAN

The leather and leather products industry is happy that after peaceful conduct of the parliamentary election, a strong Congress-led UPA government has emerged at the Centre headed again by Dr. Manmohan Singh who is widely acknowledged as the architect of the economic reforms taking India to the world stage. He made it clear as soon as he assumed office for the second term that his government will revamp the global recession hit Indian economy with a stimulus package to boost the demand in the domestic market and also take necessary steps to push exports which declined by about 30% during the recent months.

NOIDA FAIR: ANOTHER MILESTONE IN THE LEATHER INDUSTRY

The APLF launched new leather and footwear sector fair - “Footwear Materials, Manufacturing and Technology (FMM&T)” - in association with the Indian Footwear Components Manufacturers Association (IFCOMA) and held from 8 to 10 May 2009 at India Expo Centre in Greater Noida, New Delhi, India was highly successful though attendance of visitors was limited despite good transport arrangements. The oragnizers rightly claimed it as the right fair, in the right place and at the right time and performed the vital role in bringing together all parties concerned in one place to know the latest trends and developments of the industry for mutual advantages. It was supported by the Council for Leather Exports (CLE), Indian Shoe Federation (ISF) and Agra Footwear Manufacturers & Exports Chamber (AFMEC). International exhibitors from countries like China, Italy, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Brazil, Spain, etc. participated in it and showcased their products such as leather, shoes, handbags, saddlery, leather goods, etc. They felt that the potential of India as a market has always been most attractive to them. Leading South Indian units were conspicuous by their absence. Perhaps it will not be the case next year.



ENGINEERING EDUCATION IN LEATHER: A CASE STUDY

Dr.S.Sadulla Indian Shoe Federation, Chennai

ABSTRACT
Leather making might be the world’s oldest manufacturing activity, thus the world’s oldest industry. Tanning Technology - the process of converting hides and skins might also be the world’s first technology ever perfected. As contrasted to science, which is generic and does not call for referencing to the social priorities of the immediate society, technology is more closely linked to the socio-economy.

DINDIGUL LEATHER TECHNOLOGISTS ASSOCIATION (DLTA) CELEBRATES ITS ANNIVERSARY

On 3rd May 2009, the Dindigul Leather Technologists Association (DLTA) had arranged a function at SPT Kalyana Mandapam, Begambur, Dindigul, to celebrate its anniversary.

Haji K M Mohammed Abdul Gani President, Dindigul Tanners Association presided over the function.Haji A Mohaideen, Vice President, Dindigul Tanners Association and the Director of KAR Leather Pvt. Ltd. inaugurated the small exhibition put up by around 15 leading leather chemical manufacturers .This function indeed provided an opportunity for the tanners, technicians and leather chemicals manufacturers to gather at one place to interact and exchange their views, express their problems, develop new contacts, expand business etc.

The main objective of DLTA is to adapt cost effective eco-friendly technologies in leather processing, protecting the environment. DLTA acts as a bridge between the tannery owners and workers. Messrs. Abhilash Chemicals, BASF, Balmer Lawrie, ATC, B K Guilini, Indofil, TexBio Sciences, SPIC, Clariant, Perfect Enterprises (Rock Cheme) G G Organics, Lakshmi Chemie (Jintex) and Indian Leather were the participants.Around 200 tanneres were present on the occasion.Sri. S Kumara Velu, Vice-President, DLTA proposed the vote of thanks The well organised function came to a close with the lunch hosted by KAR Leathers (P) Ltd.


FIRST-EVER fMM&T FAIR IN INDIA REPORTS STRONG BUYER PARTICIPATION AND OVERALL SUCCESS

The exhibition not only showcases the strengths of India’s footwear sector to the world: it also offered international exhibitors opportunities to tap the energetic Indian market either directly or by way of partnerships.
The first edition of the Footwear Materials, Manufacturing and Technology (fMM&T) Fair. Jointly organised by APLF Limited and UBM India in partnership with the Indian Footwear Components Manufacturer’s Association (IFCOMA) wrapped up its first-ever event on May 10th with upbeat results in both numbers and quality participants.
fMM&T 2009 is endorsed by the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce and Industry and supported by the Council for Leather Exports (CLE), Indian Shoe Federation (ISF) and Agra Footwear Manufacturers & Exporters Chambers (AFMEC).

EXPORT CREDIT INSURANCE CLAIMS GO UP

INSPITE OF high claims from exporters, state-owned Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC) has decided not to increase the premium rates on credit insurance policies.

ECGC holds more than 90 percent market share in credit insurance, for which policies are bought to secure exporters from defaults, insolvency or bankruptcy among overseas buyers, or risks specific to the importing country such as civil strife, import bans and curbs on remittances. Source: Hindustan Times)

COTANCE’S GENERAL COUNCIL MEETING 2009

The Confederation of National Association of Tanners and Dressers of the European Community (COTANCE)’s 2009 Assembly General and Council will take place on June 5 in Pompeii. The meeting venue is the site’s “Auditorium degli Scavi”. This encounter will include the opportunity of visitng the ancient Roman tannery in the archaeological site that has been recently restored thanks to UNIC (Unione Nazionale Industrial Conciaria), COTANCE’s Italian member.


INDUSTRY SEES SIGNS OF REVIVAL: VENU SRINIVASAN, CII PRESIDENT
Big Infrastructure Projects Key to Stimulate Demand : CII

“The focus areas of CII this year would be on revival of economy, fast tracking Infrastructure and improved Governance emphasized Mr. Venu Srinivasan, President, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) at a press conference held in Chennai on 4 May 2009.

He said that some signs are emerging that the economy is stabilizing but acknowledged that India faces many challenges. In particular, he said that the challenges of building infrastructure and addressing governance issues are key. CII would like to highlight these areas in its policy work in the current year, he said.

CII welcomes Government of Tamil Nadu’s move to lift power cut in phases

The Government of Tamil Nadu is planning to lift power cut for industries in a phased manner. As a first step, the Government is proposing to lift the power cut imposed on Low Tension (LT) consumers totally said Mr C K Ranganathan, Chairman, CII, Tamil Nadu State Council after a meeting with Mr Arcot N Veerasamy, Minister for Electricity, Government of Tamil Nadu in Chennai today


CANTON SF SHOE FAIR THE BIGGEST SHOE FAIR IN CHINA CLOSED SUCCESSFULLY

The 8th edition of Canton SF Shoe Fair held at Canton Puzhou Poly World Trade Center ended successfully on 7 May 2009. Around 300 exhibitors, 90% of whom were manufacturers from China’s three shoes producing bases, Guangdong, Fujian and Zhejiang showcased the latest shoe styles and new ideas in footwear products like dress shoes, leisure shoes, sports shoes, indoor shoes, sandals, etc. in an exhibition area of 10,000 sq.m.The fair attracted 5686 visitors of whom 2285 were from overseas countries.The main exhibits were fashion shoes, and sports shoes also took the spotlight this year with many famous Chinese brands participating for the first time in the Fair.Eye-Catching Fashion Shoes were held during the first four days where 12 famous brands.China’s sports shoe capital-Chendai Town leaders held a conference where the various latest designs that would hit the market were projected. Fashion Trend Design salon perceived by the famous advanced design institues provided creative designs.Canton SF Fair, despite the financial recession environment, achieved better results. It helped the exhibitors explore the domestic market and was an event for brand promotion, information communication and trend release in the industry.The organisers said that the 9th China (Guangzhou) International Shoe Fair make all efforts to create an international platform and build a new global market for brand shoe enterprises from home and abroad.

SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF CHINA SHOES
CHINA SHOETEC 2009 (SPRING)

Promoting Domestic and Overseas Sales Channels for Exhibitors to Explore “Blue Ocean”.
China Shoes . China Shoetec 2009 (Spring) was successfully concluded at Guangdong Modern International Exhibition Center, Houjie, Dongguan, PR China on May 7. The 3-day exhibition attracted 15,309 trade buyers and visitors from 72 countries and regions, including Japan, USA, Australia, South Korea, Italy, Spain, India, Canada, Malaysia, Vietnam, Russia, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan Region. Overseas buyers and visitors occupied 20% of the total visitors. With the exhibition area of 21,000m2, totally 483 exhibitors from different countries and regions were attracted, with 30% new exhibitors, including China, HongKong, Taiwan Region, USA, Britain, Austraila, Brazil, Japan and U.A.E. etc. Besides, 7 pavilions including Light Industrial Products and Arts-Crafts (CCCLA) with Putian Pavilion, Hong Kong Footwear Association Pavilion, Dongguan Shoe Pavilion, Taiwan Shoe Pavilion etc. participated in the exhibion.

INDO LEATHER AND FOOTWEAR (ILF) & INDOGARTEX 2009

The Ministry of Industry in co-operation with Indonesia Footwear Association, Indonesia Tannery Association and Krista Exhibition as the organiser held the leather and footwear Expo from 30 April -3 May 2009. Indonesian French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI) also joined this four day event.The fair held in Jakarta International Expo, Kermayoran had 182 exhibitors from both local and overseas. Around 9000 people from footwear and leather sector in Indonesia and abroad visited the fair.The objective of this fair was to promote local footwear product,leather goods and finished leather and also to expose the capability of the local leather industry.The products displayed at the fair include: all types of Leather & Footwear, Raw Hides and Skins, Synthetic, Exotic and Man made leather, Components & Accessories, Tanning & Footwear Machinery & Equipment, Dyes & Process Chemicals, Technology Cad-Cam System, Trade Association etc.

As part of the programme, during the fair days Shoe Making Demo was held using simple tools. A Seminar on ‘How to make good shoe with 3 basic points - Shoe last, pattern and design” was also organised.

ANTEPRIMA CONCLUDES SUCCESSFULLY (3&4 March 2009)

Anteprima concludes successfully. The 2 day exhibition attracted 2300 visitors and 152 Exhibitors. The quality of fashion researchers who visited the event continued to grow.

The visitors confirmed that they were greatly interested with the concept of an exclusive event that offers an outlook of the styling trends, keeps away from commercial-based proposals and prepares and finalizes the sample collections to be exhibited at Lineapelle.

 

CLRI celebrates National Technology Day

Every year 11th May is celebrated as the National Technology Day in India in recognition of the advances made in Indian Science and Technology with an objective to promote awareness, education and communication of science and technology in the country.

A function was organised at B.M. Das Hall to celeberate the National Technology Day. In his welcome address, Dr. A B Mandal, Director, CLRI briefly highlighted the major areas of technology development in the institute. He said the transfer of technologies developed by the scientists of CLRI should be properly utilised by entrepreneurs

UNIDO’s Consolidated Project for SME Development in India

Training cum Technological Assessment in Member Companies of IFLMEA

UNIDO is implementing a Consolidated Project for SME Development in India with the main objective of facilitating sustainable business linkages between clusters in leather, footwear and automotive components. The project has three components, namely, cluster twinning, investment and technology promotion and introduction of mutual credit guarantee scheme. Chennai leather cluster is one of the clusters selected for technical interventions by the project steering committee