News Italian association’s 2024 data highlights industry issues
The difficulties of the Italian leather- footwear supply chain, combined with a complex international economic scenario, have had significant repercussions on the footwear, leather goods and tanning machinery sector, according to data from Assomac, the association representing Italian companies in the sector. Preliminary figures for 2024 show a generalised crisis, which in the first nine months had a strong impact on the domestic market, while exports were down 6.77% compared to the same period last year, with footwear and leather goods machinery dropping by 22.45%, and tannery machinery performing poorly in Europe (down 30.61%) and up weakly in the African and Asian markets. The fall for footwear and leather goods machinery was influenced by the results of exports to France and Spain (down 36.21%
and 69.25%, respectively), key markets in terms of volume. Meanwhile, the decrease for the spare parts sector was more contained at 3.99%, as the drop in demand in Europe was partly offset by growth in Asia (up 6.33%) and the US (up 1.71%). After the resilience recorded in 2023, 2024 looks like it has been a year of widespread difficulties, the association said. Few companies expect to report higher orders than the previous year, while more than 78% estimate a drop. “The current situation presents significant challenges, but our industry has shown great resilience. We remain competitive thanks to the quality and innovation of our technologies,” commented Mauro Bergozza, president of Assomac. “However, to maintain and expand this competitiveness, it is crucial to accelerate investments in advanced technology, sustainability and Industry 5.0. In
Brazil’s exports surpass $1.2bn
Brazil’s exports of hides and skins ended 2024 with a positive balance in exports, achieving growth both in numbers and in key advancements in technology, compliance and sustainability demands. Total exports reached $1.26bn, representing a 12.5% increase compared to 2023. In square meters, the growth was even more significant: a 22.3% rise from the previous year. In tons, the total exported was 38.8% higher. According to José Fernando Bello, executive president of the Centre for the Brazilian Tanning Industry (CICB), these figures must be celebrated by the sector, but the most significant advancements of 2024 extend beyond statistics, involving the operational dynamics of Brazil’s leather value chain.
“This year has been crucial for us. We worked relentlessly on issues such as compliance, traceability and customs barriers, achieving results that set the stage for further growth in 2025,” said Bello. He highlighted key achievements facilitated by CICB’s active participation: the creation of the CICB Raw Material Guide (a step-by-step manual on obtaining traceable raw material data within Brazil), the federal government’s launch of the National Plan for Individual Identification of Cattle and Buffaloes, and
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Vietnam’s removal of the sanitary certificate requirement for Brazilian wet blue leather.
In terms of market analysis, the 2024 export panorama offers valuable insights for the years ahead. Significant growth in Vietnam (up 69.8% in value compared to 2023, solidifying its position as the fourth- largest destination) and Mexico (up 26.3%, now the fifth-largest importer) reflects the growing trend toward market diversification in production and manufacturing. Brazil’s largest client, China, also showed notable growth in the final results: up 26.9% in value (or up 20.8% when including Hong Kong). Looking ahead to 2025, Bello reaffirms the leather sector’s commitment to new technologies and processes that enhance sustainability while meeting client demands and international regulations: “We are always attentive to market demands and future trends. Special attention should be given to life cycle assessments, which are increasingly important to leather clients, already impacting the supply chain and material requirements.”
On this topic, the CICB will organise the CICB Sustainability Forum on 19 March during Fimec, with the central theme of Life Cycle Assessment in the Leather Industry.
a globalised context, the integration of technological innovation and environmental responsibility is what will allow us to continue to be a reference point in the sector.” Assomac concluded that “it is precisely these investments in technology, combined with the expansion of certain emerging markets, that could be the key to returning to growth in 2025. Indeed, the outlook points to a possible stabilisation of the sector, with a recovery linked to the ability of companies to respond to the demands for more sustainable production and to collaboration with institutions to fully utilise the funds dedicated to Industry 5.0. The focus on the development of advanced technologies and the strengthening of international partnerships will be crucial to regaining ground in more mature markets and to consolidate Italy’s presence at global level.”
New Asics trainers made from steering wheel leather
remnants Toyoda Gosei, which manufactures and sells plastic and rubber automotive parts and other products, has teamed up with major sporting goods manufacturer Asics to produce Skyhand OG sneakers, which use leather remnants generated in the steering wheel manufacturing process. Toyoda Gosei has been pursuing ways
to further reduce waste materials by selling various products under the Re-S ethical brand, transforming difficult-to- recycle airbag fabric and steering wheel leather remnants into bags, pen cases and other products. Asics has also been using recycled materials in its shoes and sportswear. The current project is Toyoda Gosei’s second collaboration with Asics, following the launch of sneakers that use airbag fabric in January 2023. The two companies are cooperating across industry boundaries under a shared philosophy for achieving a sustainable society. To use materials with as little waste as possible, original techniques are incorporated in this project, such as combining small pieces into a patchwork. Steering wheel punching remnants generated at Toyoda Gosei’s plant in Vietnam are used in this project, and Asics is using these remnants in shoes also manufactured in Vietnam, reducing not only waste but also CO2 in the transport of the remnants. The sneakers are available to purchase from the Asics online store for $120.
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