COTANCE at APLF 2025 – Hong Kong
March 11, 2025: ahead of APLF 2025, COTANCE attended the International Council of Tanners (ICT) meeting, uniting national associations from Europe (UK, Italy, France, Spain), the USA, Türkiye, China, Japan, Brazil, Africa and beyond. Key discussions covered EU and global US regulations, chemicals, training, trade, and other ICT activities reinforcing industry collaboration. These meetings are key to exchange insights, address common challenges, and drive collective progress.
In the afternoon, COTANCE attended the Leather Supply Chain Symposium 2025, co-hosted by ILM & APLF Ltd, where global experts from across the leather value chain discussed traceability, EUDR, LCA, low-impact chemistries, and AI-powered quality assessments—highlighting how innovation and sustainability are driving the future of leather.
12-14 March, 2025: The APLF 2025 has been packed with meetings, events, informal gatherings, and receptions, reinforcing the unity of the global leather industry.
From high-level meetings with ICT, ICHSLTA, LHCA, CICB, TDSD, ALLPI and many others, addressing EU & US regulations, LCA, PEFCR durability calculations, and above all the adverse impact of EUDR on the industry, to networking at the Leathersellers-LeatherUK reception and brainstorming with partners how Leather Naturally can reach new highs —every conversation has been essential.
COTANCE also appreciated valuable new scientific insights at the presentation by Gustavo Adrian Defeo (CTC Groupe/CTC Ars Tinctoria Italy) on leather’s bio-based content, revealing its full potential for sustainability, circularity, and responsible material sourcing in a low-carbon economy. We also had a chance to engage with influencers (Katie Kutskill, Yusuf Osman & Tanner Leatherstein) , gaining fresh perspectives on leather’s evolving role in fashion and business.
Takeaway? The global leather industry is more united than ever—ready to defend its role on the market, in Society and culture, in the circular economy and in sustainability, and standing against unjust misperceptions and discriminatory listings in regulations, like the EUDR.
COTANCE is proud to be recognised by its peers as a leading voice defending, supporting and promoting leather on the global stage.
