Polluting Tanneries Must Pay for ‘Irreversible’ Damage to Palar River Says Supreme Court of India

Andhra Pradesh State Government Invests Rs 5.75 Crore (US$700,000) to Develop Leather Park | Paraguayan Leather Industry Reports $91.9 Million in Exports & more in this week's global leather Industry news

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Arshad Leathernews.org
February 09, 2025

Good Morning & Welcome to our weekly newsletter! Here, we bring you the entire week's global news, insights, market research & analysis, expert insights and facts from the global "leather, footwear, and leather goods" industry.

In a simplified and easy-to-understand manner, saving you time while keeping you informed & updated under 5 minutes every Sunday at 11am.

In case you missed it, here’s a look at what happened in the Global Leather, Footwear & Leather Goods Industry last week.

LEATHER INDUSTRY NEWS

The Supreme Court has held Tamil Nadu’s tanneries responsible for severe pollution in Vellore, harming water bodies, farmland, and public health. The court ordered strict monitoring and warned that violators could be jailed in Tihar. A compliance report is due in four months, and industries must meet global environmental standards.

The Paraguayan leather industry experienced a remarkable growth in 2024, with exports rising to US$ 91.9 million, a 48% increase in revenue and a 51% rise in volume compared to the previous year. Despite these impressive gains, the industry faces persistent global challenges, including falling international prices and shifting market dynamics.

Three sanitation workers lost their lives while cleaning a clogged drain in Kolkata Leather Complex. A broken pipe led them to fall 10 feet into a manhole, with rescue efforts lasting over four hours. Officials blame toxic gas buildup from leather waste. An investigation is underway.

The TDP-led government has launched a Leather Park in Prakasam district, aiming to boost jobs and industrial growth. With ₹5.75 crore (~$700K) and 25 acres allocated, the project includes a footwear unit and better road connectivity. Officials promise government support for locally made leather products.

The 8th Bengal Global Business Summit showcased West Bengal’s rise as an economic powerhouse, with its GSDP projected at ₹18.79 lakh crore. A key highlight was the panel discussion on leather and the MoU between CSIR-CLRI & MSME West Bengal to set up a new leather testing lab, boosting the industry’s growth.

The Society of Leather Technologists and Chemists (SLTC) will host its annual conference on April 25–26, 2025, in Glasgow, Scotland. The programme includes a guided tour of Scottish Leather Group’s facilities on April 25 from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm, offering insights into modern leather production and sustainability practices.

The 38th India International Leather Fair (IILF) ended on Feb 3, highlighting major policy boosts for the industry. The removal of export and import duties on leather and the Focus Product Scheme are set to create 2.2 million jobs and boost exports. Industry players see a bright future ahead.

At IILF 2025, ALFA hosted its Ambassador’s Meet, featuring Dr. K. J. Sreeram’s Orator Award Lecture on R&D-led sustainable growth in leather. With top industry leaders in attendance, the event sparked key discussions on sustainability and innovation.

Jacobabad, Sindh, has introduced crocodile farming to produce luxury leather and attract tourists. At Bhambhore Farmhouse, crocodiles raised in a natural habitat take five years to mature, reaching 21 feet and nearly one ton in weight.

FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY NEWS

Sri Lanka’s premier Footwear & Leather Fair wrapped up today at BMICH, showcasing high-end footwear & leather goods for global brands. With 260+ stalls and a strong presence from Indian exhibitors, the event drew importers, traders, and designers worldwide.

India exported $835 million worth of non-leather footwear and leather goods to the U.S. in FY24, despite global trade shifts. With brands moving out of China, India is gaining ground as a top manufacturing hub. The industry eyes a $47.1B turnover by 2030, doubling from FY24 levels.

LEATHER GOODS INDUSTRY NEWS

The 8th Designer Fair (Feb 1-3, 2025) at Chennai Trade Centre brought together 36 designers from 18 countries, running alongside IILF. The event highlighted cutting-edge techniques, sustainable materials, and futuristic designs—a true melting pot of creativity.

“Some events are about business, but others feel like a homecoming. The Leather Designers’ Fair was one of those filled with warm reunions, unexpected meetings, and shared excitement for design. The energy, the enthusiasm, and the remarkable response it was beyond expectations.”

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS & ANALYSIS

❓ Is India ready to rule global markets again?

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Written & Published by Arshad | Leathernews.org

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