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 "leather, footwear, and leather goods" industry.

In a simplified and easy-to-understand manner, saving you time while keeping you informed and updated.

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

LEATHER INDUSTRY NEWS

CLRI Partners with Naser Bali to Launch High-Tech Leather Gloves for Indian Soldiers in Extreme Cold Weather

CSIR – Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) has partnered with M/s. Naser Bali (Gloves) Pvt. Ltd. to launch high-tech Indian leather gloves for extreme cold weather.

This collaboration aims to strengthen India’s defense apparel sector by producing gloves designed for sub-zero temperatures, catering to military personnel and outdoor sports enthusiasts.

This initiative supports India’s defense self-reliance and reduces dependence on imports. marking a new milestone for India's leather industry both domestically and globally.

EU Commission to Delay Deforestation Law’s Implementation by 12 Months Following Global Backlash

The European Commission has proposed a one-year delay for the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), initially set for enforcement on December 30, 2024.

This regulation would ban imports of commodities linked to deforestation, such as leather, beef, and coffee, requiring companies to digitally trace supply chains. The delay follows pressure from industries and 20 EU member states, who argue that the law could disrupt supply chains and raise consumer prices.

Environmental groups, including Greenpeace and WWF, have condemned the move, claiming it undermines the EU's climate commitments. Approval from the European Parliament and member states is still required.

‘Soles for Souls’ Marathon Concludes in Chennai Organized by CLE

The “Soles for Souls” Marathon, held at Chennai’s historic Island Grounds on 29th September, saw over 5,000 participants unite for a cause promoting a drug-free society and India's growing footwear and leather industry.

Organized by the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) and backed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the event featured 3 km, 5 km, and 10 km race categories. Corporate sponsors, including Kothari Industrial Corporation Limited and Tata International, lent their support.

CLE Chairman Rajendra Kumar Jalan announced plans to expand the marathon to cities like Mumbai and Delhi, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to public welfare and social responsibility.

EXPERT COLUMN

How Can We Unite to Shape the Future of the Indian Leather Industry? 5 Strategies to Make it Happen

In our latest article, we explore key strategies that can drive the Indian leather industry towards its ambitious $50 billion target by 2030.

Focusing on five essential points, we discuss the importance of uniting industry associations, maximizing raw material utilization through global partnerships, tapping into new business opportunities, fostering a positive mindset, and preparing the future workforce.

Notably, we highlight the recent Rs.5000 crore ($600 million) FDI in Tamil Nadu’s footwear park, showcasing the need for self-sufficiency and government support. Dive into the details and learn how unity and strategic growth can transform the industry's future.

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS & ANALYSIS

How Camel Leather is Set to Transform Fashion (luxury leather goods), Here are the Market Insights, Opportunities, & 6 Strategies for Growth

Camels are an icon of the Arab world and are a fundamental part of Saudi culture

While camel leather and hair have not received a large amount of attention as global fashion materials, they have long been widely used in the Arabian Peninsula

The durable quality of camel leather makes it well suited to the production of timeless luxury products.

This applies to a range of potential purchases, including

✔ Shoes,

✔ Bags, &

✔ Accessories such as belts and wallets.

However, taking advantage of these opportunities will require a shift in how the Saudi camel value chain is presently configured.

Leather from alternate sources such as camel, yak, crocodile and ostrich, accounts for approximately 2% of the global market.

There is huge potential for camel leather to be marketed in a luxury category, given its rare status.

Currently, the main demand for camels is as a regional meat delicacy.

Camel leather contributes revenue of up to US$98.7 million per annum for the Saudi economy.

Camels used in fashion [Key insights]

- The global population of camels is 42 million, of which 94% is the Arabian camel.

- Saudi Arabia has the 5th largest camel population globally, estimated at 2 million in 2022.

Camel leather insights and opportunities [Key insights]

- The global luxury leather goods market was valued at US$75.8 billion in 2023 and could reach US$92.4 billion by 2028 of which leather from alternate sources including camel accounted for 2% of the market (US$1.5 billion).

- Saudi Arabia is expected to see a 26% growth rate in leather footwear revenue, over the next 5 years (2023-2028)

This rate of growth is significantly above projected worldwide revenue growth of only 12%.

Strategies for growth

[1] There is global demand for camel fashion products, most notably from other countries in the GCC, as well as from Europe and Asia.

[2] Local artisans and handcrafters require continued strategic support to ensure traditional skills will endure for future generations.

[3] Developing the use of camel products in the fashion (and other) value chains will boost demand for this growing resource

[4] Commercial scale opportunities exist within the camel leather value chain.

Specifically, there is an opportunity to explore increasing the capacities & capabilities of tanneries that work with camel leather.

[5] Learning from regional players will be key, as progressive tanning techniques are already widely in use.

[6] Sourcing sufficiently large volumes of high-quality leather sustainably requires a partnership with farmers and nomadic communities to ensure an improvement in camel raising methods.

and more, you will find the link to the research paper in the first comment below

❓ So, What are your thoughts on the potential of camel leather in luxury fashion?

Reply to this email and let me know your thoughts on this.

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Written & Published by Arshad Khan | Leathernews.org