New Website >>> www.hhitaly,com <<<<
We would like to introduce a brand new , innovative and exclusively unique concept in Leather Business :
Humane Hide.
This concept born with Anita and Silvia Scafuro,daughters of Gerardo - whom works in leather business from more than 30 years. They want to make something different , something that change completely the concept that people has of their job . As we all know , Cows , Calfs , Lambs and Goats daily feeds us in Dairy and Food market . Working on Leather raw materials, We only collect what this "food factory" doesn't use . This is already very "green/Bio and Eco-friendly" . But , we want to do more for our beloved world and customers : we want to protect them , we want to give them more guarantee and safety in this crazy world of today . That's why , we are taking a promise with all our customers : through Humane Hide , we will do our best to guarantee that all the leather sold and purchased by our company , are checked by our staff. We will control that all the farms and companies that sell hides to us , treat the animals in a cruelty-free environment and more Humane Way . We're going to issue a certificate on each invoice and give you something that it's priceless for your customers ! You will be proud to sell products certified by Humane Hide . Contact us for more info .
Humane Hide.
This concept born with Anita and Silvia Scafuro,daughters of Gerardo - whom works in leather business from more than 30 years. They want to make something different , something that change completely the concept that people has of their job . As we all know , Cows , Calfs , Lambs and Goats daily feeds us in Dairy and Food market . Working on Leather raw materials, We only collect what this "food factory" doesn't use . This is already very "green/Bio and Eco-friendly" . But , we want to do more for our beloved world and customers : we want to protect them , we want to give them more guarantee and safety in this crazy world of today . That's why , we are taking a promise with all our customers : through Humane Hide , we will do our best to guarantee that all the leather sold and purchased by our company , are checked by our staff. We will control that all the farms and companies that sell hides to us , treat the animals in a cruelty-free environment and more Humane Way . We're going to issue a certificate on each invoice and give you something that it's priceless for your customers ! You will be proud to sell products certified by Humane Hide . Contact us for more info .
Obama will block the sale of new offshore drilling rights. December 2016
President Barack Obama is preparing to use a 1953 law that will allow him to "withdraw US waters from future oil and gas leasing," Bloomberg reports, citing anonymous sources. |
China's economy is expected to post its slowest growth in more than 25 years. December 2016
The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences said on Monday that it expected the Chinese economy to grow at a 6.5% clip in 2017 as Beijing looks to target asset bubbles. |
Apple is in talks to manufacture in India. December 2016
The tech giant is in talks with the Indian government to make products locally, a move that Apple hopes will help it gain market share in a country where it holds only 2% of smartphone sales, The Wall Street Journal reports.
The tech giant is in talks with the Indian government to make products locally, a move that Apple hopes will help it gain market share in a country where it holds only 2% of smartphone sales, The Wall Street Journal reports.
High levels of chromium found in the river Ganges - November 2016
High concentrations of chromium from the tanning industry continues to pollute the Ganges River as the National Green Tribunal (NGT) examines deficiencies in the functioning of effluent treatment plants situated in tannery clusters in the area.
High concentrations of chromium from the tanning industry continues to pollute the Ganges River as the National Green Tribunal (NGT) examines deficiencies in the functioning of effluent treatment plants situated in tannery clusters in the area.
How Donald Trump’s victory will change how we dress - November 2016
Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election will have far-reaching effects on everything from the global economy to the travel industry.But there’s one less obvious area which will be affected by the arrival of the Donald in the White house: fashion.
Had Hillary Clinton won the election, it’s possible we would have all been rushing out to buy pantsuits, but it’s hard to imagine Trump’s own style having a huge impact on what we’re wearing.
According to a top forecaster, however, the way we dress will indeed change as a result of Trump’s victory.
Renowned trend forecaster, Lidewij Edelkoort, believes fashion is going to become a lot more theatrical: “For now, people will want to continue business as usual; we will live in denial. But in these times of fear, in the big parts of the world, in densely structured fighting societies, fashion tends to become very extravagant,” she told Deutsche Welle.
Edelkoort predicts this will manifest itself in the return of historical fashion trends, such as bustles, peasant sleeves and puritan collars. Although she was hoping Clinton would win, Edelkoort predicted Trump’s victory. And with a career spanning four decades, including work with GAP, L'Oréal and Prada, she’s a woman to be trusted.
Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election will have far-reaching effects on everything from the global economy to the travel industry.But there’s one less obvious area which will be affected by the arrival of the Donald in the White house: fashion.
Had Hillary Clinton won the election, it’s possible we would have all been rushing out to buy pantsuits, but it’s hard to imagine Trump’s own style having a huge impact on what we’re wearing.
According to a top forecaster, however, the way we dress will indeed change as a result of Trump’s victory.
Renowned trend forecaster, Lidewij Edelkoort, believes fashion is going to become a lot more theatrical: “For now, people will want to continue business as usual; we will live in denial. But in these times of fear, in the big parts of the world, in densely structured fighting societies, fashion tends to become very extravagant,” she told Deutsche Welle.
Edelkoort predicts this will manifest itself in the return of historical fashion trends, such as bustles, peasant sleeves and puritan collars. Although she was hoping Clinton would win, Edelkoort predicted Trump’s victory. And with a career spanning four decades, including work with GAP, L'Oréal and Prada, she’s a woman to be trusted.
LVMH considering acquisition of Michael Kors - November 2016
The France based luxury conglomerate, LVMH, is reportedly considering acquiring American leather goods brand Michael Kors, after it sold one-third of its stake in Kors back in 2003.
After posting disappointing second quarter earnings, shares in Michael Kors Holdings dropped 5% as a number of Wall Street analysts downgraded the company. Shares did momentarily go up following a report which suggested that LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE could acquire the company. Neither company have commented on the rumours of acquisition.
LVMH had a one third stake in Kors back in 1999, while Michael Kors himself held the role of Creative Head of Celine, also owned by LVMH, before selling it off in in January 2003.
Michael Kors’ recent financial release show second quarter revenues declined 4% year-on-year to US$1.09 billion, and net income dropped 17% to US$161 million; broadly meeting analysts' expectations.
Just like the U.S leather shoes and accessories brand, Coach, Michael Kors handbags have often benefitted from important price discounts making it less desirable and discrediting its luxury brand image. It is also argued the new generation of consumers are less attracted to big logos and flashy gold trappings.
Other speculations of merger between medium-premium luxury brands include Burberry and Coach. Read more here.
Source: Bloomberg
The France based luxury conglomerate, LVMH, is reportedly considering acquiring American leather goods brand Michael Kors, after it sold one-third of its stake in Kors back in 2003.
After posting disappointing second quarter earnings, shares in Michael Kors Holdings dropped 5% as a number of Wall Street analysts downgraded the company. Shares did momentarily go up following a report which suggested that LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE could acquire the company. Neither company have commented on the rumours of acquisition.
LVMH had a one third stake in Kors back in 1999, while Michael Kors himself held the role of Creative Head of Celine, also owned by LVMH, before selling it off in in January 2003.
Michael Kors’ recent financial release show second quarter revenues declined 4% year-on-year to US$1.09 billion, and net income dropped 17% to US$161 million; broadly meeting analysts' expectations.
Just like the U.S leather shoes and accessories brand, Coach, Michael Kors handbags have often benefitted from important price discounts making it less desirable and discrediting its luxury brand image. It is also argued the new generation of consumers are less attracted to big logos and flashy gold trappings.
Other speculations of merger between medium-premium luxury brands include Burberry and Coach. Read more here.
Source: Bloomberg
Natuzzi brings production back to Italy - November 2016
After a long and delicate period of negotiation, Italy’s Ministry of Economic Development announced an agreement has been signed with leather sofa manufacturer Natuzzi to re-open the plant located in Ginosa (Taranto) in southeast Italy.
To be officially opened on November 30 and operational as from January 2017, the plant will focus on the processing and transforming of pu coated materials for Natuzzi’s sofas and armchairs, and possibly for other manufacturers. Around 215 people who have suffered from long-term unemployment are to be hired by Natuzzi before the end of 2016, as per the agreement signed with the Ministry on November 15.
“This is proof that the company has always been committed to addressing the problems arising from global competition in a constructive spirit, with responsibility and realism. The Group has always been faithful to its social mission, while preserving as much as possible employment in the territory”, said Antonio Cavallera, Human Resources Manager, Natuzzi.
Back in July 2013, Natuzzi had announced the closure of the Ginosa plant, which employed over 1,500 workers, and the opening of a plant in Brazil.
Source: Corriere di Taranto
After a long and delicate period of negotiation, Italy’s Ministry of Economic Development announced an agreement has been signed with leather sofa manufacturer Natuzzi to re-open the plant located in Ginosa (Taranto) in southeast Italy.
To be officially opened on November 30 and operational as from January 2017, the plant will focus on the processing and transforming of pu coated materials for Natuzzi’s sofas and armchairs, and possibly for other manufacturers. Around 215 people who have suffered from long-term unemployment are to be hired by Natuzzi before the end of 2016, as per the agreement signed with the Ministry on November 15.
“This is proof that the company has always been committed to addressing the problems arising from global competition in a constructive spirit, with responsibility and realism. The Group has always been faithful to its social mission, while preserving as much as possible employment in the territory”, said Antonio Cavallera, Human Resources Manager, Natuzzi.
Back in July 2013, Natuzzi had announced the closure of the Ginosa plant, which employed over 1,500 workers, and the opening of a plant in Brazil.
Source: Corriere di Taranto
New earlier dates for APLF in 2018 and 2019 - November 2016
The organisers of the Asia Pacific Leather Fair (APLF) MM&T and Fashion Access have announced new dates for the events to be held as from 2018.
Traditionally held at the end of March for the past three decades, the organisers of APLF have announced their decision to move the dates forward by approximately two weeks, to mid–March as from 2018, due to the proximity of the Easter holidays.
“By moving away from the Easter vacation both exhibitors and visitors should benefit from a less crowded travel schedule and find it easier to book flights before the Easter travel rush gets into full swing”, said the organisers in a statement.
The new dates of APLF MM&T and Fashion Access have been confirmed as March 14-16, 2018, and March 13-15, 2019.
Prior to their final decision, the organisers of APLF said they conducted consultations with other trade fairs in the leather sector so as to avoid any clashes or any overlap of dates.
The organisers of the Asia Pacific Leather Fair (APLF) MM&T and Fashion Access have announced new dates for the events to be held as from 2018.
Traditionally held at the end of March for the past three decades, the organisers of APLF have announced their decision to move the dates forward by approximately two weeks, to mid–March as from 2018, due to the proximity of the Easter holidays.
“By moving away from the Easter vacation both exhibitors and visitors should benefit from a less crowded travel schedule and find it easier to book flights before the Easter travel rush gets into full swing”, said the organisers in a statement.
The new dates of APLF MM&T and Fashion Access have been confirmed as March 14-16, 2018, and March 13-15, 2019.
Prior to their final decision, the organisers of APLF said they conducted consultations with other trade fairs in the leather sector so as to avoid any clashes or any overlap of dates.
HSBC thinks gold will go up no matter who wins the election. November 2016 -
In a note to clients, James Steel, the chief precious-metals analyst at HSBC, wrote that a Clinton win means gold will go as high as $1,440 by the end of 2017 while a Trump win could propel the metal to $1,575 by the end of next year. |
German manufacturing leads Europe. November 2016 -
Markit manufacturing PMI for the eurozone rose from 52.6 in September to 53.5 in October, beating the flash estimate of 53.3. Germany recorded a print of 55.0, making for the fastest growth in three years. The euro is up 0.2% at 1.1080 against the dollar. |
EU imposes anti-dumping duties on footwear from Vietnam and China - November 2016 -
The European Commission has imposed a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of certain types footwear with uppers of leather or composition leather, originating from China and Vietnam.
The Regulation (EU) 2016/1731 signed by Jean-Claude Juncker, President, EU Commission, on September 28, concerns footwear with uppers of leather or composition leather but excludes sports footwear, footwear involving special technology, slippers and other indoor footwear and footwear with a protective toecap, produced in China and Vietnam.
Like China, Vietnam has faced antidumping measures from Europe on imports of certain footwear with uppers with leather since March 2006, when the Commission adopted Regulation (EC) No 553/2006. The duties, which will range from 9.7 % to 16.5 %, are extended for another 15 months.
Footwear manufacturers and importers such as C & J Clark International, Puma and Timberland Europe, have challenged the anti-dumping measures alleging they are discriminatory and demanded compensation, but all the claims regarding procedural irregularities were rejected by the Commission, which stated that “all economic operators were fully aware, when importing footwear from China and Vietnam, that those imports were subject to a duty”.
According to the Commission, the Regulation “clearly stipulates that firms must have one set of basic accounting records, which are independently audited in line with international accounting standards and are applied for all purposes”, and that none of the Chinese or Vietnamese suppliers which have appealed to the decision fulfilled these requirements.
In 2016, Vietnam ranked third in global exports of leather shoes, in value terms, behind China and Italy. It is estimated the country manufactures over 920 million pairs of footwear annually, of which 800 million are exported, with Europe representing 30% of the market share.
The European Commission has imposed a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of certain types footwear with uppers of leather or composition leather, originating from China and Vietnam.
The Regulation (EU) 2016/1731 signed by Jean-Claude Juncker, President, EU Commission, on September 28, concerns footwear with uppers of leather or composition leather but excludes sports footwear, footwear involving special technology, slippers and other indoor footwear and footwear with a protective toecap, produced in China and Vietnam.
Like China, Vietnam has faced antidumping measures from Europe on imports of certain footwear with uppers with leather since March 2006, when the Commission adopted Regulation (EC) No 553/2006. The duties, which will range from 9.7 % to 16.5 %, are extended for another 15 months.
Footwear manufacturers and importers such as C & J Clark International, Puma and Timberland Europe, have challenged the anti-dumping measures alleging they are discriminatory and demanded compensation, but all the claims regarding procedural irregularities were rejected by the Commission, which stated that “all economic operators were fully aware, when importing footwear from China and Vietnam, that those imports were subject to a duty”.
According to the Commission, the Regulation “clearly stipulates that firms must have one set of basic accounting records, which are independently audited in line with international accounting standards and are applied for all purposes”, and that none of the Chinese or Vietnamese suppliers which have appealed to the decision fulfilled these requirements.
In 2016, Vietnam ranked third in global exports of leather shoes, in value terms, behind China and Italy. It is estimated the country manufactures over 920 million pairs of footwear annually, of which 800 million are exported, with Europe representing 30% of the market share.
Lineapelle organisers set dates for October 2017 - November 2016 -
The international trade fair has repositioned its dates back to October in 2017 to showcase the Autumn/Winter leather collections.
The organisers of Lineapelle have announced the Autumn edition of the trade event in 2017 will be held on October 4-6 at Milano Fiera Rho, Milan, Italy.
The announcement follows a recent UNIC/Lineapelle Board meeting where the dates have been selected not to clash with other leather industry related fairs taking place in September or the Micam footwear fair which will take place in the same location September 17-20, 2017.
This year, the fair was moved back by two weeks which was widely regarded as a positive step by both exhibitors and visitors attending the show.
The international trade fair has repositioned its dates back to October in 2017 to showcase the Autumn/Winter leather collections.
The organisers of Lineapelle have announced the Autumn edition of the trade event in 2017 will be held on October 4-6 at Milano Fiera Rho, Milan, Italy.
The announcement follows a recent UNIC/Lineapelle Board meeting where the dates have been selected not to clash with other leather industry related fairs taking place in September or the Micam footwear fair which will take place in the same location September 17-20, 2017.
This year, the fair was moved back by two weeks which was widely regarded as a positive step by both exhibitors and visitors attending the show.
Tanners hit by waste treatment bottleneck - November 2016 -
The central effluent treatment plant (CEPT) serving the tanneries in the Arzignano tanning cluster is still unable effectively to process waste liquids from the largest leather cluster in Europe.
The central effluent treatment plant (CEPT) serving the tanneries in the Arzignano tanning cluster is still unable effectively to process waste liquids from the largest leather cluster in Europe.
Defending ourselves against the new threat . October 2016
It’s always important for the leather and leather product industries to remind the world that leather is one of the oldest products in existence. Over the centuries, it has undergone many changes and challenges. Today, leather is known by its uniqueness, associated to luxury and with high living standards.
It’s always important for the leather and leather product industries to remind the world that leather is one of the oldest products in existence. Over the centuries, it has undergone many changes and challenges. Today, leather is known by its uniqueness, associated to luxury and with high living standards.
3rd Pakistan Mega Leather Show . October 2016
After the successful 2nd edition of the Pakistan Mega Leather Show last January, the Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA) is organising a 3rd edition of the fair which will be held from January 27-29, 2017 at the Lahore International Expo Centre, Lahore.
After the successful 2nd edition of the Pakistan Mega Leather Show last January, the Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA) is organising a 3rd edition of the fair which will be held from January 27-29, 2017 at the Lahore International Expo Centre, Lahore.
Tanners may not be so lucky next time . October 2016
Once upon a time most people who wore shoes had leather ones. Canvas footwear was for lawn tennis. As the world population expanded, industry realised that it would not be possible to keep the per capita supply of leather level with the coming growth in demand.
So a poromeric material called Corfam was born. It was a plastic coated textile, essentially a PU coated non-woven polyester, developed at huge cost and promoted with an equally huge marketing budget by DuPont. Understandable since, according to Robert Kanigel, as late as 1963 when Corfam was introduced, 80 per cent of all American leather went into shoes.
The plan was to get a quarter of U.S. footwear into Corfam by the mid-1980s and, at the time of its introduction, a panicky leather industry believed it likely. I can remember nervous papers at conferences I went to as a student fearing the worst, and research association tests on breathability to attempt some benchmarking.
Yet, those with long memories will know that Corfam did not even survive into the mid-1980s but, after spending US$100 million, DuPont withdrew the product in 1981. They had pushed it harder into full shoes like those for nurses where fit and comfort were priorities. With no ability to shape to the foot in the way leather does, they created everyday discomfort rather than the delight of wearing in. Consumers bought one pair based on the promotion but never went back for a second; DuPont appears to have defined these as errors in fitting rather than comfort, so misread their market research.
And the shortage of leather? It never really materialised since the world of trainers began, and modern textiles moved into more and more footwear categories, leaving leather in its more traditional segments. Indeed, there was enough leather left over, and when the automobile industry started using it more in the 1980s no one really noticed until nearly the end of the century. Then, shoe leather tanners started to get a bit mad that the auto leather people appeared more prosperous.
So Corfam proves that context counts; that you have to look hard at the market to understand what is happening, and what might catch you out tomorrow. Back in the 1960s, DuPont was naive and the leather industry was lucky. Looking at what is happening in footwear and the auto industry today, our competitors are advanced in their thinking, offering products that have been better designed and the days of luck are over.
So, if as tanners, we are not mindful we will see a moment arise when we have too much leather to sell that it is not considered value for money compared with the alternates.
Source : Mike Redwood
Once upon a time most people who wore shoes had leather ones. Canvas footwear was for lawn tennis. As the world population expanded, industry realised that it would not be possible to keep the per capita supply of leather level with the coming growth in demand.
So a poromeric material called Corfam was born. It was a plastic coated textile, essentially a PU coated non-woven polyester, developed at huge cost and promoted with an equally huge marketing budget by DuPont. Understandable since, according to Robert Kanigel, as late as 1963 when Corfam was introduced, 80 per cent of all American leather went into shoes.
The plan was to get a quarter of U.S. footwear into Corfam by the mid-1980s and, at the time of its introduction, a panicky leather industry believed it likely. I can remember nervous papers at conferences I went to as a student fearing the worst, and research association tests on breathability to attempt some benchmarking.
Yet, those with long memories will know that Corfam did not even survive into the mid-1980s but, after spending US$100 million, DuPont withdrew the product in 1981. They had pushed it harder into full shoes like those for nurses where fit and comfort were priorities. With no ability to shape to the foot in the way leather does, they created everyday discomfort rather than the delight of wearing in. Consumers bought one pair based on the promotion but never went back for a second; DuPont appears to have defined these as errors in fitting rather than comfort, so misread their market research.
And the shortage of leather? It never really materialised since the world of trainers began, and modern textiles moved into more and more footwear categories, leaving leather in its more traditional segments. Indeed, there was enough leather left over, and when the automobile industry started using it more in the 1980s no one really noticed until nearly the end of the century. Then, shoe leather tanners started to get a bit mad that the auto leather people appeared more prosperous.
So Corfam proves that context counts; that you have to look hard at the market to understand what is happening, and what might catch you out tomorrow. Back in the 1960s, DuPont was naive and the leather industry was lucky. Looking at what is happening in footwear and the auto industry today, our competitors are advanced in their thinking, offering products that have been better designed and the days of luck are over.
So, if as tanners, we are not mindful we will see a moment arise when we have too much leather to sell that it is not considered value for money compared with the alternates.
Source : Mike Redwood
China's debt is surging again. October 2016
New loans in China grew by 1.22 trillion yuan, easily surpassing the 1 trillion yuan that was expected. Reuters reports that the pick-up in lending was driven by a sharp jump in local government debt swaps aimed at reducing interest payments, in addition to strong mortgage demand. |
Protests are happening again in Greece. October 2016
Greeks demanded that their government protect wages and pensions and restore collective bargaining on Monday as leaders begin fresh negotiations with lenders. |
DESCRIZIONE PELLAMI E CONSIGLI PER LA LORO PULIZIA
Tips and tricks
SAUVAGE/VITELLO: pellame di vitello pieno fiore. Pelle piuttosto morbida e sottile. Per la pulizia utilizzare un panno bianco umido ben strizzato e strofinare gentilmente. Per minimizzare eventuali graffi utilizzare poca crema da scarpe neutra su un panno bianco.
LB: pellame di vitello pieno fiore nabukato e cerato. Pelle morbida dall’aspetto simile al camoscio. Per la pulizia utilizzare un panno bianco umido ben strizzato e strofinare gentilmente. Non utilizzare crema da scarpe. Per minimizzare eventuali graffi strofinare pelle su pelle esercitando una leggera pressione, senza insistere troppo su un unico punto.
VACCHETTA: pellame di vitello pieno fiore conciato preferibilmente al vegetale (tannini). Pelle più rigida, spessa e resistente del sauvage, ideale per prodotti ben strutturati. Per la pulizia e l’idratazione del pellame utilizzare abbondante crema da scarpe neutra su un panno bianco.
NAPPA: pellame di agnello pieno fiore. Pelle molto soffice e pregiata. Per la pulizia e l’idratazione del pellame utilizzare abbondante crema da scarpe neutra su un panno bianco.
DOLLARO: Crosta di vitello stampata. Pelle di media morbidezza, con una stampa simil cervo. Per la pulizia utilizzare un panno bianco umido ben strizzato e strofinare gentilmente. Per minimizzare eventuali graffi utilizzare poca crema da scarpe neutra su un panno bianco. Questa pelle è ideale per prodotti ad utilizzo quotidiano perché poco soggetta a macchie e danneggiamenti.
CRACK: Crosta di vitello (parte inferiore del pellame derivante dalla spaccatura di pellame pieno fiore) Per la pulizia utilizzare un panno bianco umido ben strizzato e strofinare gentilmente. Non utilizzare crema da scarpe. Per minimizzare eventuali graffi strofinare pelle su pelle esercitando una leggera pressione.
CAMOSCIO: Parte reversibile di montone, capra, agnello. Questa pelle è morbida e pregiata, ma anche delicata. Per la pulizia utilizzare una spazzolina con setole in gomma (o uno spazzolino da denti) per eliminare eventuali tracce di sporco secco. Non spazzolare mai contropelo. Asciugare subito le macchie di liquido con un panno. Passare, una volta asciutte, la gomma per camoscio o una gomma da matita bianca. Prima della pulizia tamponare sempre con un asciugamano. Utilizzare un panno con aceto bianco per togliere le macchie di cibo (mai inzuppare). Per quelle di olio e grasso spolverare con soda o bicarbonato e lasciare agire. Dopo spazzolare. Evitare contatti con abbondante acqua.
VELOUR: Crosta di vitello. Meno pregiato del camoscio ma texture molto simile. Per la pulizia vedere camoscio.
Tips and tricks
SAUVAGE/VITELLO: pellame di vitello pieno fiore. Pelle piuttosto morbida e sottile. Per la pulizia utilizzare un panno bianco umido ben strizzato e strofinare gentilmente. Per minimizzare eventuali graffi utilizzare poca crema da scarpe neutra su un panno bianco.
LB: pellame di vitello pieno fiore nabukato e cerato. Pelle morbida dall’aspetto simile al camoscio. Per la pulizia utilizzare un panno bianco umido ben strizzato e strofinare gentilmente. Non utilizzare crema da scarpe. Per minimizzare eventuali graffi strofinare pelle su pelle esercitando una leggera pressione, senza insistere troppo su un unico punto.
VACCHETTA: pellame di vitello pieno fiore conciato preferibilmente al vegetale (tannini). Pelle più rigida, spessa e resistente del sauvage, ideale per prodotti ben strutturati. Per la pulizia e l’idratazione del pellame utilizzare abbondante crema da scarpe neutra su un panno bianco.
NAPPA: pellame di agnello pieno fiore. Pelle molto soffice e pregiata. Per la pulizia e l’idratazione del pellame utilizzare abbondante crema da scarpe neutra su un panno bianco.
DOLLARO: Crosta di vitello stampata. Pelle di media morbidezza, con una stampa simil cervo. Per la pulizia utilizzare un panno bianco umido ben strizzato e strofinare gentilmente. Per minimizzare eventuali graffi utilizzare poca crema da scarpe neutra su un panno bianco. Questa pelle è ideale per prodotti ad utilizzo quotidiano perché poco soggetta a macchie e danneggiamenti.
CRACK: Crosta di vitello (parte inferiore del pellame derivante dalla spaccatura di pellame pieno fiore) Per la pulizia utilizzare un panno bianco umido ben strizzato e strofinare gentilmente. Non utilizzare crema da scarpe. Per minimizzare eventuali graffi strofinare pelle su pelle esercitando una leggera pressione.
CAMOSCIO: Parte reversibile di montone, capra, agnello. Questa pelle è morbida e pregiata, ma anche delicata. Per la pulizia utilizzare una spazzolina con setole in gomma (o uno spazzolino da denti) per eliminare eventuali tracce di sporco secco. Non spazzolare mai contropelo. Asciugare subito le macchie di liquido con un panno. Passare, una volta asciutte, la gomma per camoscio o una gomma da matita bianca. Prima della pulizia tamponare sempre con un asciugamano. Utilizzare un panno con aceto bianco per togliere le macchie di cibo (mai inzuppare). Per quelle di olio e grasso spolverare con soda o bicarbonato e lasciare agire. Dopo spazzolare. Evitare contatti con abbondante acqua.
VELOUR: Crosta di vitello. Meno pregiato del camoscio ma texture molto simile. Per la pulizia vedere camoscio.
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France was rocked by a devastating attack.
15th July 2016 . A night of horror took place in Nice, France, on Thursday as at least 84 people were killed and more than 100 were injured when a truck driver opened fire on a celebrating Bastille Day crowd before driving his truck into the revelers. The attacker, identified by authorities as Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, was shot and killed by the French police. French President Francois Hollande called the attack "an absolute horror" and said the country's state of emergency — which was slated to end July 26 — would be extended for at least three months. |
Brexit has been scheduled.
July 2016 The Evening Standard reports that the British exit from the European Union, known as Brexit, will occur in December 2018, citingnew Brexit Secretary David Davis. "This means that some of the economic benefits of Brexit will materialise even before the probable formal departure from the EU around December 2018," Davis told the ConservativeHome website. Davis said that the UK could immediately begin making trade deals and that negotiations could take 12 to 24 months. The British pound is higher by 0.2% at 1.3372. |
2 of the UK's biggest banks say they will stay in the UK despite Brexit.
July 2016 HSBC and Barclays say they will keep their headquarters in the UK despite the outcome of Brexit vote. The Financial Times reports that HSBC chairman Doug Flint told attendees at an event on Thursday that moving the company's headquarters wasn't subject to a review. Likewise, Barclays CEO Jes Staley told the BBC that Barclays would stay "anchored in Great Britain." |
Japan's deflation is intensifying.
July 2016 Consumer prices in Japan fell 0.4% in May, a bit faster than the 0.3% decline experienced in April. The May reading was the third straight monthly decline, and it marked the biggest single-day drop since May 2013. Additionally, prices in Tokyo fell 0.5%, matching the previous month's decline. The inability to lift pricing pressure has many expecting that the Bank of Japan will increase its already massive stimulus program at its next meeting on July 16. The Japanese yen is stronger by 0.5% at 102.69 per dollar. |
China's manufacturing sector is contracting.
July 2016 China's Caixin manufacturing PMI fell to 48.6 in June, down from 49.2 in May. The decline pushed China's manufacturing sector further into contraction and made for the weakest reading since January. Additionally, China's manufacturing PMI slipped to 50.0 from 50.1, suggesting the sector is neither expanding nor contracting. Notably, China's yuan settled down 0.2% at 6.6603 and is near its weakest level since 2010. |
Puerto Rico is set to default. July 2016
Puerto Rico is expected to miss its bond payments due on Friday. On Wednesday, the governor of the commonwealth, Alejandro García-Padilla, wrote an article for CNBC saying Puerto Rico would miss more than $1 billion in general obligation bonds. The commonwealth is estimated to have defaulted on $562 million of debt service payments since August, according to Moody's data. The default will come despite President Obama signing the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act, or Promesa, into law on Thursday. Promesa will help Puerto Rico restructure its $70 billion of debt. |
Italian tanners show unity and focus on sustainability - July 2016
The key areas of action for the Italian tanning sector have been outlined during UNIC’s, the Italian Tanners’ Association, annual meeting held on June 28 in Milan. Despite facing a complex and challenging 2015, with a general decline reported in both production and exports, the Italian leather sector still represents 65% of the European leather production and 19% worldwide.
The key areas of action for the Italian tanning sector have been outlined during UNIC’s, the Italian Tanners’ Association, annual meeting held on June 28 in Milan. Despite facing a complex and challenging 2015, with a general decline reported in both production and exports, the Italian leather sector still represents 65% of the European leather production and 19% worldwide.
Tesla partners with Shanghai based Group - July 2016
Aiming to become the world’s largest electric car manufacturer, Tesla is said to have already chosen a manufacturing site as well as a partner in China.
Aiming to become the world’s largest electric car manufacturer, Tesla is said to have already chosen a manufacturing site as well as a partner in China.
Brexit to hurt Indian leather exporters - July 2016
So far used as a strategic hub by Indian leather goods’ exporters to distribute their products in Europe, the UK’s separation from the EU is said to have a direct impact on the flow of distribution and raise costs. |
Brazilian footwear aims to profit from slowdown in China
July 2016 Overall, 2015 was a difficult year for the Brazilian footwear sector and the bad news continued into 2016 with a drop in domestic demand. However, the sector is confident it can pull out of the gloomy scenario by increasing its export capacity. |
David Cameron is resigning. June 2016
"I will do everything I can as prime minister to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months, but I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination," Cameron said in an emotional speech outside 10 Downing Street. The prime minister promised the referendum back in 2013, backing the Remain campaign. "In my view we should aim to have a new prime minister in place by the start of the Conservative Party conference in October," Cameron said.
"I will do everything I can as prime minister to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months, but I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination," Cameron said in an emotional speech outside 10 Downing Street. The prime minister promised the referendum back in 2013, backing the Remain campaign. "In my view we should aim to have a new prime minister in place by the start of the Conservative Party conference in October," Cameron said.
The latest UK referendum poll shows Remain out in front. June 2016
With Britain voting this week on whether to stay in the European Union, momentum appears to have swung back to the Remain camp. Two polls released Sunday showed Remain ahead 45% to 42% and 44% to 43%. A third poll indicated that the vote was tied at 44%. This is a big change from the previous round of polls, which showed Leave to be up by as much as 6 points. The British pound is higher by 1.7% at 1.4608.e.
With Britain voting this week on whether to stay in the European Union, momentum appears to have swung back to the Remain camp. Two polls released Sunday showed Remain ahead 45% to 42% and 44% to 43%. A third poll indicated that the vote was tied at 44%. This is a big change from the previous round of polls, which showed Leave to be up by as much as 6 points. The British pound is higher by 1.7% at 1.4608.e.
Nigeria's currency is crashing. June 2016
Nigeria's central bank removed the dollar peg of its currency, the naira, as the country looks for ways to combat falling oil prices. Monday's action has caused the naira to crash 27% to 257 per dollar. "A functioning flexible exchange rate will reduce dollar liquidity shortages and associated risks of banks failing to meet their dollar liabilities when due or requiring the Central Bank of Nigeria to impose capital controls," the rating agency Moody's said. "It also will allow banks to expand their trade business, supporting their fee income and profitability."
Nigeria's central bank removed the dollar peg of its currency, the naira, as the country looks for ways to combat falling oil prices. Monday's action has caused the naira to crash 27% to 257 per dollar. "A functioning flexible exchange rate will reduce dollar liquidity shortages and associated risks of banks failing to meet their dollar liabilities when due or requiring the Central Bank of Nigeria to impose capital controls," the rating agency Moody's said. "It also will allow banks to expand their trade business, supporting their fee income and profitability."
Japanese exports tumbled in May. June 2016
The latest trade data released by Japan's Ministry of Finance showed that the value of exports fell 11.3% year-over-year in May as the stronger yen made goods less attractive. Exports to Japan's largest customer, China, plunged 14.9% YoY, while shipments to the US sank 10.7% YoY. On the other side of the ledger, imports fell 13.8%, causing Japan's trade balance to swing back to a deficit of 40.7 billion yen, compared with a surplus of 823.5 billion yen in April.
The latest trade data released by Japan's Ministry of Finance showed that the value of exports fell 11.3% year-over-year in May as the stronger yen made goods less attractive. Exports to Japan's largest customer, China, plunged 14.9% YoY, while shipments to the US sank 10.7% YoY. On the other side of the ledger, imports fell 13.8%, causing Japan's trade balance to swing back to a deficit of 40.7 billion yen, compared with a surplus of 823.5 billion yen in April.
Brexit wins. June 2016
Britain voted on Thursday to leave the European Union. The final results, with a record turnout for a UK poll, showed that 51.9% voted to leave the EU versus 48.1% that voted for Britain to stay. The results were a shock for many observers, as polls published the day before the referendum suggested that Remain was in the lead. British Prime Minister David Cameron is expected to be persuaded to activate Article 50 0f the Treaty on European Union, which permits a member state to notify the EU of its withdrawal and start negotiating an agreement to leave.
Britain voted on Thursday to leave the European Union. The final results, with a record turnout for a UK poll, showed that 51.9% voted to leave the EU versus 48.1% that voted for Britain to stay. The results were a shock for many observers, as polls published the day before the referendum suggested that Remain was in the lead. British Prime Minister David Cameron is expected to be persuaded to activate Article 50 0f the Treaty on European Union, which permits a member state to notify the EU of its withdrawal and start negotiating an agreement to leave.
Louboutin loses red protection in Swiss lawsuit - June 2016
French luxury footwear and fashion designer, Christian Louboutin, has lost the exclusive rights over its distinctive red sole in Switzerland.
A Swiss court has ruled the sole of "somewhat garish colour" is merely a decorative feature and cannot be protected in accordance with Switzerland’s trademark law.
Louboutin, who has the red sole trademark protection in the European Union, China, Australia, Russia, Ukraine, Monaco, Singapore and Norway, has been seeking the trademark protection in the country since 2010.
The French designer can still appeal the ruling to the country's highest court.
In 2012, Louboutin won a lawsuit filed against Yves Saint Laurent in the U.S. The court ruled that the bright red soles were so distinctive they deserved trademark protection as long as the upper of the shoe contrasted in colour to the red sole.
French luxury footwear and fashion designer, Christian Louboutin, has lost the exclusive rights over its distinctive red sole in Switzerland.
A Swiss court has ruled the sole of "somewhat garish colour" is merely a decorative feature and cannot be protected in accordance with Switzerland’s trademark law.
Louboutin, who has the red sole trademark protection in the European Union, China, Australia, Russia, Ukraine, Monaco, Singapore and Norway, has been seeking the trademark protection in the country since 2010.
The French designer can still appeal the ruling to the country's highest court.
In 2012, Louboutin won a lawsuit filed against Yves Saint Laurent in the U.S. The court ruled that the bright red soles were so distinctive they deserved trademark protection as long as the upper of the shoe contrasted in colour to the red sole.
Pittards appoints new Chief Financial Officer. June 2016
The UK based tanner and leather goods producer, Pittards, has appointed a new Chief Financial Officer with effect from June 1, 2016.
Matthew David O’Rourke as will succeed Jill Williams, who will be stepping down from her role as Finance Director to become a non-Executive Director of the board.
Latterly, O’Rourke has been collaborating with footwear company C&J Clark International as Director of Finance Supply Chain.
Source: Financial Director
The UK based tanner and leather goods producer, Pittards, has appointed a new Chief Financial Officer with effect from June 1, 2016.
Matthew David O’Rourke as will succeed Jill Williams, who will be stepping down from her role as Finance Director to become a non-Executive Director of the board.
Latterly, O’Rourke has been collaborating with footwear company C&J Clark International as Director of Finance Supply Chain.
Source: Financial Director
Ralph Lauren is about to announce a restructuring plan.
June 2016
The retailer is expected to announce that it is laying off up to 10% of its workforce and that it is closing some stores, according to WWD's Lisa Lockwood. "Several longtime executives" are likely to be affected by the layoffs. CEO and president Stefan Larsson is expected to announce the restructuring at Tuesday's Investor Day for analysts.
June 2016
The retailer is expected to announce that it is laying off up to 10% of its workforce and that it is closing some stores, according to WWD's Lisa Lockwood. "Several longtime executives" are likely to be affected by the layoffs. CEO and president Stefan Larsson is expected to announce the restructuring at Tuesday's Investor Day for analysts.
UGG trademark challenged in U.S court . June 2016
Manufacturer of UGG boots, Australian Leather, is facing an uphill battle in a U.S. court against an American footwear company, which is seeking to prevent the Sydney based boot maker from describing its sheepskin footwear as "UGG" boots.
Manufacturer of UGG boots, Australian Leather, is facing an uphill battle in a U.S. court against an American footwear company, which is seeking to prevent the Sydney based boot maker from describing its sheepskin footwear as "UGG" boots.
Coca-Cola production has been halted in Venezuela.
May 2016 - Venezuela's Coca-Cola bottler has stopped production because of a sugar shortage, Reuters reports. According to an email sent to Reuters by spokeswoman Kerry Tressler, diet drinks that don't contain sugar are still being produced. Venezuela is in the midst of an economic crisis that has produced food and power shortages amid high inflation. |
Deutsche Bank was downgraded. May 2016 -
Moody's cut Deutsche Bank's credit rating to "Baa2," down from "Baa1." The credit-rating agency said the downgrade was a result of the bank's difficulty in stabilizing itself amid a world of low growth and low interest rates. Moody's said, "Deutsche Bank's performance over the last several quarters has been weak, and substantial operating headwinds, including continuing low interest rates and macroeconomic uncertainty, will challenge the firm." |
Eat more beef to help the planet - May 2016 -
Every Argentinian on average eats 56kg of beef a year, but in the first quarter of this year this dropped by nearly 6% compared to 2015. Instead, they are switching to cheaper chicken and pork. Apparently, inflation at 40% has priced beef out for many ordinary citizens. This is becoming serious since for the last sixty years beef consumption in Argentina has actually averaged 78kg.
On a smaller scale, something similar is going on in Paraguay where locals are now, apparently, cutting into the Amazon forest to find ways to get cheap beef for the local community; and even in beef besotted Brazil pork and chicken consumption is supposedly growing as the price of beef rises in a suffering economy,
The timing is unfortunate as we are just digesting new research from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) and Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) which says that reducing beef production in the Brazilian Cerrado could actually increase global greenhouse gas emissions. The findings were published recently in the journal Nature Climate Change.
The study does not argue against the charge applied to methane from cattle, which I hope to see more objectively challenged at some stage, but it highlights instead the value of long term grassland as good at the sequestration of carbon. Apparently, Brazilian grassland is particularly good compared to much of the rest of the world as the grass has extra long roots which take the carbon further into the ground and fixes it more strongly.
The current problem is that a lot of the grassland is degraded, and the research argues that if Brazil would actually increase beef production on the grassland this would encourage farmers to improve the pasture. Arguments from around the world frequently link proper livestock grazing with high quality grassland. As long as there is not overgrazing, the animals stomping around pushes the carbon down to the roots from where it gets moved deep into the earth.
It is important that the expansion of the livestock and beef production in Brazil must be completely disconnected from any Amazon forest destruction, and must remain on the grassland.
Hides and skins may be the non-determinant product from the meat and dairy industry but what we eat, what it costs and the environmental opinions held by consumers definitely impact what hides and skins are available and their quality. We must continue to take a close interest.
Source : Mike Redwood
Every Argentinian on average eats 56kg of beef a year, but in the first quarter of this year this dropped by nearly 6% compared to 2015. Instead, they are switching to cheaper chicken and pork. Apparently, inflation at 40% has priced beef out for many ordinary citizens. This is becoming serious since for the last sixty years beef consumption in Argentina has actually averaged 78kg.
On a smaller scale, something similar is going on in Paraguay where locals are now, apparently, cutting into the Amazon forest to find ways to get cheap beef for the local community; and even in beef besotted Brazil pork and chicken consumption is supposedly growing as the price of beef rises in a suffering economy,
The timing is unfortunate as we are just digesting new research from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) and Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) which says that reducing beef production in the Brazilian Cerrado could actually increase global greenhouse gas emissions. The findings were published recently in the journal Nature Climate Change.
The study does not argue against the charge applied to methane from cattle, which I hope to see more objectively challenged at some stage, but it highlights instead the value of long term grassland as good at the sequestration of carbon. Apparently, Brazilian grassland is particularly good compared to much of the rest of the world as the grass has extra long roots which take the carbon further into the ground and fixes it more strongly.
The current problem is that a lot of the grassland is degraded, and the research argues that if Brazil would actually increase beef production on the grassland this would encourage farmers to improve the pasture. Arguments from around the world frequently link proper livestock grazing with high quality grassland. As long as there is not overgrazing, the animals stomping around pushes the carbon down to the roots from where it gets moved deep into the earth.
It is important that the expansion of the livestock and beef production in Brazil must be completely disconnected from any Amazon forest destruction, and must remain on the grassland.
Hides and skins may be the non-determinant product from the meat and dairy industry but what we eat, what it costs and the environmental opinions held by consumers definitely impact what hides and skins are available and their quality. We must continue to take a close interest.
Source : Mike Redwood
Hermès leather goods division drives results
May 2016 Higher sales in the leather goods and saddlery divisions have helped offset market volatility and general economic slowdown. Hermès’ revenue for the first-quarter of 2016 was €1.19 billion, up 6.2% at constant exchange rates, surpassing analysts’ estimates of 5.8% and raising the Parisian stock levels by 2.7% at the announcement on April 28. The results were mainly led by leather goods and saddlery whose revenue rose 15%, beating the 12% consensus. Hermès has been recently expanding its leather production facilities in France, meaning higher supply volumes. It has just opened its 15th leather workshop and says further investments are planned. Sales of every other product line were down in the period. According to Axel Dumas, CEO, Hermès, sales at retail stores in London and Milan are back to normal but Paris is still impacted by the recent terrorist attacks. A drop in tourism combined with lower oil prices has impacted sales in the Middle East, according to Dumas. Sales fell in Macau but were stable in Hong Kong, which remains weak. In North America, retail sales were up 4.4%. Hermès expects 2016 to be difficult and says revenue growth could be below 8% this year, excluding currency swings. Source: Bloomberg/Reuters |
UGG boot company fined for misleading product source-
May 2016 A producer of UGG boots has infringed the Australian Consumer Law for advertising its footwear as being manufactured in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) when, in fact, it was sourced in China. Leather and leather goods miss export target - May 2016
India’s leather and leather goods exports registered a 10.11% negative growth between April 2015 and March 2016, with a sharp decline in exports of finished leather and shoe components. Lower U.S. wet-blue exports in March - May 2016
Following data released by the U.S. Hide Skin and Leather Association, U.S cattle on feed inventory increased 1% in April, year-on-year. |
Burberry cuts down on costs as profit slumps - May 2016 -
The UK headquartered luxury Group is to save around £100 million (US$146 million) over the next three years after reporting an 8% fall in annual profits.
Burberry’s pre-tax profit dropped to £415.6 million (US$608 million) in the year to March 31, 2016 on flat revenue of £2.5 billion (US$3.66 billion). On an adjusted basis, pre-tax profits were 8% lower than the previous year to £421m (US$616 million), just above analysts' expectations.
The company, which said it is taking measures to foster growth across all divisions, is to adopt a £100 million (US$146 million) annual savings strategy over the next three years involving improved efficiency in marketing and lower operating expenses. The luxury fashion house also announced it also plans to cut down on duplication across its global business and expand its online profile.
“While we expect the challenging environment for the luxury sector to continue in the near term, we are firmly committed to making the changes needed to drive Burberry's future outperformance, underpinned by strong brand and business fundamentals", said Christopher Baily, CEO, Burberry.
However, concerns have been raised regarding the role of Bailey as both the company’s CEO and Head of Design. The company is said to be considering the appointment of a Senior Commercial Manager to help achieve the targets set.
Burberry has increased the FY 2016 dividend by 5%, with a payout ratio of 53% on adjusted EPS, and is to commence a share buyback programme of up to £150 million (US$219 million) as from FY 2017.
The UK headquartered luxury Group is to save around £100 million (US$146 million) over the next three years after reporting an 8% fall in annual profits.
Burberry’s pre-tax profit dropped to £415.6 million (US$608 million) in the year to March 31, 2016 on flat revenue of £2.5 billion (US$3.66 billion). On an adjusted basis, pre-tax profits were 8% lower than the previous year to £421m (US$616 million), just above analysts' expectations.
The company, which said it is taking measures to foster growth across all divisions, is to adopt a £100 million (US$146 million) annual savings strategy over the next three years involving improved efficiency in marketing and lower operating expenses. The luxury fashion house also announced it also plans to cut down on duplication across its global business and expand its online profile.
“While we expect the challenging environment for the luxury sector to continue in the near term, we are firmly committed to making the changes needed to drive Burberry's future outperformance, underpinned by strong brand and business fundamentals", said Christopher Baily, CEO, Burberry.
However, concerns have been raised regarding the role of Bailey as both the company’s CEO and Head of Design. The company is said to be considering the appointment of a Senior Commercial Manager to help achieve the targets set.
Burberry has increased the FY 2016 dividend by 5%, with a payout ratio of 53% on adjusted EPS, and is to commence a share buyback programme of up to £150 million (US$219 million) as from FY 2017.
William Shakespeare knew about leather . May 2016
We have just celebrated the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare. It is a useful moment to highlight how important leather has been in history, and the neat balance between its functional and its aesthetic properties.
Throughout the history of society not much could have happened if we had not had hides and skins as a large strong sheet material. There was no fossil fuel based plastic to use, and not even any woven textiles for a very long time. So if you needed clothing for warmth, or did not have trees or a cave for shelter, you had to use hides and skins; preferably tanned with some smoke, brains, oil, alum or vegetable tannin.
Equally, if you really did not have many trees you needed hides to make boats, and hides and skins were pretty useful for carrying water and wine. So as you looked at all the technical systems like transportation, agricultural industries, warfare and even writing leather and parchment were central to being able to get things done. Society required the functional capabilities of leather yet, at the same time, the rarest colours and best types came under the control of the rich and powerful.
Leather was truly ubiquitous. Perhaps that is why today we take it for granted, and even why we have been poor at marketing it over these past few decades. Shakespeare knew this. His father was a glover, and tanned deer and other skins with alum, hence, he was called a white-tawer - making gloves in a small workshop which has been recreated in Stratford-upon-Avon. History suggests that glovers sometimes also made other articles such as purses and jackets, so it was likely that along with his four competitors in the town at that time his father made a wide range of products beyond gloves.
In his writing, Shakespeare talks routinely with clear knowledge about glove leathers from calf, kid and dogskin. He mentions equipment used to make leather level and soft, and discusses writing on parchment.
Perhaps just as significant as all this knowledge which flowed naturally from his family background, Shakespeare based Shylock on the Queen's doctor, the Portuguese Roderigo Lopez, who was given exclusive rights to import sumac as a tanning material. With otherwise only oak being used in the UK, sumac offered a welcome alternative in both colour and feel. Every load imported was overseen by two local experts so that an understanding of the technology could quickly be gained.
When light leathers such as goat skins were tanned with sumac, the skins were sewn together into a bag, filled with tanning liquor and placed in a "sumac tub", where lots of skins would be stirred by hand with a wooden paddle. Warm liquor accelerated penetration.
Looking at all this leads to two important lessons. First, when searching for innovations we should not ignore old technology. Many of the long forgotten technologies deserve re-examination with a view to reconfiguring in a contemporary setting; just as chrome tanning did not work until James Kent's fatliquoring ideas from Dongola were transferred across.
Equally with content, an essential element in any serious marketing programme, we should not forget that great businesses need not just good scientists, but also graduates of the arts to bring a creative and articulate edge to all communications.
Source : Redwood Comment - by Mike Redwood
We have just celebrated the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare. It is a useful moment to highlight how important leather has been in history, and the neat balance between its functional and its aesthetic properties.
Throughout the history of society not much could have happened if we had not had hides and skins as a large strong sheet material. There was no fossil fuel based plastic to use, and not even any woven textiles for a very long time. So if you needed clothing for warmth, or did not have trees or a cave for shelter, you had to use hides and skins; preferably tanned with some smoke, brains, oil, alum or vegetable tannin.
Equally, if you really did not have many trees you needed hides to make boats, and hides and skins were pretty useful for carrying water and wine. So as you looked at all the technical systems like transportation, agricultural industries, warfare and even writing leather and parchment were central to being able to get things done. Society required the functional capabilities of leather yet, at the same time, the rarest colours and best types came under the control of the rich and powerful.
Leather was truly ubiquitous. Perhaps that is why today we take it for granted, and even why we have been poor at marketing it over these past few decades. Shakespeare knew this. His father was a glover, and tanned deer and other skins with alum, hence, he was called a white-tawer - making gloves in a small workshop which has been recreated in Stratford-upon-Avon. History suggests that glovers sometimes also made other articles such as purses and jackets, so it was likely that along with his four competitors in the town at that time his father made a wide range of products beyond gloves.
In his writing, Shakespeare talks routinely with clear knowledge about glove leathers from calf, kid and dogskin. He mentions equipment used to make leather level and soft, and discusses writing on parchment.
Perhaps just as significant as all this knowledge which flowed naturally from his family background, Shakespeare based Shylock on the Queen's doctor, the Portuguese Roderigo Lopez, who was given exclusive rights to import sumac as a tanning material. With otherwise only oak being used in the UK, sumac offered a welcome alternative in both colour and feel. Every load imported was overseen by two local experts so that an understanding of the technology could quickly be gained.
When light leathers such as goat skins were tanned with sumac, the skins were sewn together into a bag, filled with tanning liquor and placed in a "sumac tub", where lots of skins would be stirred by hand with a wooden paddle. Warm liquor accelerated penetration.
Looking at all this leads to two important lessons. First, when searching for innovations we should not ignore old technology. Many of the long forgotten technologies deserve re-examination with a view to reconfiguring in a contemporary setting; just as chrome tanning did not work until James Kent's fatliquoring ideas from Dongola were transferred across.
Equally with content, an essential element in any serious marketing programme, we should not forget that great businesses need not just good scientists, but also graduates of the arts to bring a creative and articulate edge to all communications.
Source : Redwood Comment - by Mike Redwood
U.S. beef production forecast to increase . May 2016
After a fall in production due to severe drought a few years ago, expansion in the U.S cattle sector is expected to lower demand for imported beef in 2016.
After a fall in production due to severe drought a few years ago, expansion in the U.S cattle sector is expected to lower demand for imported beef in 2016.
Chinese leather sector confident despite challenges.
May 2016 The CLIA, China Leather Industry Association, says China’s leather industry should maintain a steady pace in 2016, with moderate growth in sales revenue and profits, despite various challenges in exports. |
Panel discusses problems related to chrome in leather -
May 2016 “Chrome VI and the future use of chrome in leather manufacture” was the subject of a panel discussion at the recent SLTC conference. A topic that is a major concern to many brands was discussed and a plan to tackle the issue head-on in the future was put forward. |
Change of dates for Lineapelle - April 2016
The organisers of Lineapelle have announced the upcoming edition of the trade fair will take place later than planned, on September 20-22, 2016.
Initially scheduled on September 7-9, the change of dates is in response to the needs and requests of some exhibitors who struggle to have the collections shipped on time to leather events taking place in different geographical regions during the period.
Lineapelle will be showcasing the Autumn/Winter 2017-18 collections and trends in September. The venue, Milano Fiera Rho, remains unchanged.
The organisers of Lineapelle have announced the upcoming edition of the trade fair will take place later than planned, on September 20-22, 2016.
Initially scheduled on September 7-9, the change of dates is in response to the needs and requests of some exhibitors who struggle to have the collections shipped on time to leather events taking place in different geographical regions during the period.
Lineapelle will be showcasing the Autumn/Winter 2017-18 collections and trends in September. The venue, Milano Fiera Rho, remains unchanged.
Volkswagen is reportedly nearing a deal to resolve its emissions rigging scandal - April 2016 -
Reuters reports, the German automaker is nearing a deal where it would offer to buy back 500,000 diesel cars in the United States. People familiar with the matter told Reuters, the company would increase its provisions to an unspecified double-digit number from its current €6.7 billion. Back in September, Volkswagen admitted to cheating on admissions testing for more than 11 million vehicles over the six years prior. |
The ECB meets.
April 2016 - The European Central Bank held its key interest rate at 0% and its deposit rate at -0.40%. The inaction was expected after the central bank cut rates and expanded its asset purchase program at the March meeting. Mario Draghi's press conference explaining the decision will begin at 8:30 a.m. ET. The euro is stronger by 0.3% at 1.1331 in the moments after the decision. |
Burberry announces lower results - April 2016 -
The London based luxury brand has reported a disappointing sales performance for the second-half of the current financial year, with total underlying revenue slipping 1%.
Burberry’s total sales in the six months to March 31, 2016 slipped to £1.41 billion (US$2 billion) from £1.42 billion (US$2.016 billion) a year earlier. Underlying constant currency retail revenue, which accounts for 75% of the Group’s revenue, was flat year-on-year for the period.
Wholesale revenue dropped 1%. Like-for-like retail sales were down 5% year-on-year, mainly affected by a sharp drop in travelling customer spending, particularly as luxury tourists avoided Europe due to security issues.
The company’s shares plunged nearly 7.5% in London after the announcement.
Just like Prada, Burberry is paying the price of its over-dependency in the Hong Kong and Chinese markets, with weakness in both retail and wholesale divisions, according to analysts. China accounts to nearly 40% of Burberry’s sales.
Read more on Prada results here.
The London based luxury brand has reported a disappointing sales performance for the second-half of the current financial year, with total underlying revenue slipping 1%.
Burberry’s total sales in the six months to March 31, 2016 slipped to £1.41 billion (US$2 billion) from £1.42 billion (US$2.016 billion) a year earlier. Underlying constant currency retail revenue, which accounts for 75% of the Group’s revenue, was flat year-on-year for the period.
Wholesale revenue dropped 1%. Like-for-like retail sales were down 5% year-on-year, mainly affected by a sharp drop in travelling customer spending, particularly as luxury tourists avoided Europe due to security issues.
The company’s shares plunged nearly 7.5% in London after the announcement.
Just like Prada, Burberry is paying the price of its over-dependency in the Hong Kong and Chinese markets, with weakness in both retail and wholesale divisions, according to analysts. China accounts to nearly 40% of Burberry’s sales.
Read more on Prada results here.
APLF reflects a mixed leather market
April 2016 . Most people that ILM have spoken to at the APLF this week feel that the show is slightly quieter compared with previous editions reflecting a subdued market in Asia and across many parts of the world. The reasons are varied and complex with reduced demand from China and Russia, high retail inventories following mild winters and the ongoing substitution of leather with non-leather materials all having an impact on the market. |
Iran is pumping more oil. April 2016
Iran's oil minister, Bijan Zanganeh, said, "Iran's oil and gas condensate exports are now at more than 2 million barrels per day." The country has managed to increase its production by 250,000 barrels a day over the past month, according to AFP. West Texas Intermediate crude oil is lower by 0.5% at $36.58 a barrel. |
The new China - April 2016
There is an understandable tendency to see the world around us as in a steady state. Perhaps given current events we would all shout out they we hoped not, but business-wise I have worked with many Chief Executives (with a couple of noted exceptions in Latin America and the USA) who look at the previous ten years and argue strongly that the future will be the same. "This is how it has always been and nothing significant is going to change." Most lost either their business or their job, or both.
With few tanners having fully fledged senior marketing staff companies have to work hard to see over the horizon. Hence there was a view that with nearly a billion and a half people China would have an infinite source of labour and be the final resting spot for all the world's low cost manufacturing. This despite clear data on a declining and ageing population and repeated government statements that mass production of low value added items would not be enough to keep China's economy moving.
Today we are in the midst of grappling with some of the outcomes of these changes. They are spiced up with a truly hefty dose of global geopolitics which have interrupted quite a number of well established trading arrangements from raw materials to finished product sales.
Set up decades ago as an interface between the traditional major tanning countries at the East, APLF has always been a mercantile show, and the moment in the calendar when all sectors of the industry gather to try and identify the big flows of stocks around the leather world, be they raw, semi-proceeded or finished. So APLF 2016 finds itself in a unique place. Tanners come to learn about what is happening and much of what is happening centres around changing events in China and nearby countries. And this is a moment of significant change.
I am one that subscribes to the view that the new China will be.....well, China. But things are changing and it will not be the same China.
Mike Redwood
There is an understandable tendency to see the world around us as in a steady state. Perhaps given current events we would all shout out they we hoped not, but business-wise I have worked with many Chief Executives (with a couple of noted exceptions in Latin America and the USA) who look at the previous ten years and argue strongly that the future will be the same. "This is how it has always been and nothing significant is going to change." Most lost either their business or their job, or both.
With few tanners having fully fledged senior marketing staff companies have to work hard to see over the horizon. Hence there was a view that with nearly a billion and a half people China would have an infinite source of labour and be the final resting spot for all the world's low cost manufacturing. This despite clear data on a declining and ageing population and repeated government statements that mass production of low value added items would not be enough to keep China's economy moving.
Today we are in the midst of grappling with some of the outcomes of these changes. They are spiced up with a truly hefty dose of global geopolitics which have interrupted quite a number of well established trading arrangements from raw materials to finished product sales.
Set up decades ago as an interface between the traditional major tanning countries at the East, APLF has always been a mercantile show, and the moment in the calendar when all sectors of the industry gather to try and identify the big flows of stocks around the leather world, be they raw, semi-proceeded or finished. So APLF 2016 finds itself in a unique place. Tanners come to learn about what is happening and much of what is happening centres around changing events in China and nearby countries. And this is a moment of significant change.
I am one that subscribes to the view that the new China will be.....well, China. But things are changing and it will not be the same China.
Mike Redwood
Eurozone unemployment is at its lowest in almost five years. April 2016
Unemployment in the eurozone slipped to 10.3% in February, down from 10.4% in January. The reading was the lowest for the euro area since August 2011. The lowest unemployment rate was in Germany (4.3%), while the highest was in Greece (24%). The euro is down 0.3% at 1.1362.
Unemployment in the eurozone slipped to 10.3% in February, down from 10.4% in January. The reading was the lowest for the euro area since August 2011. The lowest unemployment rate was in Germany (4.3%), while the highest was in Greece (24%). The euro is down 0.3% at 1.1362.
Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton suffered setbacks in Wisconsin. April 2016
Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas won the Wisconsin Republican presidential primary, taking 48.3% of the vote, compared with 35.1% for Donald Trump. The win gave Cruz 33 delegates to Trump's three, and it increases the chances of a contested convention. In a statement released after Cruz was projected to win, Trump's team said, "Ted Cruz is worse than a puppet — he is a Trojan horse, being used by the party bosses attempting to steal the nomination from Mr. Trump." On the Democratic side, Sen. Bernie Sanders took 56.5% of the vote, beating former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (43.1%). The win gave Sanders 45 delegates to Clinton's 31.
Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas won the Wisconsin Republican presidential primary, taking 48.3% of the vote, compared with 35.1% for Donald Trump. The win gave Cruz 33 delegates to Trump's three, and it increases the chances of a contested convention. In a statement released after Cruz was projected to win, Trump's team said, "Ted Cruz is worse than a puppet — he is a Trojan horse, being used by the party bosses attempting to steal the nomination from Mr. Trump." On the Democratic side, Sen. Bernie Sanders took 56.5% of the vote, beating former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (43.1%). The win gave Sanders 45 delegates to Clinton's 31.
Leather goods contribute to Tod’s results - March, 2016
The Italy based, luxury goods Group has reported excellent results for its leather goods segment, with shoes and handbags largely contributing to the consolidated sales, up 7.4% in 2015, year-on-year.
Consolidated sales were €1,037 million in 2015, up 7.4% from 2014. Sales totalled just over €250 million in the fourth-quarter of 2015, up 11.4% from the same period in 2014, showing a visible acceleration from the first nine months within challenging market environment.
At reported rates, all the brands, product categories, regions (except Hong Kong) and distribution channels registered positive performances. At constant exchange rates, sales would have been €983.2 million, +1.8% from the previous year.
The Group, which owns Tod’s, Hogan, Fay and Roger Vivier brands, has reported that sales of shoes totalled €811.7 million in the year, up 9.2% from 2014, and+12.9% in Q4 2015.
Revenues of leather goods and accessories totalled just over €157 million, up 1.1% from 2014, and +3.1% in Q4 2015. The Group is pleased with the excellent results of the new collection of Tod’s handbags and are confident to see this trend confirmed also in Spring/Summer collections.
According to the company’s report, positive results were obtained in all geographical areas for the Roger Vivier and Hogan brands, which registered, €156 million and €221.4 million as turnover, respectively, up 22.9% and 4.2% from 2014.
As for the Tod’s brand, total sales were €599, up 5.5% from 2014. Good results were registered in all regions, except Greater China, which was slightly negative.
“Our Group has achieved good results, even in a not easy and volatile environment. We are pleased with the positive performance of all our brands in all regions, with the only exception of Hong Kong”, said Diego Della Valle, Tod’s Spa Chairman and CEO. With the presentation of the next Autumn/Winter collections, we believe to have completed the range of our products, with everything which is needed to meet the demand of our customers, both in leather goods and, above all, in shoes, as confirmed by the good start in orders’ collection”, he added.
The Italy based, luxury goods Group has reported excellent results for its leather goods segment, with shoes and handbags largely contributing to the consolidated sales, up 7.4% in 2015, year-on-year.
Consolidated sales were €1,037 million in 2015, up 7.4% from 2014. Sales totalled just over €250 million in the fourth-quarter of 2015, up 11.4% from the same period in 2014, showing a visible acceleration from the first nine months within challenging market environment.
At reported rates, all the brands, product categories, regions (except Hong Kong) and distribution channels registered positive performances. At constant exchange rates, sales would have been €983.2 million, +1.8% from the previous year.
The Group, which owns Tod’s, Hogan, Fay and Roger Vivier brands, has reported that sales of shoes totalled €811.7 million in the year, up 9.2% from 2014, and+12.9% in Q4 2015.
Revenues of leather goods and accessories totalled just over €157 million, up 1.1% from 2014, and +3.1% in Q4 2015. The Group is pleased with the excellent results of the new collection of Tod’s handbags and are confident to see this trend confirmed also in Spring/Summer collections.
According to the company’s report, positive results were obtained in all geographical areas for the Roger Vivier and Hogan brands, which registered, €156 million and €221.4 million as turnover, respectively, up 22.9% and 4.2% from 2014.
As for the Tod’s brand, total sales were €599, up 5.5% from 2014. Good results were registered in all regions, except Greater China, which was slightly negative.
“Our Group has achieved good results, even in a not easy and volatile environment. We are pleased with the positive performance of all our brands in all regions, with the only exception of Hong Kong”, said Diego Della Valle, Tod’s Spa Chairman and CEO. With the presentation of the next Autumn/Winter collections, we believe to have completed the range of our products, with everything which is needed to meet the demand of our customers, both in leather goods and, above all, in shoes, as confirmed by the good start in orders’ collection”, he added.
Rumours of major automotive leather supplier acquisition - March, 2016
Media reports are alleging that a manufacturer of handbags for the luxury segment together with a private equity company are said to be close acquiring one of the world’s largest automotive leather makers.
Media reports are alleging that a manufacturer of handbags for the luxury segment together with a private equity company are said to be close acquiring one of the world’s largest automotive leather makers.
Is it time to give up leather? – A response -
March 2016
It is hard not to talk about an article that appeared in a British national newspaper last Sunday entitled Is it time to give up leather?
We see a lot of articles like this and most can be brushed aside as written by those who start with a predetermined opinion and only look to cherry pick the facts to find evidence they can piece together to support that point of view. They are absolutist in their approach and will never change their minds.
The problem for me is that this article was written by Lucy Siegle, a respected journalist in print and on television. Her 2011 book To Die For: Is Fashion Wearing Out the World? was a thorough discussion of the worst aspects of fast fashion, the peer pressure to buy popular brands at often unaffordable prices and the allied huge consumer enthusiasm for cheap clothing. It was disappointing that her view of leather was based on a visit to the worst unregulated parts of Kanpur. I have often used her chapter on leather as an example of the perils for the leather industry of having these locations where comparatively tiny production zones can hugely damage the "brand" leather.
But this article is different. It is a compilation of all the negative things that Ms Siegle can find to do with leather from animal welfare in India, through the Amazon deforestation issue, child labour in Bangladesh, greenhouse gas emissions and, of course, undefined "toxic" chemicals everywhere. Each of these issues is serious, but each needs to be examined in detail and placed in perspective. We have a highly responsible industry where 95% if not more of all tanners behave impeccably. We are an industry that is very far from perfect but which has and continues to make unbelievable strides forward. Modern tanneries that make the vast majority of our leather are among the top tier of quality manufacturing world wide, and their hides come from carefully managed herds with animal welfare at top of mind.
The article carelessly adds together every evil, proven and unproven, and assumes that every emerging country from Ethiopia to Vietnam must be at the worst end of the scale. A little research would have shown her that both these countries have large plants run by two prominent members of LeatherNaturally!; Pittards and PrimeAsia to name just two.
The ultimate thrust of the article is the hardest to understand as it argues that fashion is making leather more popular and driving it away from long lasting articles towards disposable fast fashion categories. This means, she says, that animals are going to be killed for their skins albeit there is no supporting evidence for this; and very much at odds with the history and all trends in the industry.
Advising us that a plastic handbag from Stella McCartney at £1500 (US$2,115) is a better bet for the consumer is hard to take. One has to say that if this is journalism; it feels more like politics than scientific or environmental journalism. Hopefully, our responses will be published both online and in print, and that others will respond and join in making the case for leather.
To view the article click here.
Written By : Mike Redwood
March 2016
It is hard not to talk about an article that appeared in a British national newspaper last Sunday entitled Is it time to give up leather?
We see a lot of articles like this and most can be brushed aside as written by those who start with a predetermined opinion and only look to cherry pick the facts to find evidence they can piece together to support that point of view. They are absolutist in their approach and will never change their minds.
The problem for me is that this article was written by Lucy Siegle, a respected journalist in print and on television. Her 2011 book To Die For: Is Fashion Wearing Out the World? was a thorough discussion of the worst aspects of fast fashion, the peer pressure to buy popular brands at often unaffordable prices and the allied huge consumer enthusiasm for cheap clothing. It was disappointing that her view of leather was based on a visit to the worst unregulated parts of Kanpur. I have often used her chapter on leather as an example of the perils for the leather industry of having these locations where comparatively tiny production zones can hugely damage the "brand" leather.
But this article is different. It is a compilation of all the negative things that Ms Siegle can find to do with leather from animal welfare in India, through the Amazon deforestation issue, child labour in Bangladesh, greenhouse gas emissions and, of course, undefined "toxic" chemicals everywhere. Each of these issues is serious, but each needs to be examined in detail and placed in perspective. We have a highly responsible industry where 95% if not more of all tanners behave impeccably. We are an industry that is very far from perfect but which has and continues to make unbelievable strides forward. Modern tanneries that make the vast majority of our leather are among the top tier of quality manufacturing world wide, and their hides come from carefully managed herds with animal welfare at top of mind.
The article carelessly adds together every evil, proven and unproven, and assumes that every emerging country from Ethiopia to Vietnam must be at the worst end of the scale. A little research would have shown her that both these countries have large plants run by two prominent members of LeatherNaturally!; Pittards and PrimeAsia to name just two.
The ultimate thrust of the article is the hardest to understand as it argues that fashion is making leather more popular and driving it away from long lasting articles towards disposable fast fashion categories. This means, she says, that animals are going to be killed for their skins albeit there is no supporting evidence for this; and very much at odds with the history and all trends in the industry.
Advising us that a plastic handbag from Stella McCartney at £1500 (US$2,115) is a better bet for the consumer is hard to take. One has to say that if this is journalism; it feels more like politics than scientific or environmental journalism. Hopefully, our responses will be published both online and in print, and that others will respond and join in making the case for leather.
To view the article click here.
Written By : Mike Redwood
Here's what to expect from the ECB today. March 2016
42 days ago, Mario Draghi said there were “no limits” to what the central bank will do to reach its inflation target of 2% at the ECB's January press conference. He hinted that the ECB had the "power, willingness, and determination" to take action in March if needs be. Well, March is here and inflation is still far below target – falling to minus 0.2% in February, dropping back into negative territory for the first time in five months.
And at 1:45 p.m. Frankfurt time (12:45 p.m. UK time) we'll discover what Draghi has up his sleeve.
Most analysts think the stimulus Draghi suggested is a cut in the deposit rate, which is the rate the ECB pays banks to leave money with it overnight. At the moment, the rate is minus 0.3%, meaning banks have to pay money to leave deposits with the ECB – something the central bank hopes will stir the big lenders to pump money into the economy, rather than keep it back and reduce their own deposit rates, forcing savers to go out and spend or invest their money.
The issue is the size of the cut – while most analysts think the ECB will go to minus 0.4%, Ben May of Oxford Economics told AFP it could go as low as minus 0.5%. Deutsche Bank analyst Jim Reid summed up the day's concerns neatly:
Is today's the most challenging central bank meeting in living memory? The reason we say this is that up until now virtually all meetings have rested on will they or won't they ease and if they do by how much? Even in a crisis central banks have generally been able to get bang for their buck by easing more than expected. However there seems to be more at stake for today's ECB get-together.
At the heart of why the ECB needs to act is their increasingly persistent miss on inflation. Even though it shouldn't be solely their responsibility (governments should have a big role to play too), the modern era is one where central banks are the inflation guardians. In the PDF today we show European, US and UK inflation since 1999 relative to where it would have been had we seen a constant 2% number. We show this for headline and core just for interest.
Top European bankers are worried the ECB would only make things worse with a deposit rate cut. CEO of Austrian bank Erste Bank, Andreas Treichl, told the FT that "savers are risk adverse and capital markets are not very prominent" in his region, meaning "lowering interest rates is not very helpful in stimulating economic growth,” he said.
The other option for the ECB is a so-called tiered negative rate, which would charge banks depending on how much they wanted to deposit with the central bank. This is the model Japan launched earlier this year.
The tiered approach could help Draghi skirt criticism of the negative rate policy, reducing the pain for smaller banks.
Commerzbank economist Michael Schubert told AFP: "If a tiered rate system were introduced, the burden on banks would rise less strongly and the deposit rate could be cut more sharply than if the ECB stuck to a universal penalty rate."
42 days ago, Mario Draghi said there were “no limits” to what the central bank will do to reach its inflation target of 2% at the ECB's January press conference. He hinted that the ECB had the "power, willingness, and determination" to take action in March if needs be. Well, March is here and inflation is still far below target – falling to minus 0.2% in February, dropping back into negative territory for the first time in five months.
And at 1:45 p.m. Frankfurt time (12:45 p.m. UK time) we'll discover what Draghi has up his sleeve.
Most analysts think the stimulus Draghi suggested is a cut in the deposit rate, which is the rate the ECB pays banks to leave money with it overnight. At the moment, the rate is minus 0.3%, meaning banks have to pay money to leave deposits with the ECB – something the central bank hopes will stir the big lenders to pump money into the economy, rather than keep it back and reduce their own deposit rates, forcing savers to go out and spend or invest their money.
The issue is the size of the cut – while most analysts think the ECB will go to minus 0.4%, Ben May of Oxford Economics told AFP it could go as low as minus 0.5%. Deutsche Bank analyst Jim Reid summed up the day's concerns neatly:
Is today's the most challenging central bank meeting in living memory? The reason we say this is that up until now virtually all meetings have rested on will they or won't they ease and if they do by how much? Even in a crisis central banks have generally been able to get bang for their buck by easing more than expected. However there seems to be more at stake for today's ECB get-together.
At the heart of why the ECB needs to act is their increasingly persistent miss on inflation. Even though it shouldn't be solely their responsibility (governments should have a big role to play too), the modern era is one where central banks are the inflation guardians. In the PDF today we show European, US and UK inflation since 1999 relative to where it would have been had we seen a constant 2% number. We show this for headline and core just for interest.
Top European bankers are worried the ECB would only make things worse with a deposit rate cut. CEO of Austrian bank Erste Bank, Andreas Treichl, told the FT that "savers are risk adverse and capital markets are not very prominent" in his region, meaning "lowering interest rates is not very helpful in stimulating economic growth,” he said.
The other option for the ECB is a so-called tiered negative rate, which would charge banks depending on how much they wanted to deposit with the central bank. This is the model Japan launched earlier this year.
The tiered approach could help Draghi skirt criticism of the negative rate policy, reducing the pain for smaller banks.
Commerzbank economist Michael Schubert told AFP: "If a tiered rate system were introduced, the burden on banks would rise less strongly and the deposit rate could be cut more sharply than if the ECB stuck to a universal penalty rate."
Korea's central bank kept policy on hold. March 2016
The Bank of Korea left its key interest rate unchanged at 1.50% for a ninth consecutive meeting. The central bank noted that the US economy appeared to be on a trend toward moderate growth but that Europe's was weakening and China's continued to slow. As for the Korean economy, the bank said, "the trend of decline in exports and the weakening recovery of domestic demand activities such as consumption are continuing." South Korea's won ended stronger by 1.1% at 1,203.41 per dollar. Moody's is thinking about cutting China's credit rating.
March 2016 Moody's placed China's sovereign debt on review for a possible downgrade, implying there's a one-in-three chance it will lose its Aa3 credit rating. According to the ratings agency, weakening fiscal metrics, accelerated capital outflows, and uncertainty over the ability to implement reforms are reasons cited for the possible downgrade. |
The frontrunners won big on Super Tuesday. March 2016
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump extended his delegate lead, winning seven states, compared with three for Sen. Ted Cruz and one for Sen. Marco Rubio. On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton secured seven states versus four for Sen. Bernie Sanders. "Once we get all of this finished, I'm going to go after one person. That's Hillary Clinton," Trump said. "And I think that's frankly going to be an easy race. You see the polls. I beat Hillary in many polls." Volkswagen's US CEO is out. March 2016
Michael Horn has resigned as Volkswagen Group of America CEO six months after the company was rocked by its emissions scandal. Horn's resignation comes just more than two years after Horn took over as US boss with the goal of trying to turn around sagging sales. Several high-profile engineers and Volkswagen AG CEO Martin Winterkorn were among those dismissed in the fallout from the scandal. |
Illegal international donkey hides market unveiled > February, 2016
An illegal trade market of donkey hides between Botswana, Zimbabwe and China has been uncovered by police during a warehouse operation in Botswana.
An illegal trade market of donkey hides between Botswana, Zimbabwe and China has been uncovered by police during a warehouse operation in Botswana.
Danier Leather enters insolvency proceedings - Canada - February 2016
Operating losses worsen as one of Canada’s leading leather apparel retailers files for insolvency to protect itself from creditors while searching for a buyer.
Danier Leather has announced that it has entered insolvency proceedings under Canada’s Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act that could lead to a sale of all or part of the company and possibly bankruptcy. The chain, which has 90 stores across Canada, needs to find a buyer or complete the insolvency process by the end of March 2016.
As reported previously by ILM, Danier Leather has been struggling financially and could close down its less performing retail units. Quarterly earnings at the end of November 2015 revealed the company's same-store sales had shrunk by 10%, while the amount the chain owed to its bankers had increased by 669% to more than CAD20 million (US$14 million).
"It is important to note that the company is not bankrupt; it has sufficient resources to fund its operations during the insolvency process and its stores will remain open for business during that time, subject to any restructuring steps that the company may take during the process," the company said in a statement.
In a letter to the company’s shareholders, Jeffrey Worstman, CEO, Danier Leather, pointed out that many Canadian retailers have failed to adapt to increased competition from e-commerce and that the situation has been further complicated by the weakening Canadian dollar.
The company expects to post further negative results in 2016 as operating losses worsen.
Source: CBC News
Operating losses worsen as one of Canada’s leading leather apparel retailers files for insolvency to protect itself from creditors while searching for a buyer.
Danier Leather has announced that it has entered insolvency proceedings under Canada’s Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act that could lead to a sale of all or part of the company and possibly bankruptcy. The chain, which has 90 stores across Canada, needs to find a buyer or complete the insolvency process by the end of March 2016.
As reported previously by ILM, Danier Leather has been struggling financially and could close down its less performing retail units. Quarterly earnings at the end of November 2015 revealed the company's same-store sales had shrunk by 10%, while the amount the chain owed to its bankers had increased by 669% to more than CAD20 million (US$14 million).
"It is important to note that the company is not bankrupt; it has sufficient resources to fund its operations during the insolvency process and its stores will remain open for business during that time, subject to any restructuring steps that the company may take during the process," the company said in a statement.
In a letter to the company’s shareholders, Jeffrey Worstman, CEO, Danier Leather, pointed out that many Canadian retailers have failed to adapt to increased competition from e-commerce and that the situation has been further complicated by the weakening Canadian dollar.
The company expects to post further negative results in 2016 as operating losses worsen.
Source: CBC News
Check Our Products gallery !
We are proud to provide not only a service of Agency , Inspection Certificate and Import-Export.We are part of the new concept of business : Our Glocal Network (Global and Local at the same time) . Many designers write us , make a Skype videocon or comes directly in our office to get new ideas and develop together their new collection to present at fashions shows or big groups . We will always support small projects because every Flower is first a seed ... and need partners to grow up . and we are proud to be part of this magic !
We are proud to provide not only a service of Agency , Inspection Certificate and Import-Export.We are part of the new concept of business : Our Glocal Network (Global and Local at the same time) . Many designers write us , make a Skype videocon or comes directly in our office to get new ideas and develop together their new collection to present at fashions shows or big groups . We will always support small projects because every Flower is first a seed ... and need partners to grow up . and we are proud to be part of this magic !
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Do you know that ?
The leather jacket Michael Jackson used in 1982 for his amazing video -Thriller- was made here in Solofra ?! Yes, exactly here in our home town. Red soft nappa leather with Black stripes, Los Angeles studios committed this product directly to one of our tanneries here, a year before the presentation of the Video . The Jacket was sold on last June, in a Beverly Hills auction, to Milton Verret, for 1,8 million Dollars. He is using the jacket to go around US and collect funds to help children in needs. With these funds, he is also helping the Shambala Preserve, a refuge for the Bengala's Tigers, where also the 2 Tigers belonging to Michael Jackson, are now living . Good man. |
ECOPELLE : DEFINIZIONE
DEFINITION OF VEGAN LEATHER / PU LEATHER / ECO FRIENDLY-LEATHER , ETC..
DEC. 2015
ITALIANO :
Come si sa, contrastiamo l’uso improprio del termine “ecopelle”, diffidando i soggetti che lo utilizzano su materiali sintetici.
Il termine “ecopelle”, accostato a beni realizzati in poliuretano e poliestere, oltre a costituire una pratica commerciale scorretta, contravviene a quanto prescritto dalla legge n. 1112/1966, che riserva l’uso di “pelle” e “cuoio” e loro sinonimi ai prodotti ottenuti dalla lavorazione di spoglie di animali, che conservino inalterata la struttura naturale delle fibre.
I diffidati negli ultimi mesi sono 22. Tra essi spiccano brand che hanno rimosso o sostituito il termine dai loro siti web, cataloghi ecc.
ENGLISH :
As we all know , we are fighting from long time about the common use in our industry and shops , of the terms " Vegan Leather, Eco-friendly Leather, Ecological Leather, PU Leather , Simil Leather , etc...." talking about plastic and polyester materials . These materials (Polyurethane or Polyester ) are not Organic Fibers; this means that , whoever use this terms to describe their plastic products , committ a violation of our Law 1112/1996 , that reserve the term of LEATHER and HIDE (and all their synonyms ) only to that products obtained from the processing of the animal remains , and preserve unchanged and intact the natural structure of the fiber .
Till today the indicted by law are 22 , including big brands name , forced to delete this terms from their website , catalogues , etc...
DEFINITION OF VEGAN LEATHER / PU LEATHER / ECO FRIENDLY-LEATHER , ETC..
DEC. 2015
ITALIANO :
Come si sa, contrastiamo l’uso improprio del termine “ecopelle”, diffidando i soggetti che lo utilizzano su materiali sintetici.
Il termine “ecopelle”, accostato a beni realizzati in poliuretano e poliestere, oltre a costituire una pratica commerciale scorretta, contravviene a quanto prescritto dalla legge n. 1112/1966, che riserva l’uso di “pelle” e “cuoio” e loro sinonimi ai prodotti ottenuti dalla lavorazione di spoglie di animali, che conservino inalterata la struttura naturale delle fibre.
I diffidati negli ultimi mesi sono 22. Tra essi spiccano brand che hanno rimosso o sostituito il termine dai loro siti web, cataloghi ecc.
ENGLISH :
As we all know , we are fighting from long time about the common use in our industry and shops , of the terms " Vegan Leather, Eco-friendly Leather, Ecological Leather, PU Leather , Simil Leather , etc...." talking about plastic and polyester materials . These materials (Polyurethane or Polyester ) are not Organic Fibers; this means that , whoever use this terms to describe their plastic products , committ a violation of our Law 1112/1996 , that reserve the term of LEATHER and HIDE (and all their synonyms ) only to that products obtained from the processing of the animal remains , and preserve unchanged and intact the natural structure of the fiber .
Till today the indicted by law are 22 , including big brands name , forced to delete this terms from their website , catalogues , etc...
WE MOVED !
From now on , pls update your records as we moved to a new location .
PELLEROSSA G. SRL
VIA TORO SOTTANO 56 ,
83029 SOLOFRA (AV) - ITALY
TEL.: +39 0825 535410
[email protected]
[email protected]
Thanks for keeping note and see you soon !
From now on , pls update your records as we moved to a new location .
PELLEROSSA G. SRL
VIA TORO SOTTANO 56 ,
83029 SOLOFRA (AV) - ITALY
TEL.: +39 0825 535410
[email protected]
[email protected]
Thanks for keeping note and see you soon !
Time for Change . Carbon Footprint and Global Warming .
A carbon footprint is defined as:
The total amount of greenhouse gases produced to directly and indirectly support human activities, usually expressed in equivalent tons of carbon dioxide (CO2).
In other words: When you drive a car, the engine burns fuel which creates a certain amount of CO2, depending on its fuel consumption and the driving distance. (CO2 is the chemical symbol for carbon dioxide). When you heat your house with oil, gas or coal, then you also generate CO2. Even if you heat your house with electricity, the generation of the electrical power may also have emitted a certain amount of CO2. When you buy food and goods, the production of the food and goods also emitted some quantities of CO2.
Your carbon footprint is the sum of all emissions of CO2 (carbon dioxide), which were induced by your activities in a given time frame. Usually a carbon footprint is calculated for the time period of a year.
The main cause of global warming
It took more than 20 years to broadly accept that mankind is causing global warming with the emission of greenhouse gases. The drastic increase in the emission of CO2 (carbon dioxide) within the last 30 years caused by burning fossil fuels has been identified as the major reason for the change of temperature in the atmosphere . More than 80% of the world-wide energy demand is currently supplied by the fossil fuels coal, oil or gas. It will be impossible to find alternative sources, which could replace fossil fuels in the short or medium term. The energy demand is simply too high.
Another issue is the non-renewable characteristic of fossil fuels: It took nature millions of years to generate these resources, however we will have used them up within the next decades. Alone the shrinking supply will not make it possible to continue as usual for a longer time.
The main cause of global warming is our treatment of Nature
The answer to all these questions is a rather simple one:
In our technology and scientific minded world, we seem to have forgotten that mankind is only a relatively minor part of Nature. We ignore being part of a larger Whole.
The ultimate global warming solutions is to behave as part of a larger whole
Many people between 20 and 65 years seem to live for the one and only purpose of earning as much money as possible in order to be able to buy as many things as possible. In this light, it is not surprising that discussions about potential solutions to fight global warming concentrate on technical measures instead of a fundamental change of our attitude to life in general and to Nature in particular.
Someone who respects Nature and regards mankind as a part of a larger whole would never dream about using up non-renewable resources in a short time nor would this person contaminate the environment with gigantic amounts of pollution. By contrary, someone who respects Nature and regards mankind as a part of a larger whole would in all decisions carefully evaluate any effects on Nature. The preservation of Nature would be given a very high priority. On this base, it wouldn't have been possible to deny and ignore global warming for more than 20 years!
A carbon footprint is defined as:
The total amount of greenhouse gases produced to directly and indirectly support human activities, usually expressed in equivalent tons of carbon dioxide (CO2).
In other words: When you drive a car, the engine burns fuel which creates a certain amount of CO2, depending on its fuel consumption and the driving distance. (CO2 is the chemical symbol for carbon dioxide). When you heat your house with oil, gas or coal, then you also generate CO2. Even if you heat your house with electricity, the generation of the electrical power may also have emitted a certain amount of CO2. When you buy food and goods, the production of the food and goods also emitted some quantities of CO2.
Your carbon footprint is the sum of all emissions of CO2 (carbon dioxide), which were induced by your activities in a given time frame. Usually a carbon footprint is calculated for the time period of a year.
The main cause of global warming
It took more than 20 years to broadly accept that mankind is causing global warming with the emission of greenhouse gases. The drastic increase in the emission of CO2 (carbon dioxide) within the last 30 years caused by burning fossil fuels has been identified as the major reason for the change of temperature in the atmosphere . More than 80% of the world-wide energy demand is currently supplied by the fossil fuels coal, oil or gas. It will be impossible to find alternative sources, which could replace fossil fuels in the short or medium term. The energy demand is simply too high.
Another issue is the non-renewable characteristic of fossil fuels: It took nature millions of years to generate these resources, however we will have used them up within the next decades. Alone the shrinking supply will not make it possible to continue as usual for a longer time.
The main cause of global warming is our treatment of Nature
The answer to all these questions is a rather simple one:
In our technology and scientific minded world, we seem to have forgotten that mankind is only a relatively minor part of Nature. We ignore being part of a larger Whole.
The ultimate global warming solutions is to behave as part of a larger whole
Many people between 20 and 65 years seem to live for the one and only purpose of earning as much money as possible in order to be able to buy as many things as possible. In this light, it is not surprising that discussions about potential solutions to fight global warming concentrate on technical measures instead of a fundamental change of our attitude to life in general and to Nature in particular.
Someone who respects Nature and regards mankind as a part of a larger whole would never dream about using up non-renewable resources in a short time nor would this person contaminate the environment with gigantic amounts of pollution. By contrary, someone who respects Nature and regards mankind as a part of a larger whole would in all decisions carefully evaluate any effects on Nature. The preservation of Nature would be given a very high priority. On this base, it wouldn't have been possible to deny and ignore global warming for more than 20 years!
See our brand new section TRENDS , where you can find many inspirations for the next seasons of your collection. Check it out!
We Just got back in the office and ready to satisfy all your requests .
Please contact us for any samples you may need , or project to
develop together .
Leader in Leather , Pellerossa !
autumn /WINTER 16-17 TRENDS GUIDELINE .
6 ways to spot cheap or fake leather — even at high-end stores . 29th July 2015
The qualities of good leather are well known. It's tough, it looks beautiful, and it ages with grace.
Poor leather, on the other hand, can pull the wool over your eyes — especially when it's beautifully displayed in an upscale store.
Here are a few tricks to help gauge the quality of the next leather item that catches your fancy.
Real leather will always smell like leather. Fake leather smells like plastic and chemically treated leather usually smells like chemicals. That real leather smell is always preferable. Plus, it's one of the key ways to tell leather qualities apart when they look roughly similar.
Look for labels marked "full-grain." Full-grain is the best quality of leather you can buy, but if the label says "made with full-grain leather," that might imply that part of the good is not full-grain. Meanwhile, "genuine" leather doesn't just mean that the product is made of real leather (which it is); it also means it is the lowest quality of all products made out of real leather.
Look at the edging of the leather. If it's blue, that means the tannery didn't allow the leather to properly tan, according to the blog Put This On. You'll notice the edges will sometimes be painted to hide the blemish — another sign that the piece you're looking at isn't the finest.
Look at the non-leather aspects of the product. An item of good leather quality will usually have quality stitching to match. Flaws in stitching, hardware, and lining can indicate inferior leather.
Pay attention to how it feels and looks. If the leather feels wrong (hard, plasticky, or thin), it probably is. Also look out for leather that appears machine-made or has a lot of blemishes.
The price of leather speaks volumes. This may seem obvious, but the cost of buying high quality leather is more or less fixed. Translation: that $50 leather bag probably wasn't made with the best quality leather.
Source : Business Insider
The qualities of good leather are well known. It's tough, it looks beautiful, and it ages with grace.
Poor leather, on the other hand, can pull the wool over your eyes — especially when it's beautifully displayed in an upscale store.
Here are a few tricks to help gauge the quality of the next leather item that catches your fancy.
Real leather will always smell like leather. Fake leather smells like plastic and chemically treated leather usually smells like chemicals. That real leather smell is always preferable. Plus, it's one of the key ways to tell leather qualities apart when they look roughly similar.
Look for labels marked "full-grain." Full-grain is the best quality of leather you can buy, but if the label says "made with full-grain leather," that might imply that part of the good is not full-grain. Meanwhile, "genuine" leather doesn't just mean that the product is made of real leather (which it is); it also means it is the lowest quality of all products made out of real leather.
Look at the edging of the leather. If it's blue, that means the tannery didn't allow the leather to properly tan, according to the blog Put This On. You'll notice the edges will sometimes be painted to hide the blemish — another sign that the piece you're looking at isn't the finest.
Look at the non-leather aspects of the product. An item of good leather quality will usually have quality stitching to match. Flaws in stitching, hardware, and lining can indicate inferior leather.
Pay attention to how it feels and looks. If the leather feels wrong (hard, plasticky, or thin), it probably is. Also look out for leather that appears machine-made or has a lot of blemishes.
The price of leather speaks volumes. This may seem obvious, but the cost of buying high quality leather is more or less fixed. Translation: that $50 leather bag probably wasn't made with the best quality leather.
Source : Business Insider
TFL Colour Trends Autumn/Winter 2016/17 .
Wearing
The world of metropolitan rock stars continues tooffer an unlimited source of ideas when creatingand designing the new collections thanks to itsnonconformist, rebellious and anarchic stance thatbreaks with contemporary ethics.
On the stage of our imaginary concert, the Seventiesare interpreted by two-tone brushed offcalfskin for the footwear while the bags printedwith a geometric design are complemented bymetallic hardware. Punk is embodied by naplak inintense colours with vibrant shiny grains on smoothbovine leather as well as soft lambskins from NewZealand.
The Eighties are more colourful with a less darkedginess, and introduce a riot of iridescent coloursfor calfskin and polished kidskin; lustrous ultrapearlyenamels create a dappled effect on softnubuck bags.
Influenced by horror movies, the Gothic trendfeatures uber compact plongé calfskin and printedor real snakeskin and crocodile; which incorporatethe luxurious sparkle of diamonds encased in longdouble-face furs and laser-etched and printed calfskins – reminiscent of ancient Persian Ikat rugs. More
Living
We have been adorning our homes with poufs, cushions,rugs and other soft, warm furnishings for a longtime now. Having a welcoming cocoon or an invitingnest to come home to is an idea shared by many.
Within this haven you will find a predominance ofnatural leather or wet-white bovine leathers with 3Dtextures finished in a way that unleashes the brilliantcolours and softness of retanned leathers,while protecting them with innovative clear andeven solutions.
The colour palette exudes a passionate vibrancy withcooler tones and a soft touch for the more femininehues that blends flawlessly with artisanal yarns andsilky soft furs, expanding the feeling of domesticintimacy with subtle elegance.
Today’s designers are focusing on calfskins and bullhides and this spurs on companies to introduce moresophisticated sustainable tanning processes andtechnologies, and dust off long-forgotten traditionsand techniques to accentuate the leather’s finestqualities.
Vegetable or vegetable with aluminium tannedleathers are making a comeback in the world ofarchitectural design, which encourages moresustainable and properly used materials in urbansocial living projects. More
Wearing
The world of metropolitan rock stars continues tooffer an unlimited source of ideas when creatingand designing the new collections thanks to itsnonconformist, rebellious and anarchic stance thatbreaks with contemporary ethics.
On the stage of our imaginary concert, the Seventiesare interpreted by two-tone brushed offcalfskin for the footwear while the bags printedwith a geometric design are complemented bymetallic hardware. Punk is embodied by naplak inintense colours with vibrant shiny grains on smoothbovine leather as well as soft lambskins from NewZealand.
The Eighties are more colourful with a less darkedginess, and introduce a riot of iridescent coloursfor calfskin and polished kidskin; lustrous ultrapearlyenamels create a dappled effect on softnubuck bags.
Influenced by horror movies, the Gothic trendfeatures uber compact plongé calfskin and printedor real snakeskin and crocodile; which incorporatethe luxurious sparkle of diamonds encased in longdouble-face furs and laser-etched and printed calfskins – reminiscent of ancient Persian Ikat rugs. More
Living
We have been adorning our homes with poufs, cushions,rugs and other soft, warm furnishings for a longtime now. Having a welcoming cocoon or an invitingnest to come home to is an idea shared by many.
Within this haven you will find a predominance ofnatural leather or wet-white bovine leathers with 3Dtextures finished in a way that unleashes the brilliantcolours and softness of retanned leathers,while protecting them with innovative clear andeven solutions.
The colour palette exudes a passionate vibrancy withcooler tones and a soft touch for the more femininehues that blends flawlessly with artisanal yarns andsilky soft furs, expanding the feeling of domesticintimacy with subtle elegance.
Today’s designers are focusing on calfskins and bullhides and this spurs on companies to introduce moresophisticated sustainable tanning processes andtechnologies, and dust off long-forgotten traditionsand techniques to accentuate the leather’s finestqualities.
Vegetable or vegetable with aluminium tannedleathers are making a comeback in the world ofarchitectural design, which encourages moresustainable and properly used materials in urbansocial living projects. More
New articles just added in our "Products" Section . Check them out !
Making leather has never been so complicated .
It seems like a lifetime ago when I was driving that little tannery truck and dropping bags of salt at mud and straw houses as I collected a few hides in the neighbourhood that week. It was a very poor village in the northern part of Brazil, where families subsisted on a few banana trees and a couple of goats and cows grazing in their backyard. - See
It seems like a lifetime ago when I was driving that little tannery truck and dropping bags of salt at mud and straw houses as I collected a few hides in the neighbourhood that week. It was a very poor village in the northern part of Brazil, where families subsisted on a few banana trees and a couple of goats and cows grazing in their backyard. - See
From tannery to Art , because the step is sooo close !
Here you go a talented Italian designer that creates wonderful products with our leather .
We are at your complete disposal for any further info you may need on Giulio ,
the voice of our leather !
www.crubei.it
Here you go a talented Italian designer that creates wonderful products with our leather .
We are at your complete disposal for any further info you may need on Giulio ,
the voice of our leather !
www.crubei.it
There's only 1 brand name , behind the BIG BRANDS : ITALIAN LEATHER !
What we're living now is an Historic moment , all over the world.
The crisis goes deeply in the lifestyle tissues of the people . But , we've still some tiny space to do what we like : we go out for dinner with friends , we buy the last Iphone or the last Gucci / Fendi / LV bag ....
Behind these choices , there are high hopes to feel better and just live 100% what life give us , even if it's not too much .
We're proud to be behind all these biggest Italian Brands , known all over the world , as one of the main suppliers of Leather Made in Italy .
This give us the power to be stronger and braver in this damned market , that challenge us everyday with a new trick . And our biggest satisfaction is just yr smile at the end of the day .
Thanks for yr business !
Anita
The crisis goes deeply in the lifestyle tissues of the people . But , we've still some tiny space to do what we like : we go out for dinner with friends , we buy the last Iphone or the last Gucci / Fendi / LV bag ....
Behind these choices , there are high hopes to feel better and just live 100% what life give us , even if it's not too much .
We're proud to be behind all these biggest Italian Brands , known all over the world , as one of the main suppliers of Leather Made in Italy .
This give us the power to be stronger and braver in this damned market , that challenge us everyday with a new trick . And our biggest satisfaction is just yr smile at the end of the day .
Thanks for yr business !
Anita