A series of tannery closures are expected to place as part of China’s twelfth five-year plan.

Introducing energy saving methods and reducing emissions are top priorities within the plan. Secretary general of the China Leather Industry Association, Su Chaoying, explains that in order to achieve reductions and pollution levels, around 1,000 tanneries may be forced to close.

By the end of 2010, the environmental protection ministry will produce a list of tanneries that comply with the country’s environmental standards.