LASRA project could add NZ$23m to leather exports - leatherbiz: Leadin Leatherbiz

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LASRA project could add NZ$23m to leather exports

06/09/2012
The New Zealand Leather and Shoe Research Association (LASRA) is set to embark on a project that could add NZ$23 million a year to the leather export industry by enhancing leather from hides and deerskin.

Technical leathers are of higher market value than standard manufactured leathers and are increasingly demanded by manufacturers of protective footwear, high-performance sports shoes and niche products.

The association has secured funding for the four-year project from New Zealand’s Ministry of Science and Innovation and work commences in October.

“We expect the finished leathers to increase in value by at least 40%, within two years from completion of this project, generating additional exports revenues of NZ$23 million per year,” said LASRA. “Global market growth in technical leathers is around 5% per year and leather products undergo constant development due to intense competition between big-brand manufacturers.”

Simple wet chemistry will be used to introduce novel nanomaterials into leathers to create enhanced properties such as superhydrophobicity, stealth capability for military purposes and shock dissipation for working and walking footwear.

LASRA also secured funding for a five-year project, to run concurrently, looking at improving the strength and quality of low-grade hides.

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