University of Northampton officially opens new leather centre
19/09/2019
The new centre, which is on the university’s Waterside campus in the centre of the city, is the result of a £5 million investment. It comprises teaching, testing and tanning facilities in which students from all parts of the world will learn the theory and practice of manufacturing leather.
At the ceremony, the university’s vice-chancellor, Professor Nick Petford, said: “The ICLT has an important global role to play in helping improve sustainability across the entire leather supply chain, through research and innovation, and through training the next generation of leather workers to the highest possible standards.”
Professor Petford went on to explain that the university also has a role to play as an impartial advocate of this industry and suggested that one good way to do this would be to align improvements in leather manufacturing with the Sustainable Development Goals that the United Nations has challenged the world to achieve by 2030. He said he thought goals six, nine and 12, which focus, respectively, on clean water, innovation in industry and responsible production and consumption, are goals that the leather industry can make a particular contribution towards achieving.
“Low-grade leather is losing market share,” he warned, “and tanneries will need to innovate if they are to stay relevant. The onus will be on creating innovative products from leather and on being more responsive to consumers and brands, who are taking environmental concerns seriously.”
Image shows (left to right): Dr Will Wise, senior lecturer in leather science, Rachel Garwood, ICLT director, Professor Nick Petford, University of Northampton vice-chancellor and David Laing, Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire.
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