Chinese leather industry descends on Xinji
The Chinese city of Xinji in Hebei, home to Xinji International Leather City, recently hosted a number of leather industry events.
Among these, the twenty-ninth China (Xinji) International Leather Fair was inaugurated, along with an opening conference the day prior. China Leather Industry Association (CLIA) also hosted an annual leather committee meeting on the same day.
The leather fair’s opening conference was jointly hosted by CLIA, Hebei Leather Industry Association and the city of Xinji. More than 200 industry representatives attended in-person, while the event was also livestreamed in a second venue (for those who could not attend due to covid 19-related restrictions) in Fujian.
In a speech, CLIA chairman, Li Yuzhong (pictured), remarked that the leather industry is not only ancient, but also conforms to the principles of a circular economy. He added that the industry will “last forever”, as it “prospers the people and strengthens the country”.
Mr Li further very much emphasised that the industry is currently on a path of “green development”, in line with national government policy.
CLIA’s executive vice chairman and secretary general, Chen Zhanguang, also stressed that the leather industry, which he described as now at a “very critical” stage, must strengthen along the lines of innovation. Mr Chen painted innovation as the sector’s “fundamental driving force”, but also said that environmental protection must remain its “top priority”.
In a similar vein, a Sichuan University professor, Peng Biyu, notably delivered a talk on the general trend of research and development regarding the use of enzymes during the tanning process. Mr Peng gave the opinion that biotechnology could one day replace conventional chemical tanning technology, as “an effective way to solve pollution and improve quality”.
Another Sichuan University professor, Wang Yanan, delivered a speech in favour of chrome-free tanning, whereas others focused on antibacterial and veg-tanned leather, as well as the recycling of tannery wastewater, among other topics.
The next day, during the fair’s opening ceremony, local government figures established the Tmall Super Origin initiative at Xinji International Leather City alongside representatives from Alibaba.
More often associated with agricultural products, the scheme will allow for greater connectivity between Xinji’s leather industry and those located further afield, which will in theory enable Tmall customers to better ascertain the provenance of their leather purchases.
Image: CLIA.
