38th IULTCS Congress closes in Lyon
The 38th congress of the International Union of Leather Technologists and Chemists Societies (IULTCS) came to a close in Lyon on September 11, with more than 200 delegates attending two and a half days of presentations.
The programme reflected the theme, “Beyond leather tradition, innovation and sustainability”, covering topics from traceability and beamhouse operations to chemical compliance, finishing, waste and water management, life cycle assessment and regulatory developments, as well as the growing focus on valorisation of tannery wastes and by-products, all aimed at reducing environmental impact while maintaining leather’s value.
Closing the congress, IULTCS president Dr Juan Carles Castell told participants: “In the end, solutions must be based on natural materials, be value-based, and have minimal environmental impact. Your knowledge and your passion ensure the sustainability of the leather industry.”
He also took the opportunity to welcome the incoming president, Dr Geoff Holmes, who will begin his term on January 1.
The next IULTCS congress will take place in 2027 in León, Mexico.
