Conference looks to the future of European tanning
In late May 2004 a ‘Conference on Sustainability and the Leather sector’ took place on premises of the EC. Organised by DG ENTR, the European Leather Association (COTANCE) and the EU Trade Union Federation (ETUFTCL), it was attended by members of EU institutions, the leather sector and associated industries including representatives from the chemical sector.
EC Commissioner Liikanen detailed the Commission Communication on Fostering Structural Changes at EU level, proclaiming a new friendly regulatory environment based on open consultations and specific impact assessments. He also stated the need for mobilising EU policies to contribute to a more certain and predictable marketplace. European competitiveness has declined in the past 20 years, ironically damaged by EU policies which the Commission now wants to redress.
EU environmental legislation has placed a heavy burden on industries, including the leather sector, a sector that bases its importance not only on economic grounds but also in its role of transforming waste into valuable animal by-products. These are tough times for the tanning of hides and skins and European tanneries’ fears and concerns about deindustrialization and delocalization eastwards increase.
Economic and social dumping is taking place without EU institutions and governments doing much about the problems. Environmental legislation in the EU is proceeding faster than the market can absorb, and production has moved abroad. European industry is calling for a level playing field through reciprocity and
harmonisation of duties.
The leather sector needs more transparent and clear legislation as well as recognition of its performance through a label of origin system that should identify the different components of finished leather products. The industry also needs to secure access to raw materials as well as further investment in order to compete effectively. The challenges are there, but the mood of the tanneries indicated that they have already played their part—now the EU institutions need to play theirs.
