APLF attracts 30 new exhibitors
Over 2,000 companies from 40 countries and regions are gearing up for the Asia Pacific Leather Fair - Materials, Manufacturing & Technology (APLF- MMT) that will open on April 6 in Hong Kong, which will include over 30 first-time exhibitors, which it is hoped will bring an injection of fresh interest to buyers. The new exhibitors are presented in a number of sectors: hides & skins, tanning machinery, semi-finished and finished leathers, man-made leathers, synthetic & natural materials, components & accessories, technology, particularly for CAD/CAM systems and process chemicals and dyes.
41 countries and regions will be represented at the show, including: Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Mainland China, Colombia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Japan, Korea, Morocco, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, the Netherlands, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay and the USA.
The event will place a strong emphasis on technology this year and will involve many specialists, not only as exhibitors but also as participants in a new programme of seminars, namely "Manufacturing Technology Enhancement Forum", which aims to strengthen the industry's knowledge of new developments in manufacturing methods, machinery, raw materials and applications.
Beyond colour to technology
In another development, APLF has strengthened and expanded its "Colour Trends Forum" which received highly favourable feedback from buyers last year. It has been re-named "Materials Trend Lounge" because it now encompasses not only colour forecasts but also new trends or technology breakthroughs for leather and non-leather materials and components. "Materials Trend Lounge" will be the pointer to the Spring/Summer 2006 season.
