Last week SLF representatives were in Hong Kong to connect with our industry colleagues at APLF. Here’s our summary and takeaways from the event:
ICT Meeting: On Wednesday 11th March, the day before the fair officially opened, SLF were invited to present our work on the LeatherTrace Bangladesh Project to the International Council of Tanners. With so much uncertainty still around EUDR and Traceability within the industry generally, it was great to have the opportunity to present practical solutions are that being piloted in one of the regions where informal farming is the norm. The representatives of the ICT asked some relevant questions, and it was rewarding to be able to talk about some of the challenges and opportunities that exist.
ILM Conference: The Great Leather Reset: A calendar staple of APLF, ILM hosts its half day conference every year on the afternoon of the day before the fair. Our Managing Director, Deborah Taylor, gave a presentation on the soon to be published CEN Standard for Traceability: prEN18199:2026 – Leather – Essential requirements for leather traceability. This new standard will be published before the end of May 2026 and will provide the first official standard for traceability in our sector. The conference was attended by 77 delegates representing a cross sector of the leather industry and was a great start to the week.
APLF Day 1: During the first day of the fair, meetings with held with many of our partners and colleagues, including a formal introduction to the incoming Secretary General of COTANCE, Edoardo De Paola. Edoardo will take over from Gustavo Gonzalez-Quijano who retires in April this year, and although he will be sorely missed, we look forward to working closely with Edoardo moving forward. Networking is an important part of the fair, and SLF were privileged to attend both the Leather & Hide Council of America’s Reception and the Leathersellers’ & Leather UK Reception on Thursday 12th March. Both events offered the opportunity to meet with friends and colleagues in relaxed settings.
APLF Day 3: The final day although quieter was a great opportunity to renew connections and to dedicate time to meet face to face to discuss ongoing projects without the usual rush and pull of a busy fair day.
After a whirlwind week, the team are now following up on all the promises of action and response agreed upon, and we are thankful to have been part of such a rich programme of events in Hong Kong this year. See you there in 2027?
APLF Day 2: More valuable meetings with colleagues took place on the second day of the fair, including discussions for new support projects and expanding coverage for some of our existing partners. A special reception was held at the ISA Tantec Stand where tribute was paid to Tom Schneider who is sorely missed by all. The ISA Tantec team did a wonderful job, and the turnout of people there was testament to Tom’s memory and ISAs continued standing in our leather community.
