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Finding Our Industry Voice

In one week during June 2024 no less than three companies have spoken with SLF about the lack of industry cohesiveness when it comes to external representation. Complaints that our existing support organisations are not doing enough to ensure the industry’s opinions and concerns at inter-governmental level are regularly heard.

Having an industry voice is vital in today’s legislative landscape, where the introduction of a regulation in one geographic region can have indirect impacts all over the world, for example the incoming EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).  This is even more true for an industry like leather, where we operate with complex international supply chains that encompass a myriad of differing challenges and particular considerations

We have many excellent associations at national level and regional level, along with a few bodies who then represent on an international level.  So why do we not have better visibility or benefit from these organisations? The answer is time and money.

If we consider the International Union of Leather Technologists & Chemists (IULTCS), the International Council of Tanners (ITC), the Society of Leather Technologists & Chemists (SLTC); all of them are run by elected volunteers and have no significant funding at their disposal.  The committee representatives all do that work in addition to full time jobs and that means no-one is ever completely able to dedicate the time needed, with the resources needed, to drive through projects and sit at the table of influence.  If we truly want a voice, industry needs to reconsider how it organises a centrally appointed body that has paid employees whose entire job is to represent the leather industry on the international stage. By comparison, we know that the large oil giants and petrochemical companies spend millions on lobbying and representation.  Isn’t it time we started to do the same? 

If every company in the leather value chain contributed a percentage of profit to the running of a single international entity, we would have the ability to ensure we sit with the lawmakers and the inter-governmental bodies; but industry has to be honest with itself and not expect a voice without giving financial support and commitment. If we all think someone else will do it, then who will do it?

Additionally, we can all applaud the work of our communications bodies – Leather Naturally, One4Leather, Isitleather? – but each is small, working hard with what they have, but without teeth to really drive the impact we need.  Perhaps now is the time for a wake-up and shake-up of how we organise ourselves for the future sustainability of our industry.

If everyone keeps expecting something different without doing something different, then nothing will change. 

Here are some key reasons why an industry voice is crucial:

Influence and Advocacy:

  • Policy Shaping: An industry voice can influence government policies and regulations, ensuring they are favourable to the industry’s growth and sustainability, or at least not disadvantageous.
  • Representation: It represents the collective interests of the industry, advocating for needs and concerns at various forums and platforms.

Visibility and Credibility:

  • Public Perception: An active industry voice helps shape public perception, promoting a positive image and increasing awareness of the industry’s contributions.
  • Trust Building: Establishing a credible voice can build trust with consumers, investors, and other stakeholders.

Networking and Collaboration:

  • Community Building: A strong industry voice fosters a sense of community, encouraging collaboration and knowledge-sharing among industry members.
  • Partnerships: It can lead to strategic partnerships, creating opportunities for innovation and growth.

Market Insights and Trends:

  • Information Dissemination: An industry voice often disseminates critical information about market trends, technological advancements, and best practices.
  • Forecasting: It can provide valuable insights into future industry directions, helping members stay ahead of the curve.

Education and Training:

  • Skill Development: By identifying skill gaps and promoting training programs, an industry voice ensures the workforce remains competent and competitive.
  • Standards and Certifications: It can establish industry standards and certifications, ensuring quality and consistency.

Communication Management:

  • Unified Response: A unified industry voice can coordinate responses, mitigate damage, and maintain stability.
  • Communication: It ensures clear and consistent communication, reducing misinformation and falsehoods.

Economic Impact:

  • Investment Attraction: A strong industry voice can attract investment by showcasing the industry’s potential and stability.
  • Growth and Innovation: It promotes initiatives that drive industry growth, innovation, and overall economic contribution.

 Having an industry voice is vital for influencing policy, building credibility, fostering collaboration, disseminating information, managing communication, driving economic growth, and promoting social responsibility. It ensures that the collective interests of the industry are represented and advanced in a coherent and effective manner.  Isn’t it time we looked after our industry?

For more information about how Sustainable Leather Foundation does sit at inter-governmental level on behalf of the industry, you can visit our website:  www.sustainableleatherfoundation.com or email us at info@sustainableleatherfoundation.com