SLTC hold annual conference

The Society of Leather Technologists and Chemists annual conference was held at the Prince of Wales Hotel, Southport, UK, on September 23. The conference programme consisted of an interesting mixture of presentations of both a technical and practical nature. An informative presentation was given by Mauro Magnaguagno of TFL Italia and Giampietro Portinari, Gemata. The topic was an innovative new system for upgrading leathers which featured new chemical and physical methods. The Wolstenholme Memorial Lecture was presented by Professor Mike Redwood of the British School of Leather Technology. Redwood spoke of the challenges facing the global leather industry in the next few years which included the foundation of a new International Leather Forum. Ken Nokes handed over presidency of the SLTC to John Avery of Claytons during the event. It was also announced at the conference that next year will be the 110th anniversary of the SLTC. Organisers will be issuing a call for papers to what will be a more prestigious event in light of the anniversary. The 110th annual SLTC conference is set to take place at the MacDonald Blossoms Hotel, Chester, on September 29, 2007.