America was dismayed that a democratic, parliamentary vote denied their request to station 62,000 US troops on Turkish territory in preparation for attacks on Iraq. Whether Turkish air space will be used is still undecided.

America was dismayed that a democratic, parliamentary vote denied their request to station 62,000 US troops on Turkish territory in preparation for attacks on Iraq. Whether Turkish air space will be used is still undecided.

Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers has sent a draft law to Parliament which provides for the abolition of export duty on cattle and hides, according to the Interfax news agency.

Russia's State Statistics Committee reports that Russia had a total of 26.6 million head of cattle as of February 1 this year, a fall of 1.9% compared with the number on the same date in 2002, according to the Interfax news agency.

Statistics New Zealand report that the country exported hides and skins and leather worth NZ$699 million (US$388 million) in the twelve months to the end of January this year, a year-on-year fall of 16.7%. Exports of the same types of commodities in January this year were 1.2% higher year-on-year at NZ$51 million (US$28.3 million).

Special all inclusive tour packages for four days and three nights are available for the Delhi International Leather 2003, from May 22-25. Prices Europe are euro699; from the US US$1,099; and from Japan/Australia US$1,099. Packages from other destinations are also available on request.

The Belkelme footwear producer in Belarus increased its exports by 17% year-on-year in the first two months of this year, but recorded a decrease in its sales on the Belarusian market, according to the Belta news agency.

Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers has sent a draft law to Parliament which provides for the abolition of export duty on cattle and hides, according to the Interfax news agency.

Russia's State Statistics Committee reports that Russia had a total of 26.6 million head of cattle as of February 1 this year, a fall of 1.9% compared with the number on the same date in 2002, according to the Interfax news agency.

Statistics New Zealand report that the country exported hides and skins and leather worth NZ$699 million (US$388 million) in the twelve months to the end of January this year, a year-on-year fall of 16.7%. Exports of the same types of commodities in January this year were 1.2% higher year-on-year at NZ$51 million (US$28.3 million).

Special all inclusive tour packages for four days and three nights are available for the Delhi International Leather 2003, from May 22-25. Prices Europe are euro699; from the US US$1,099; and from Japan/Australia US$1,099. Packages from other destinations are also available on request.

The Belkelme footwear producer in Belarus increased its exports by 17% year-on-year in the first two months of this year, but recorded a decrease in its sales on the Belarusian market, according to the Belta news agency.

Footwear design student Nicola Gilmour, from Londonderry, has once again ensured that De Montfort University's up and coming fashion design students top the bill.

Ostrich Seminar in Moscow, Russia

The World Ostrich Association (WOA) is holding its next congress in Chile at a hotel in Termas de Cauquenes, near the city of Rancagua, from March 27-29, 2003.

New and innovative technologies will be showcased on the Huntsman Polyurethanes stand at Simac 2003. A new family of polyether systems that provide improved sole definition, replacing traditional technologies in the unit sole and direct moulded markets, will be on show. The company will also be presenting the latest developments in Avalon thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), including the next generation Avalon Crystal, a range of transparent TPUs and the highly resilient Avalon Reflex portfolio.

Footwear design student Nicola Gilmour, from Londonderry, has once again ensured that De Montfort University's up and coming fashion design students top the bill.

Ostrich Seminar in Moscow, Russia

The World Ostrich Association (WOA) is holding its next congress in Chile at a hotel in Termas de Cauquenes, near the city of Rancagua, from March 27-29, 2003.

New and innovative technologies will be showcased on the Huntsman Polyurethanes stand at Simac 2003. A new family of polyether systems that provide improved sole definition, replacing traditional technologies in the unit sole and direct moulded markets, will be on show. The company will also be presenting the latest developments in Avalon thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), including the next generation Avalon Crystal, a range of transparent TPUs and the highly resilient Avalon Reflex portfolio.

The rise in global footwear production has slowed, growing only marginally after increasing by almost 5% to more than 12 billion pairs in 2000.

Turkey's leaders have hesitated when it comes to allowing thousands of American soldiers on Turkish soil. But war with Iraq or not, Türkiye's chiefly conscript army enjoys an elite status. Kit, from caps to all-leather boots and dress shoes, are a matter of prestige and are standard issue to all personnel.

Kolosus Holdings Ltd, the most diverse and probably the biggest locally-owned hide and skin trading, meat processing and tanning group in South Africa, are poised to get their third new owner following an offer by Daun et Cie AG to buy out their major shareholders, the co-operative Senwes Ltd and ABSA Bank.

Key speakers at the first Automotive Leather Conference, being held at the Hotel Rey Juan Carlos, Barcelona, from May 19-20, are:

Creekstone Farms Premium Beef were planning to reopen the former Future Beef plant in Arkansas, USA, in March, initially with 500 workers to replace the original 900. Although the plant has a designed capacity of 1,650 head/day, Creekstone will begin with 1,000.

The organisers of Le Cuir A Paris, the Sic Group, have formed a new partnership with l'Institut Francaise de la Mode (IFM) who will be presenting twelve international designers during the April 15-16 salon at the Porte de Versailles exhibition centre.

Afromerino Produce (Pty) Ltd, South Africa's first dedicated merino wool-on tannery for apparel and other high value end products at Bronkhorstspruit, has started producing, and expects to be in full production by the end of June.

The rise in global footwear production has slowed, growing only marginally after increasing by almost 5% to more than 12 billion pairs in 2000.

Turkey's leaders have hesitated when it comes to allowing thousands of American soldiers on Turkish soil. But war with Iraq or not, Türkiye's chiefly conscript army enjoys an elite status. Kit, from caps to all-leather boots and dress shoes, are a matter of prestige and are standard issue to all personnel.

Kolosus Holdings Ltd, the most diverse and probably the biggest locally-owned hide and skin trading, meat processing and tanning group in South Africa, are poised to get their third new owner following an offer by Daun et Cie AG to buy out their major shareholders, the co-operative Senwes Ltd and ABSA Bank.

Key speakers at the first Automotive Leather Conference, being held at the Hotel Rey Juan Carlos, Barcelona, from May 19-20, are:

Creekstone Farms Premium Beef were planning to reopen the former Future Beef plant in Arkansas, USA, in March, initially with 500 workers to replace the original 900. Although the plant has a designed capacity of 1,650 head/day, Creekstone will begin with 1,000.

The organisers of Le Cuir A Paris, the Sic Group, have formed a new partnership with l'Institut Francaise de la Mode (IFM) who will be presenting twelve international designers during the April 15-16 salon at the Porte de Versailles exhibition centre.

Afromerino Produce (Pty) Ltd, South Africa's first dedicated merino wool-on tannery for apparel and other high value end products at Bronkhorstspruit, has started producing, and expects to be in full production by the end of June.

England may have performed badly in the recent Ashes and Davies Cup but there is one sporting area where Britain succeeds. Pittards lead the world in making special technical leathers for the widest range of sports from soccer to sailing to golf, horse riding, climbing, running and baseball.

Pittards plc have just released (March 6, 2003) their annual results which show further progress in the second half of 2002 and a profit for the year of £2 million (US$3.15 million).

England may have performed badly in the recent Ashes and Davies Cup but there is one sporting area where Britain succeeds. Pittards lead the world in making special technical leathers for the widest range of sports from soccer to sailing to golf, horse riding, climbing, running and baseball.

Pittards plc have just released (March 6, 2003) their annual results which show further progress in the second half of 2002 and a profit for the year of £2 million (US$3.15 million).

The takeover of the British BTP Group has proved to be a millstone for the Clariant Group. Three years on from the expensive purchase of BTP for SwF2.75 billion (US$2.03 billion), the Swiss group are to restructure.

The takeover of the British BTP Group has proved to be a millstone for the Clariant Group. Three years on from the expensive purchase of BTP for SwF2.75 billion (US$2.03 billion), the Swiss group are to restructure.

With 35 lectures, four introductory presentations and more than 40 posters, the conference programme has been completed for the most important international leather industry conference.

The European Glove Association has been formed with the aim of expanding the European market for all kinds of gloves, regardless of what materials, where from and for what use. All consumer products are promoted and gloves will no longer be an exception to this. The European Glove Association will achieve this aim via an ongoing media promotion campaign designed to create consumer awareness and stimulate the sales of gloves. By growing the market for gloves all companies engaged in the glove industry can benefit.

The American Leather Chemists Association are holding their annual meeting at the Grandover Resort and Conference Center in Greensboro, North Carolina. The full technical programme will begin with the Wilson Memorial Lecture on the Friday morning, June 20. The meeting will continue through Saturday afternoon with around 25 lectures being presented.

With 35 lectures, four introductory presentations and more than 40 posters, the conference programme has been completed for the most important international leather industry conference.

The European Glove Association has been formed with the aim of expanding the European market for all kinds of gloves, regardless of what materials, where from and for what use. All consumer products are promoted and gloves will no longer be an exception to this. The European Glove Association will achieve this aim via an ongoing media promotion campaign designed to create consumer awareness and stimulate the sales of gloves. By growing the market for gloves all companies engaged in the glove industry can benefit.

The American Leather Chemists Association are holding their annual meeting at the Grandover Resort and Conference Center in Greensboro, North Carolina. The full technical programme will begin with the Wilson Memorial Lecture on the Friday morning, June 20. The meeting will continue through Saturday afternoon with around 25 lectures being presented.

The Turkish leather sector is on the road to recovery. According to ITKIB data, the leather sector was worth US$748.2 million in terms of leather and leather products exports in 2002, up 5.2% compared with 2001. This is the highest export figure since 1997's total of $723.8 million. Industry sources reveal that these figures have made the leather sector feel slightly relieved but, nevertheless, it is still necessary to go beyond this figure in terms of future objectives and available potential.

The European Union has posted a bid for tenders to supply equipment for a Shoemaking Training Institution and Information Centre in Istanbul.

The Turkish leather sector is on the road to recovery. According to ITKIB data, the leather sector was worth US$748.2 million in terms of leather and leather products exports in 2002, up 5.2% compared with 2001. This is the highest export figure since 1997's total of $723.8 million. Industry sources reveal that these figures have made the leather sector feel slightly relieved but, nevertheless, it is still necessary to go beyond this figure in terms of future objectives and available potential.

The European Union has posted a bid for tenders to supply equipment for a Shoemaking Training Institution and Information Centre in Istanbul.

With China's leather and footwear industries continuing to grow, Matech China 2003 provides the opportunity to see and source the latest machines, technology, components and materials to make higher quality products. The exhibition is specifically targeted towards the footwear, leathergoods and travelware industries.

Istanbul Natural Leather Fair - Golden Horn is a new exhibition to be held in Türkiye from January 8-10, 2004, alongside the International Leather Days. All kinds of natural leather ie shoes, sole leather, leather for bags, upholstery leather and raw hides, will be on display at the exhibition.

The Micam ShoEvent takes place from March 20-23, 2003 in halls 12/13/14/15/16 in Fiera Milano, with 1,254 exhibitors, 203 of which will be from abroad. This is an overall increase of 4.2% and an increase of 28.5% in international exhibitors. Besides Italy, the countries wit the greatest exhibitors will be Spain, France, the UK, the US and Portugal.

The phenomenal growth of the Chinese footwear industry over the past 20 years and its effect on world trade was the subject of a presentation by Dr Ron Whittaker, Chief Executive of SATRA Technology Centre, to the recent American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) Footwear Division board of directors meeting in Las Vegas.

Four of Hong Kong's talented fashion designers will show the many possibilities of leather in fashion at APLF 2003 Fashion and Finished Products April Show.

The first Automotive Leather Conference is being held at the Hotel Rey Juan Carlos, Barcelona, from May 19-20. It is being organised by LeatherXchange Global Information Services and will feature authoritative speakers from some of the most important industry players globally.

The Mexican tanning and footwear industries were pinning their hopes on a successful 28th Anpic show February 21-24. The global recession has seen a fall in orders especially from US buyers and most exhibitors which Leather International spoke to were pessimistic at the beginning of the fair.

With China's leather and footwear industries continuing to grow, Matech China 2003 provides the opportunity to see and source the latest machines, technology, components and materials to make higher quality products. The exhibition is specifically targeted towards the footwear, leathergoods and travelware industries.

Istanbul Natural Leather Fair - Golden Horn is a new exhibition to be held in Türkiye from January 8-10, 2004, alongside the International Leather Days. All kinds of natural leather ie shoes, sole leather, leather for bags, upholstery leather and raw hides, will be on display at the exhibition.

The Micam ShoEvent takes place from March 20-23, 2003 in halls 12/13/14/15/16 in Fiera Milano, with 1,254 exhibitors, 203 of which will be from abroad. This is an overall increase of 4.2% and an increase of 28.5% in international exhibitors. Besides Italy, the countries wit the greatest exhibitors will be Spain, France, the UK, the US and Portugal.

The phenomenal growth of the Chinese footwear industry over the past 20 years and its effect on world trade was the subject of a presentation by Dr Ron Whittaker, Chief Executive of SATRA Technology Centre, to the recent American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) Footwear Division board of directors meeting in Las Vegas.

Four of Hong Kong's talented fashion designers will show the many possibilities of leather in fashion at APLF 2003 Fashion and Finished Products April Show.

The first Automotive Leather Conference is being held at the Hotel Rey Juan Carlos, Barcelona, from May 19-20. It is being organised by LeatherXchange Global Information Services and will feature authoritative speakers from some of the most important industry players globally.

The Mexican tanning and footwear industries were pinning their hopes on a successful 28th Anpic show February 21-24. The global recession has seen a fall in orders especially from US buyers and most exhibitors which Leather International spoke to were pessimistic at the beginning of the fair.

Statistics South Africa reports that South Africa's leather industry was operating at 86.3% of its overall production capacity in November 2002, compared with 80% in the same month the previous year. The main reason given by leather industry companies for not working at full capacity in November 2002 was insufficient consumer demand, followed by a shortage of raw materials.

Russia's State Statistics Committee reports that footwear production in Russia in January totalled 3.1 million pairs, a rise of 11.3% compared with the same month last year, according to the Interfax news agency. In comparison, the annual increase in overall industrial output in Russia in January was 4.9%.

Macao's Statistics and Census Service reports that Macao imported 589,124 kilos of hides, skins and leather, worth MOP35.7 million (US$4.46 million) in 2002, compared with 585,574 kilos worth MOP41.4 million (US$5.18 million) the previous year.

Jordan's Department of Statistics reports that Jordan imported hides, skins and leather, worth US$1.24 million in 2002, compared with US$779,095 the previous year. Jordanian exports of the same types of commodities in 2002 were worth US$891,963), as against US$1.18 million in 2001.

Hungary's Central Statistical Office reports that the production of leather and leather products in Hungary in 2002 was 8.8% lower than in the previous year. Production in December 2002 was 14.3% lower year-on-year.

The Czech Footwear Association (COA) reports that the Czech Republic manufactured 11 million pairs of shoes in 2002, a fall of 12% compared with the previous year, according to the CTK news agency's Business News.

British designers Ettinger will make their debut at The Travelgoods Show in Las Vegas from March 25-27, 2003, at the Las Vegas Convention Centre.

Russian officials say that the CIS member states will have established a functioning free trade zone by the end of this year, according to the RIA Novosti news agency. The establishment of the zone is likely to see the scrapping of customs duties and other barriers to commodities trade.

Statistics South Africa reports that South Africa's leather industry was operating at 86.3% of its overall production capacity in November 2002, compared with 80% in the same month the previous year. The main reason given by leather industry companies for not working at full capacity in November 2002 was insufficient consumer demand, followed by a shortage of raw materials.

Russia's State Statistics Committee reports that footwear production in Russia in January totalled 3.1 million pairs, a rise of 11.3% compared with the same month last year, according to the Interfax news agency. In comparison, the annual increase in overall industrial output in Russia in January was 4.9%.

Macao's Statistics and Census Service reports that Macao imported 589,124 kilos of hides, skins and leather, worth MOP35.7 million (US$4.46 million) in 2002, compared with 585,574 kilos worth MOP41.4 million (US$5.18 million) the previous year.

Jordan's Department of Statistics reports that Jordan imported hides, skins and leather, worth US$1.24 million in 2002, compared with US$779,095 the previous year. Jordanian exports of the same types of commodities in 2002 were worth US$891,963), as against US$1.18 million in 2001.

Hungary's Central Statistical Office reports that the production of leather and leather products in Hungary in 2002 was 8.8% lower than in the previous year. Production in December 2002 was 14.3% lower year-on-year.

The Czech Footwear Association (COA) reports that the Czech Republic manufactured 11 million pairs of shoes in 2002, a fall of 12% compared with the previous year, according to the CTK news agency's Business News.

British designers Ettinger will make their debut at The Travelgoods Show in Las Vegas from March 25-27, 2003, at the Las Vegas Convention Centre.

Russian officials say that the CIS member states will have established a functioning free trade zone by the end of this year, according to the RIA Novosti news agency. The establishment of the zone is likely to see the scrapping of customs duties and other barriers to commodities trade.

The CANT-SA Fair, the bag and leathergoods exhibition planned for April 17-20, 2003, in Istanbul, has been postponed to January 8-10, 2004, on request of the sector.

Werner Spinner, a member of the board of management of Bayer AG, left the company for personal reasons at the end of February. The management board of the holding company, under the leadership of chairman Werner Wenning, is to be reduced from five to four members.

The CANT-SA Fair, the bag and leathergoods exhibition planned for April 17-20, 2003, in Istanbul, has been postponed to January 8-10, 2004, on request of the sector.

Werner Spinner, a member of the board of management of Bayer AG, left the company for personal reasons at the end of February. The management board of the holding company, under the leadership of chairman Werner Wenning, is to be reduced from five to four members.

International leather chemical manufacturers, Clariant, have officially opened a regional facility in the heart the Mexican tanning area of León. The purpose built facility has been constructed to specifically serve tanneries in the León area. Both technical and sales support will be housed inside the new centre, which opened on January 23.

International leather chemical manufacturers, Clariant, have officially opened a regional facility in the heart the Mexican tanning area of León. The purpose built facility has been constructed to specifically serve tanneries in the León area. Both technical and sales support will be housed inside the new centre, which opened on January 23.

Yeti boots in Mongolian lamb, sheepskin or fake fur made their way down the New York Fashion Week catwalks as the latest fashion accessory.

Following the success of the inaugural Leather Link convention on Budapest in 2002, the second edition is due to be held in Moscow on June 6. This year it will overlap with MosLeather, the international exhibition of leather, leathergoods and leather garments, being held from June 4-6.

Yeti boots in Mongolian lamb, sheepskin or fake fur made their way down the New York Fashion Week catwalks as the latest fashion accessory.

Following the success of the inaugural Leather Link convention on Budapest in 2002, the second edition is due to be held in Moscow on June 6. This year it will overlap with MosLeather, the international exhibition of leather, leathergoods and leather garments, being held from June 4-6.

Italy/Russia

Vietnam's exports of waterproof shoes and soles of shoes to Canada has not been harmful to or threatened the footwear industry of Canada, stated the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) on Tuesday. As a result, Vietnam's products in this category will not be subject to Canadian anti-dumping taxes, according to the Vietnamese Ministry of Trade (MoT).

Buckman Laboratories have recently made a successful transition of their Memphis and Cadet (Missouri) sites to the ISO 9001-2000 international quality management system standard. The Memphis audit was conducted in early August and Cadet's audit was carried out later the same month.

Supercoat 3400 is manufactured by Incoma, part of the Bergi Group, and offers the tanner a multitude of adjustments. Designed for manufacturers of soft leathers, particularly garment or automotive and furniture upholstery, Supercoat 3400 has both reverse and syncro operations.

Gemata have introduced a new stacking machine designed to aid the splitting operation. Comstack-Split allows the tanner to pile and grade both the grain and flesh split separately.

Tanmac, part of the Bergi Group from Italy, have introduced two new tannery machines. They include an automatic stacker for whole hides and a new spray finishing cabinet.

Spanish tannery automation and drum manufacturers, Olcina, have designed a new rotary coupling device, which can be fitted to any drum axle. The new equipment called the Total Explorer, is smaller than usual rotary couplings and requires less maintenance.

Sinallar Dericilik San ve Tic Limited Sirketi of Istanbul have four new finished leathers on offer this season. Goat (kid) skins come in a range of colours.

Carbosorb Plus is a new, disposable vapour-adsorbing mask from Charcoal Cloth International (CCI), world leaders in activated charcoal cloth products. The new mask is said to give leather industry workers the best protection to date of any single-use respirator.

The CTU toggle drying and stretching frame from Emmezeta is able to increase area yield on full hides by 8-10%. The hides are hand toggled to frames which then automatically stretch prior to air drying.

Italian tannery machinery and effluent treatment specialists, Italprogetti, have increased the capacity of their polypropylene retanning drum from 3.5 to 5.0 tons.

Italian machinery manufacturers, Pellizzari, are offering tanners a wide range of air washing equipment. Their 'Abbattitori Polveri' range offers three sizes, AP1/S, AP2 and AP3. The equipment may be connected to any piece of tannery equipment, which produces large amounts of dust such as a buffing, milling or dedusting.

Slovakia's Statistical Office reports that the production of leather and leather products in the Slovak Republic in 2002 was 15.1% higher than in the previous year.

The authorities in the southern Vietnamese province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau gave the go-ahead in early February for the construction of a new factory by the Hong Kong-based Prime Asia Leather Corporation, according to the Vietnamese News Agency.

On 26th January, 2003, Riaz traders sponsored an oath taking ceremony convention at the Institute of Leather Technology, Gujranwala, Pakistan.

The State Food and Veterinary Services of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania signed an agreement in Tallinn in early February under which trade in livestock and livestock products between them will only be allowed according to European Union standards. It is expected that the agreement will take effect in April.

The Kostanai region in northern Kazakhstan recorded a livestock production value of KZT31.9 billion (US$205 million) in 2002, an increase of 1.5% compared with the previous year, according to the Interfax news agency.

Jan Niehof, Stahl International's vice president engineering and capital planning, retired at the end of December 2002.

Kazakhstan's National Statistics Agency reports that Kazakhstan imported footwear worth US$1.3 million from Italy in the first nine months of last year, according to Kazakhstan Pravda. Italy accounted for 9% of total Kazakh footwear imports during the period.

Desa Deri Sanayi ve Ticaret AS have undertaken a restructuring of their board of directors, which will allow the firm to steer a clear path for the future and capitalise on their expanding global presence.

The United States Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS) reports that Bulgaria's import duty on hides and skins this year is zero per cent, the same as in 2002.

Belarus' Ministry of Statistics and Analysis reports that Belarusian leather footwear imports from Russia in the first eleven months of 2002 were substantially higher compared with the same period the previous year, according to the Interfax news agency.

In what could be a revolution in Belarus' farm sector, President Alexander Lukashenko has indicated that 15% of the country's agricultural enterprises could be privatised, according to the Belta news agency.

At the end of November, Unic and Conciaricerca started with a training course at the Technical Institute 'Baldracco', Turin, for tannery workers; the participants were all members of the Maghreb community from the town. The association of the Italian tanneries will continue organising this kind of course, both for foreign and Italian workers to be placed with the companies located in the Italian tanning districts. Unic are also ready to organise some specialisation courses, after high school degrees, for young technicians on subjects such as environment, quality etc.

About 40 Turkish tanneries producing shoe uppers and sole leather had stands at Türkiye's 28th biannual Footwear Industry Components Fair (AYSD), December 12-15, in Istanbul. Almost 15,000 visitors from some 20 countries attended the fair.

Stonefly, the Italian shoemakers, are continuing their aggressive international expansion as they move into Russia and Belarus. Casella d'Asolo-based Stonefly, who are 50% owned by Lotto Sport boss Andrea Tomat, have signed a three-year licensing agreement with Russian distributors DBS for the distribution of Stonefly shoes in the two countries.

Both the present situation and the previews for the Italian footwear industry are quite negative. Last year, the experts had forecast 2002 as a negative year for the sector and they were right. But no increase is expected during the first six months of 2003 in the Italian footwear sector, Antonio Brotini, president of Anci, said recently.

THE CHROMATE-BASED azo dye known popularly as 'navy blue' is to be banned from use throughout the 15 European Union countries from June 2004, the European Commission has announced. The dye, a mixture of disodium and trisodium, is one of the most widely used in the leather industry but the ban will come as little surprise given the growing weight of scientific evidence that it is poisonous to aquatic life, particularly fish.

Greek technology and design centre, Elkede, is a leader in partnering companies in the leather and footwear sector and grooming them to use technology and take an entrepreneurial approach to build brands and become global competitors.

Garston Leather Ltd, part of Scottish Tanning Industries Group, have slashed their chemical cost for chrome effluent treatment by 50% by switching from using caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) to the more environmentally-friendly Magmex.

Turkish chemical manufacturers Toprak Kimya have announced that they are planning to set up a new 1,000 sq m laboratory at their premises located in the Izmir Leather Free Zone.

EU ministers have been asked by the European Commission to shelve import tariffs on a range of leather products, because of concern that demand is outstripping supply in the EU. The suspension of duties would be indefinite, although the European Commission will inevitably review these tariff breaks within a year; assuming they are approved, they came into force on New Year's day.

It started as a window display stunt when Istanbul-based garment producers, Asflas, displayed some short (very short) skirts fashioned from fur in their shop-front window.

In November, the organisers of GDS met the organisers of Micam in Milan. It was intended as the first of several meetings aimed at solving the problem of the clash of dates between the September editions of the two fairs.

According to the Daily Telegraph, more than half of the British soldiers due to go to Iraq are likely to buy their own boots and other equipment because the issued kit is not good enough.

Warm 'distressed' looking leathers can be achieved after milling with Rotta's new Magic Wax 89. The German leather chemical manufacturers have designed a new wax, which can be used to upgrade poor quality or split leathers.

Rohm and Haas Company have introduced an innovative acrylic polymer with unique benefits as a retanning agent for softer leathers. Designated Leukotan 8090 acrylic syntan, the new offering has the valuable ability to selectively fill loose pockets and more open areas in leather without excessive plumping. The result is a more uniform crust with increased cutting value.

Chimotan JB is a retanning resin from Chimont International SpA. It is a modified polyphenol based polymer, neutralised, in aqueous solution. The characteristics of Chimotan JB make it ideal for chrome leather retannage. It confers a full, round and compact touch to the leather and the grain remains firm and dry.

SFT F 6767 A is an emulsion of natural, medium-hard waxes and its high concentration makes it particularly useful in obtaining highly reactive finishings.

Cutafob FWR from Boehme is a hydrophobic agent which can be used on all hydrophobic types of leather as a main or sole fatliquor. It gives leather a good softness and tightness; full, round and waxy handle; very good dyeability and lightfastness; and good water repellency.

RhodiaEco WB is a new product from Rhodia with the collaboration of Neochimica Italia. It resolves many of the problems inherent in the tanning process, simplifying it and improving performance.

The SACMA group introduced a number of finishing compounds at last year's Tanning Tech:

Fenice have introduced a number of leather finishing products and dyestuffs, including a new range of pigments and dyestuffs, a polyurethane dispersion for pull-up leathers and a matt fixing agent. Their technical specifications are as follows:

ZSCHIMMER & SCHWARZ have unveiled a number of new products, so new that many have not yet been named.

Patent leather, once reserved for special occasions, has now become a popular and easy-care upper material for fashionable and casual shoes for everyday wear and for accessories. Bayer Chemicals, a division of Bayer AG, have unveiled their latest development, Baygen Hardener CF, an isocyanate-based crosslinking agent, which noticeably improves the performance properties of patent leather even during the cold winter months, giving excellent cold flex resistance which largely prevents cracking of the finish.

Alliance Group Ltd commenced operations at their fully redeveloped Lorneville Fellmongery in December. The plant, possibly the biggest in the world, can process a daily kill of 32,000 lamb and sheep.

The continuing downturn in the US economy has compelled Kanpur-based Mirza Tanners to put their expansion plans on hold, including diversification into women's footwear.

Work on the first Combined Effluent Treatment Plant in Pakistan, being set-up in the Korangi industrial area for tanneries, has been stopped owing to a row over the contribution of industrialists to the plant.

Zambia's Malar Industries are becoming as vertically integrated as they can, with some interesting diversifications. Owned by Indian-born Subramonia Balakrishnan, Malar started up in 1993 as a factory making fully-moulded footwear. They now have 250 employees and have expanded into leather footwear, leathergoods, retail, a wet-blue tannery, a finishing tannery, farming, pet toys and, now, abattoirs.

Italy/Russia

Vietnam's exports of waterproof shoes and soles of shoes to Canada has not been harmful to or threatened the footwear industry of Canada, stated the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) on Tuesday. As a result, Vietnam's products in this category will not be subject to Canadian anti-dumping taxes, according to the Vietnamese Ministry of Trade (MoT).

Buckman Laboratories have recently made a successful transition of their Memphis and Cadet (Missouri) sites to the ISO 9001-2000 international quality management system standard. The Memphis audit was conducted in early August and Cadet's audit was carried out later the same month.

Supercoat 3400 is manufactured by Incoma, part of the Bergi Group, and offers the tanner a multitude of adjustments. Designed for manufacturers of soft leathers, particularly garment or automotive and furniture upholstery, Supercoat 3400 has both reverse and syncro operations.

Gemata have introduced a new stacking machine designed to aid the splitting operation. Comstack-Split allows the tanner to pile and grade both the grain and flesh split separately.

Tanmac, part of the Bergi Group from Italy, have introduced two new tannery machines. They include an automatic stacker for whole hides and a new spray finishing cabinet.

Spanish tannery automation and drum manufacturers, Olcina, have designed a new rotary coupling device, which can be fitted to any drum axle. The new equipment called the Total Explorer, is smaller than usual rotary couplings and requires less maintenance.

Sinallar Dericilik San ve Tic Limited Sirketi of Istanbul have four new finished leathers on offer this season. Goat (kid) skins come in a range of colours.

Carbosorb Plus is a new, disposable vapour-adsorbing mask from Charcoal Cloth International (CCI), world leaders in activated charcoal cloth products. The new mask is said to give leather industry workers the best protection to date of any single-use respirator.