The new bag fashions for Autumn/Winter 2006-07 will be the visual focus at the I.L.M - International Leather Goods Fair - Winter Styles to take place March 25-27 at Messe Offenbach.

At the international Footwear Leather Conference in Hong Kong on March 27, Dr Dietrich Tegtmeyer, Head of Product Development & Application in the Leather Business Unit at LANXESS, will be giving a presentation in the Sourcing & Technology section. In addition to providing a brief overview of LANXESS' range of products for the shoe upper leather industry, he will be talking in particular about the technical and ecological advantages of polymer retanning materials.

The major footwear event in Türkiye AYAKKABI SUMMER 2006, the 19th Izmir Shoes, Bags and Accessories Fair, which was organised by Izmir Fair Services, ended with a satisfactory and pleasant result for both exhibitors and visitors. 12,149 trade professionals from 17 countries visited the event held from February 16-19.

Hungary's Central Statistical Office reports that Hungary imported leather and leather products worth US$305 million in 2005, a year-on-year decrease of 12.7%. Hungarian exports of the same types of commodities in 2005 were 23.9% lower year-on-year at US$132 million.

Turkey's State Statistics Institute reports that Turkey imported raw hides and skins, and leather, worth US$30.2 million in January, a year-on-year increase of 4.1%. Turkey also exported the same types of commodities worth US$5.8 million in January, a year-on-year increase of 24.1%.

Statistics South Africa reports that manufacturers of leather and leather products in South Africa saw their combined sales fall by 2.1% in January compared with the same month in 2005.

Slovakia's State Statistical Office reports that manufacturers of leather and leather products in the Slovak Republic recorded sales worth US$43 million in January, a year-on-year fall of 3.6%. In comparison, sales by manufacturers as a whole in Slovakia in January were 15.8% higher year-on-year.

Belarusian and Israeli officials are discussing the opening of a cattle-breeding joint venture in Belarus, according to the Belta news agency. Israeli diplomatic sources in Minsk were reported as saying that the venture is likely to be established this year.

Turkey's State Statistics Office reports that the production of leather and leather products in Turkey in January was 15.7% higher than in the same month last year. In comparison, overall manufacturing sector output in Turkey in January was 6.1% lower year-on-year.

Poland's Central Statistics Office reports that manufacturers' sales of leather and leather products in Poland in the first nine months of 2005 were 13.6% lower than in the same period the previous year. Lower sales were recorded in all product groups, including a 23.9% fall in the leather processing segment.

At the start of the year, the first of the so called baby boomers, those born in the post war years after 1946, will turn 60 years old. By the end of 2006 in the Leather Merchants & Wholesalers industry, 30% of directors, or one in five will be aged over 60.

Smelly feet, caused by bacterial activity and by athletes foot, are the scourge of over 20% of sporty and sedentary teenagers and adults alike. Now they have met their match with a biocidal additive called Hygienilac, made by Premier Finishes. Top footwear manufacturer Hush Puppies have used Hygienilac impregnated foot bed insoles in their BodyMoc range of men's shoes, effective for the lifetime of the shoes, to help make smelly feet a thing of the past.

An official from Vietnam's Trade Ministry says that the European Union's decision to impose anti-dumping duties on Vietnamese footwear exports to the EU will push Vietnam's leather shoe industry into crisis, with the loss of a large number of jobs, according to the Vietnamese News Agency. These jobs losses would affect the shoe, leather processing and related industries. The official added that Vietnam has never dumped leather shoes on to the EU market, and that the EU decision will prevent consumers in the EU from buying low-cost products.

According to the Wall Street Journal, BSE concerns of export markets for US beef, Japan included, have led to the formation of a non profit group, US Animal Identification Organization. The aim is to launch an ear tagging programme or some other identifying procedure to identify each animal with a bar code or radio frequency chip. The intention is to make it easier for health officials to identify animals in the event of a BSA outbreak. The plan will be voluntary.

Ukraine's State Statistics Committee reports that manufacturers of leather and leather products in Ukraine recorded combined sales worth US$13.5 million in January.

Arrangements are currently underway for the next IULTCS Euro Congress which is scheduled for May 24-27 in Istanbul, Türkiye. There will be a comprehensive programme of visual and spoken presentations plus a round table discussion about the role of Europe in predicting the future of the global leather industry.

Tanzanian and Iranian officials discussed co-operation in the livestock breeding sector at talks in Dar es Salaam in late February, according to the IRNA news agency. The Iranian Ambassador to Tanzania, Abbas Vaezi, said that his country is willing to share its experience in livestock breeding with the African country. Tanzanian officials said they would welcome Iranian investment in Tanzania's livestock sector, including in the construction of industrial slaughterhouses.

Estonia's Statistical Office reports that Estonia exported raw hides and skins, and leather, worth US$4.24 million in December 2005. Imports of the same types of commodities in December were worth US$5.00 million.

Croatia's Central Statistics Bureau reports that the number of cattle slaughtered in abattoirs in Croatia in the fourth quarter of 2005 was 1% higher than in the same quarter in 2004. Fourth quarter cattle slaughter were 3% lower year-on-year in terms of weight.

Bosnia and Herzegovina's Federal Statistics Office reports that the production of leather and leather products in Bosnia and Herzegovina in January was 19.9% lower compared with December and 14.4% lower than in January 2005. In comparison, the monthly decrease in industrial production in Bosnia and Herzegovina in January was 11.2%, and the annual increase, 16.1%.

German chemicals company BASF posted the best results in their history in 2005. The company again grew profitably and faster than the market in 2005 on the basis of their own efforts and astute acquisitions. At their Annual Press Conference on February 22, 2006 in Ludwigshafen, BASF reported sales of €42.7 billion (up 14%) and income from operations (EBIT) before special items of more than €6.1 billion (up 17%).

In late February, five complementary salons were brought together: Expofil, Première Vision, Le Cuir à Paris, Indigo and Mod'Amont.

The 61st International Golf Championship of the Shoe, Leather & Allied Trade will take place on June 22 and 23, 2006, at the Woodhall Spa Gold Club, Lincolnshire. An optional practice day will be held on June 21.

Ukraine's State Statistics Committee reports that Ukraine exported raw hides and skins, and leather and leather products, worth US$211 million in 2005, a year-on-year increase of 1.9%. Ukrainian imports of the same types of commodities were 1.5 times higher year-on-year at US$111 million.

The Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister, Yuriy Melnyk, says that Ukraine intends to increase its import duties on livestock under a new bill drafted by the Agrarian Ministry, according to the Interfax news agency. Melnyk said that the higher duties are intended to protect domestic producers against imported livestock.

Spain's National Statistics Institute reports that the production of leather and leather products in Spain in December 2005 was 22.6% lower than in the same month in 2004. In comparison, manufacturing output in Spain in December 2005 was 0.2% higher year-on-year.

Slovenia's National Statistics Institute reports that the production of leather and leather products in Slovenia in 2005 was 6.7% higher than in 2004. In comparison, industrial output in Slovenia in 2005 was 3.1% higher year-on-year.

The Slovak Statistical Office reports that Slovakia exported raw hides and skins, and leather and leather products, worth US$126 million in the first eleven months of 2005, a year-on-year increase of 15.2%. Slovakia's imports of the same types of commodities were 6.9% higher year-on-year at US$263 million.

Russia's State Statistics Committee reports that additional capacity for the raising of 8,900 head of cattle was added in Russia's livestock industry in 2005, according to the Interfax news agency. In comparison, additional capacity for the raising of 38,500 head of cattle was added in 2004.

Latvia's Central Statistical Bureau reports that Latvia imported raw hides and skins, leather and leather products, worth US$418 million in 2005, with 90% of imports coming from the European Union.

Kyrgyzstan's National Statistics Committee reports that Kyrgyzstan exported raw cattle and sheep hides and skins worth US$7.94 million in the first eleven months of 2005, compared with US$5.43 million in the same period in 2004, according to the Interfax news agency. Kyrgyz imports of the same types of commodities in the January to November 2005 period were worth US$2.52 million, against US$1.44 million in the corresponding period the previous year.

Jordan's Department of Statistics reports that Jordan exported raw hides and skins, and leather, worth US$5.9 million in 2005, compared with US$4.4 million in 2004. Jordanian imports of the same types of commodities in 2005 were worth US$1.2 million, against US$1.3 million in the previous year.

Ireland's Central Statistics Office reports that the production of leather and leather products in Ireland in December 2005 was 22.8% higher than in the same month the previous year. The combined turnover of leather industry companies in December 2005 was 20.5% higher year-on-year.

Ireland's Central Statistics Office reports that there were 6.19 million cattle on farms in Ireland on December 1, 2005, a fall of 0.3% compared with the number on the same date in 2004.

Ireland's Central Statistical Office reports that Ireland imported raw hides and skins, and leather, worth 2.2 million euros in the first eleven months of 2005, compared with 2.5 million euros in the same period the previous year. Irish exports of the same types of commodities in the January to November 2005 period were worth 67 million euros, as against 78 million euros in the corresponding period in 2004.

Hungary's Central Statistical Office reports that leather and leathergoods production in Hungary in 2005 was 7.1% higher than in 2004. Total sales of leather and leather goods by Hungarian producers last year were 5.6% higher than in 2004, with sales on the domestic Hungarian market 20.9% lower year-on-year and sales on export markets 16.6% higher.

At the end of last week the European Commission announced that it had found compelling evidence of serious state intervention in the leather footwear sector, which is contrary to WTO rules. By selling shoes at less than production costs (dumping) the two countries had hugely increased their shares of European markets leading to a fall of 30% in EU production, a slump in prices of 30% and the loss of 40,000 European jobs.

The Czech Statistical Office reports that the production of leather and leather products in the Czech Republic in 2005 was 4.6% lower than in 2004. In comparison, overall industrial output in the Czech Republic in 2005 was 5.7% higher year-on-year.

Croatia's Central Statistics Bureau reports that labour productivity in the Croatian leather industry in December 2005 was 3.4% lower than in December the previous year. In comparison, labour productivity in Croatian industry as a whole in December was 3.6% higher year-on-year. Employment in the leather industry in December 2005 was 6.8% lower than in December 2004.

Following the bankruptcy of Costil - Tanneries de France, Lingolsheim, near Strasbourg, all the processing equipment is being put up for sale. There are also around 28,000 hides to be disposed of.

A number of footwear manufacturers in Bulgaria are considering transferring their production to China or India because of staff shortages and falling competitiveness, according to the Bulgarian Economic Review. Bulgarian manufacturers are also being hit by footwear imports at dumping prices from Turkey and China.

Albania's National Statistics Institute reports that Albania exported leather and leather products worth US$12.4 million in 2005, compared with US$13.4 million in 2004. Albanian imports of the same types of commodities in 2005 were worth USD54.7 million, as against US$60.0 million the previous year.

The foundation stone for the Rs500-crore footwear manufacturing plant of Apache Investment Holdings, a supplier to Adidas, was laid on Saturday February 25 at Mambattu village in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Apache Footwear, is a Singapore-based contract supplier of footwear to Adidas shoes, and the plan is for a US$12 million production facility on a 315-acre site. The plant will create about 30,000 new jobs over a four year period. Apache will reportedly set up the plant in an economic zone for exports.

The 6th edition of CPM - COLLECTION PREMIERE MOSCOW is now also due to kick off with increased exhibitor numbers on extended exhibition space. Compared with the last event in 2005, around 100 more collections will be on display for buyers coming mainly from Russia and the former CIS, bringing the total number of collections up to 1,000. The fact that exhibitors are coming here this time from 27 countries (the figure being 24 last season) is a clear sign of the great importance of CPM as a key local and international information and order platform in Russia's fashion sector. Exhibition space at the exhibition centre at the heart of the Russian capital has now grown from 23,800m² to 30,750m².

Ukraine's State Statistics Committee reports that the production of leather and leather products in Ukraine in January was 33.1% lower than in December and 9.4% higher than in January 2005. In comparison, industrial output in Ukraine in January was 15.3% lower month-on-month and 2.9% lower year-on-year.

Turkey's State Statistics Office reports that the production of leather and leather products in Turkey in 2005 was 19.8% lower than in 2004. In comparison, overall manufacturing sector output in Turkey in 2005 was 4.9% higher year-on-year.

Slovakia's State Statistical Office reports that the production of leather and leather products in the Slovak Republic in 2005 was 6.9% higher than in 2004. In comparison, overall industrial output in Slovakia in 2005 was 3.6% higher year-on-year.

Russia's Economic Development and Trade Ministry is considering abolishing the import duty on leather products, according to the Interfax news agency. The current duty is 5% of the customs value of the imported goods. The proposal is part of a package of measures designed to promote light industry in Russia. It is subject to consultation with interested parties.

Last year Limeblast reported on the zero success of the Raw Hides & Skins Grading & Pricing Systems CFC sponsored multi million dollar project with Esalia as Project Executing Agency. Consultants and traders have backed Limeblast by confirming that the project in question didn't make any, not even the slightest, difference to the trading, grading and price structure in the countries that were involved and favoured by the project.

Assomac have announced that the edition of Tanning Tech due to be held in October 2006 has been postponed. The next edition of Tanning Tech will now be held in April 2007 over three days instead of the customary four and the event will run alongside Lineapelle and footwear machinery show SIMAC.

Statistics New Zealand reports that New Zealand exported raw hides and skins, and leather, worth NZ$437 million (US$299 million) in the twelve months to the end of December 2005, a year-on-year decrease of 15.5%.

Macedonia's State Statistics Office reports that Macedonia exported leather worth US$19 million in 2005.

Statistics Lithuania reports that the production of leather and leather products in Lithuania in 2005 was 8.6% higher than in the previous year. The domestic market accounted for 48.7% of total sales of leather and leather products produced in Lithuania last year, with exports accounting for 51.3% of sales

Kyrgyzstan's National Statistics Committee reports that the value of production of leather and leather products in Kyrgyzstan in 2005 was US$2.36 million, 0.2%t lower than in 2004, according to the Interfax news agency. The production of leather made from cattle hides and horse skin fell by 25.5% compared with 2004, while the production of leather harness and saddle products, and footwear, was 51.7% and 53.3% lower respectively year-on-year. However, leather production from sheep, goat and pig skins increased by 47.7% compared with 2004.

Effective January 5, SVR Leathers (Hull) Ltd have sold their plant, machinery and business interests to Claytons. This is a transfer of a going-concern, judged as mutually beneficial by both parties. Steve Reynolds remains in charge of the contract finishing unit at the Beverley address and Claytons of Chesterfield take responsibility for all production activities. The arrangement is one of 'business as usual'. All existing and previous customers of SVR and Claytons are advised that now the administrative burden has been taken from Reynolds, he will have much more time to concentrate on finishing leather.

The good news for the British gloving industry was that gloves were, once again, out in force during the men's Milan Fashion Week in January featuring collections for the autumn/winter 2006/07 season. Gloves were used on the catwalk as an accessory to add a little corporate glamour to slim-line suits and skinny ties.

Madrid's International Fashion Week (Sipiel) will be held from 23-25 March at the Feria de Madrid. More than 600 companies have already confirmed their attendance and the net exhibition area has reached 32,000 sq m.

US colour software company X-Rite have announced their intention to join forces with colour specialists GretagMacbeth. 'Combining X-Rite and GretagMacbeth's complementary strengths will enable us to unite the best-of-the-best in terms of innovation, products and talent', said Michael Ferrara, ceo X-Rite. 'Our pooled investment in research and development will accelerate our technological innovation, further enhancing capability and flexibility in products and services.'

CPD Düsseldorf has clearly maintained its position as a decisive event for the fashion industry and an indispensable fashion platform despite the continued difficult economic climate within the clothing sector. With a rise to 46,000 trade visitors (February 2005: 44,000), CPD Düsseldorf from February 5-7 proved the fashion sector still gives its firm vote to the fashion fair city of Düsseldorf, both nationally and internationally. The fashion metropolis of Düsseldorf with its trade fair and showrooms posted over 60,000 trade visitors from home and abroad. Visitors were given a concentrated market overview through a unique and broad spectrum of national and international collections at CPD Düsseldorf and its closely integrated showrooms.

The 21st India International Leather Fair came to a close in early February following a successful four-day exhibition. The 2006 edition of IILF was said to be the biggest convergence in terms of participation, size, range of products on display, turnout of visitors, importers, buyers of leather and leather products in recent history. With exhibition space up 30% on last year's total, IILF is possibly the fastest growing exhibition in the leather industry calendar.

Introduction

Conventional chrome tanning methods employed in the leather processing industry subject the hides and skins to treatment with a wide variety of chemicals and passage through various unit operations. All this involves an enormous amount of time and they contribute to an increase in COD, chlorides, sulfates and other mineral salts, which end up as effluent. But, perhaps more alarmingly, the process uses profuse quantities of water in areas where there is rapid depletion of ground water.

Due to the growing importance of leather in the Indian economy, the authorities have been placing increasing emphasis on developing this sector, with a particular view to optimising the use of available raw materials to maximise returns from exports.

federally inspected slaughter figures continued to improve in early December so that the annual rate was lagging only 1.4% behind a year earlier.

The following news comes directly from sources in China but due to the complexity and size of the administration there it cannot be really verified. So, the information, updated on January 3, should be viewed with caution.

Although there have been a few minor ups and down in steer prices since our last report, and for about all of 2005, prices have hardly changed compared with where they were twelve months ago. This holds true for not only heavy Texas steers but also for butt branded, branded, Colorado and heavy native steers.

Kills were very strong during December with most plants making arrangements to process reasonable numbers of cattle in the week after Christmas prior to the New Year. The cattle that have been killed were very heavy and as a result there were a lot of 36kg+ hides produced.

Geigy

Leather International magazine is pleased to announce the addition of Steven Caming to our team. Steve will be in charge of our new North American office, which will help facilitate enhanced coverage and service to leather industry suppliers in the States.

Karl Flower has proffered his resignation and will be leaving the British School of Leather Technology which is part of Northampton University. He has decided to continue his career along another path. He has committed himself to finishing current projects which include the MSc/MBA development.

Ernesto Moos has written from Switzerland to point out that 'since Bill Carey's passing, regretfully, I can now claim the title of the 'oldest active in the international hide trade (for better or for worse)'. Writing in December 2005, he admitted that 'in some weeks time I'll reach the round figure of 80 winters and summers behind me.'

The Indian Finished Leather Manufacturers and Exporters Association (IFLMEA) have named Dr Zackria Sait as chairman for a two-year term. IFLMEA is a prestigious body in India whose members make up more than 70% of exporters and manufactures of

Dr K Elangovan, a member of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), has recently been appointed executive director of the Council for Leather Exports. Prior to joining IAS, from Kolar Gold Fields near Bangalore, Dr Elangovan worked as an orthopaedic surgeon. He joined the IAS in 1992 and has since held a number of senior managerial positions including managing director of Kerala Food, where he was instrumental in an Indo-EU Project in Kerala. He was managing director of Kerala Tourism from 2000-2003 and prior to appointment to the CLE, he was the deputy chairman of Chennai Port Trust from 2003-2005.

Adesh Gupta, ceo, Liberty Group has been named chairman of the governing council of FDDI, the footwear design and development institute, by Shri Kamal Nath Ji, Union minister of commerce and industry. Having consolidated a leading position in the footwear industry, Gupta's business strategy and visionary guidance have driven the group to diversify into chemicals, auto components and retail business. Gupta has also been designated chairman of CII-NR for the year 2006-07.

German machinery company IMAK have launched a new firm measuring system called HMS/F500-1. The model provides measurement of soft and elastic materials such as leather and other natural fibres.

First of all I'd like to wish all readers of Leather International and the readers of Limeblast a happy, healthy and prosperous 2006.

Ukraine's State Statistics Committee reports that the production of leather and leather products in Ukraine in 2005 was 8.1% lower than in 2004, according to the Interfax news agency. In comparison, the annual increase in industrial output in Ukraine in 2005 was 3.1%.

Turkey's State Statistics Institute reports that Turkey imported raw hides and skins, and leather, worth US$472 million in 2005, a year-on-year fall of 18%. Turkey also exported the same types of commodities worth US$87 million in 2005, a year-on-year increase of 3.3%.

Serbia's Statistical Office reports that the production of leather and leather products in Serbia in 2005 was 0.4% higher than in 2004. In comparison, industrial output in Serbia in 2005 was 0.8% higher year-on-year.

Russia's State Statistics Committee reports that Russia produced 1.5 billion square decimetres of chrome-tanned leather in 2005, a year-on-year decrease of 0.3%, according to the Interfax news agency. Production of leather products was 3.3% lower year-on-year. In comparison, the annual increase in industrial output in Russia in 2005 was 4%.

Macedonia's State Statistical Office reports that the production of leather and leather products in Macedonia in 2005 was 13.7% lower than in 2004. In comparison, the annual increase in manufacturing output in Macedonia in 2005 was 7.3%.

Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics reports that Israel exported leather and leather products worth US$16.9 million in 2005, as compared with US$12.7 million in 2004. Israel imported the same types of commodities worth US$92.8 million in 2005, as against US$77.1 million in the previous year.

Ireland's Central Statistical Office reports that 1.69 million head of cattle of a total of 546,000 tonnes liveweight were slaughtered in Ireland in 2005. In comparison, 1.81 million head of cattle of a total of 564,000 tonnes liveweight were slaughtered in 2004.

Hungary's Central Statistical Office reports that Hungary imported leather and leather products worth US$285 million in the first eleven months of 2005, a year-on-year fall of 12.3%. Hungarian exports of the same types of commodities in the January to November 2005 period were 25.4% higher year-on-year at US$123 million.

Hungary's Central Statistical Office reports that there were 708,000 head of cattle on farms in Hungary as of December 1, 2005. This figure compares with 722,000 on August 1, and 723,000 on December 1, 2004.

Croatia's Bureau of Statistics reports that Croatia exported leather and leather products worth US$96 million in 2005, a year-on-year fall of 27.3%. Croatian imports of the same types of commodities in 2005 were 1.5% higher year-on-year at US$145 million.

Wollsdorf Leder managing directors Gerhard Krammer and Gerhard Klambauer reported a turnover of e90 million for the last financial year, up 5% on the previous year. The company attribute the rise to strongly increased demand in leather-covered steering wheels from companies such as Daimler Chrysler, Audi, VW and Porsche as well as further new orders from Porsche. A significant rise in the German and US furniture market share is a further factor in the company's success.

Pittards are set to close their loss-making factory in Leeds which will affect around 300 workers. According to the Yorkshire Post, 'the producer of leather for Timberland shoes and Adidas football boots blamed high running costs and disappointing sales for its decision to review the future of the site, which it has run since the 1970s'. The plan is to relocate production to Yeovil, UK and Ethiopia.

The EC has proposed effectively banning perfluorooctane sulfonates (PFOS) within the European Union on health grounds: the chemical provides grease, oil and water resistance to leather. Brussels has tabled a directive preventing PFOS use in leather and textile goods. The Commission said: 'These uses seem already to be phased out and the proposal would prevent their reintroduction', banning PFOS being used or sold in leather preparations, preparation ingredients, products or parts, in concentrations of 0.1% or more, by mass.

This issue contains two technical articles which highlight the necessity of protecting the water supply which is of primary importance to sustaining life on our planet. Both articles relate to India, the country we are focusing on in this edition, but water husbandry is essential everywhere.

Dow Corning, a leading global supplier of silicone solutions for the leather industry, have developed a new range of products which allow manufacturers to customise the finish of their leather products to meet the exact needs of their customers. The products are the first of a new 'sense the difference' line of finishes developed exclusively for the leather market. There are currently eight products in the range: Dow Corning 5-7031 LF emulsion, 5-7033LF suspension, 5-7194 LF emulsion, 57222 LF emulsion, 5-7784 LF emulsion, 5-7787 LF emulsion, 5-7818 LF emulsion and 5-7997 LF emulsion.

FGL International say they have found the solution to eliminate free formaldehyde with Permasol TFR (a harmless organic product). Permasol TFR is a limpid liquid able to react in a selective way with free formaldehyde content present in the leather after tanning and retanning operations. It creates a stable compound through a non-reversible reaction. It is easy and convenient to use, doesn't degrade the dyeing and doesn't create the bad smell normally associated with products containing sulfur. It has a selective reaction, converts aldehydes into neutral compounds and eliminates the formaldehyde in the leather.

LANXESS have developed a new generation of finishing products for the leather industry: X-Grade is an innovative system which enables users to rectify small and medium-sized hide defects. Defects such as pinholes and cuts are eliminated with astounding success. The result is a higher cutting yield. In addition, the new technology gives a much more uniform embossing pattern, which leads to a very natural-looking surface structure.

While there is currently no tannery operating in the country, a UNDP-funded tannery is due to open shortly. Liwonde Tannery, owned by Khalid Hassen, a former professional crocodile hunter, will concentrate initially on producing wet-blue goat skins.