A tightly controlled schedule was necessary in light of the large number of presentations which covered all stages of leathermaking as well as fashion, and the challenges facing the sector at this time of economic uncertainty. Although it was billed as a regional congress there were presentations from around the world, including Spanish research institutes and various European chemicals manufacturers.
This was the first time that a FLAQTIC congress had been held under the auspices of the IULTCS and in light of this the executive committee and working groups of the international union were present. Many of them gave presentations highlighting the work of the IULTCS and ways in which Latin American leather chemists can get involved or receive support and advice. IULTCS president Elton Hurlow told the congress that he looks forward to the increased contribution of Latin America in the union and welcomed the opportunity provided by the congress to share knowledge of the leathermaking process.
In his presentation on the history of the organisation, Hurlow stated that he felt there had been a decline in the Darmstadt, Northampton and Cincinatti institutions and that the IULTCS thus has a role in helping transfer knowledge, passion and tradition of producing leather. He is disturbed by two current trends: the emphasis on making leather to a price point or ‘good enough for purpose’ rather than the best it can be, and the fact that synthetics have developed to such an extent that they are becoming increasingly difficult to differentiate from leather. He stated that the issues facing the industry require good science to resolve and that’s what the IULTCS stands for.
A full report on the presentations given at the congress will be published in the November/ December edition of Leather International.