BLC, Leather experts, leather courses leather workshop, leather testing,

The leading independent leather technology centre, working with hundreds of companies in over 40 countries BLC delivers a range of leather related services. Established for over 80 years we have the technical pedigree in leather technology to ensure fast accurate solutions to technical, management or environmental leather problems.

BLC is a commercial organisation that offers a total solution for the leather supply chain - from raw material through leather making to product manufacturer and retail. Our expertise, experience and passion for leather coupled with our customer service and rapid response sets us apart as a market leader in this specialist field.

Based in Northampton in the heart of the UK, we have an extensive and varied customer base that includes tanners, suppliers and brands from all over the world.

BLC - Services Offered

In a market that is increasingly competitive and where quality and speed of response are vital to commercial success, BLC offers a total solution to the needs of the leather supply chain, from raw material sourcing through tanning technology through to the finished leather product at retail.

Our philosophy is to ensure that essential services are provided by professional and knowledgeable people, offering clear and informative pre and post-sales information, combined with first class account management and customer service.

Services we provide include:

Leather Testing

As the only UK testing facility dedicated to leather testing, BLC's UKAS accredited laboratory offers a wide range of leather tests. We are experts in all types of leather testing, from simple fastness tests to advanced analysis for odours and restricted substances in leather.

Chemical Testing

Consumer and environmental legislation is constantly increasing the testing requirements for restricted substances. BLC’s chemical testing service can ensure that your materials and products comply to local, national and international legislation.

Footwear Testing

BLC offers a comprehensive package of whole shoe and footwear component tests in addition to the full schedule of leather testing. BLC has proven expertise in footwear testing, as well as providing a fast, reliable and competitive service in leather and restricted substances testing.

Problem Solving

BLC offers an independent fault diagnosis service that covers all aspects of the supply chain, including problems that occur on the raw hides and skin, faults during the manufacture of the leather and products, through to consumer complaints and arbitration.

Training

BLC’s training courses provide delegates with a better understanding of the unique characteristics of leather, its product performance, quality and testing. Standard courses address issues such as chemical and product safety, cleaner technologies, environmental/eco issues and mould management.

LWG Environmental Audits

With the rising profile and value of world brands there is an increasing need for environmental due diligence in the supply chain. BLC leather experts provide audits against the Leather Working Group environmental stewardship program.

Consulting

BLC offers a range of leather experts and leather consultant services to cover all aspects of the leather supply chain. Working with the leather industry for 85 years we have the pedigree, skills and practical leather knowledge to quickly solve problems and improve leather processing and reduce leather reworks and leather complaints.

Information and Support

Through membership BLC provides a wide range of practical support services for tanners, manufacturers and retailers. These include technical support, environmental services and commercial support in areas such as manufacturing, trading and marketing. BLC also has an acquired wealth of information covering all aspects of the leather and footwear industry, which is available exclusively for members.

Research and Innovation

BLC is committed to innovation and industrially focused research and development projects for the benefit of the leather industry. To remain competitive, the industry will need to embrace the latest scientific advances and shape future research and development projects accordingly.

About BLC

BLC - Services Offered