1 April 2008 – Hong Kong (half day during APLF)International Leather Conference
Speakers include: ISA/Tantec, Pentland Group, PrimeAsia Leather Corporation, RSPCA, BLC Leather Technology Centre Ltd and International Council of Tanners.
With the ongoing trend towards responsible trading from all perspectives, including environmental, social, and technical, the emphasis of this half day conference will be on responsible supply chain management.
An opportunity to:
This event will provide a unique opportunity for all areas of the global leather supply chain to gather valuable knowledge on the leather industry and how it operates under the growing challenges of legislation and consumer expectations. This is an ideal event for those selling leather, supplying to the leather industry or buying leather products and footwear.
Venue - Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Event co-organised by BLC Leather Technology Centre Ltd and APLF Ltd and sponsored by Leather International.
Discounts apply for BLC members and APLF exhibitors.
This critically important sector of BLC now benefits from the skills and experience of two new staff members, Krishna Patel and Emma White, both with a background in forensic science.
KRISHNA PATELKrishna has recently joined the BLC technical team to provide Chemical and Regulatory Support, a vital role in an environment where restricted substances and the associated complex regulations are key to BLC's customers in a competitive marketplace. In addition, Krishna will be involved in method development for chemical testing.
Krishna graduating with an MSc in Forensic Engineering and Science from Cranfield University in 2004, before which she gained a Bachelor's degree in Medical Sciences from the University of Leeds. Prior to joining BLC, she spent two years as a crime scene DNA analyst working for the Metropolitan Police.
Krishna brings a wide range of skills and experience to BLC, which will not only enhance and strengthen the customer support available, but will also be significant in developing the investigative process going forward.
EMMA WHITEEmma has recently joined the BLC testing team as a Technician, providing support in the Advanced Analytical department.
She graduated in 2006 with a first class honours degree in Forensic Science from the University of Kent. During her study she also worked as a demonstrator for the University of Kent Forensic science outreach programme. Emma's career experience to date includes working as an Assistant Workshop Leader for Sphere Science Ltd which entailed the provision of science workshops in primary schools.
Emma's scientific knowledge and problem solving skills provide a new and positive impact in the overall testing environment.
Testing and problem solving are key services offered to the global supply chain, where pressures to ensure compliance with legislation, arbitration and consumer demands need to be dealt with confidentially and in a timely, efficient and impartial manner.
For more information about the comprehensive range of testing and advanced diagnostic services contact Victoria Addy on vikki@blcleathertech.com or +44 (0) 1604 679953.
Aug/2007
BLC design competition 2007
Following the success of last year's design competition sponsored by BLC, students from the Fashion School of the University of Northampton were once again invited to submit leather-based design projects for display at BLC's Northampton premises.
The wide range of projects and standard of work produced exceeded all expectations, making the task of selecting three prize winners a very difficult one. Consequently, it was decided to include work from all of the students on display at BLC.
It was interesting to note that the scope of the designs had taken a very different form to those created last year, demonstrating not only the versatility of the raw material leather, but also the highly innovative and commercial perspectives of the students involved.
Handbags, in a variety of constructions, shapes and sizes, featured strongly amongst the designs, offering a window on potential future trends in this fast-moving sector.
BLC's experience with the fashion students from the University of Northampton certainly bears out the following quote from the university's website (www.northampton.ac.uk):
Fashion at the University of Northampton, prides itself on encouraging students to have the confidence to express their individuality without feeling the pressure to unnecessarily conform. Creativity and the desire to challenge what is the 'norm', is a passionate belief of the course team, working alongside a strong grounding of commercial awareness, marketing strategies and client/customer needs.
WINNERS
FIRST PRIZESheree Daley BA Hons Fashion, Footwear & Accessories Pathway Year 2A selection of bright colour vases and flowers
SECOND PRIZESarah Martinsons BA Hons Fashion, Footwear & Accessories Pathway Year 2Fashion Monsters - rag dolls and a bear based on vintage toys and leather playing bricks
THIRD PRIZESonia Phull BA Hons Fashion, Textiles Pathway Year 2The seven deadly sins - masks linked through the theme of the seven deadly sins of lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride.
Growing interest in greener leather
The drive for an improved environmental profile is a growing factor for global brands and high street retailers alike. Although price still appears to be the major driver for the mainstream shopper there is a growing awareness of environmental and ethical issues at point of sale, and the consumer is becoming more sensitive to concerns about the origin, manufacturing and overall impact of the products they buy.
Leather footwear and leather products are no exception and there has been growing interest from the high street in an environmental story for leather. Designers and technologists are looking for "Eco Leather" and this is a complex story. Many focus on the type of tannage used, assuming that vegetable tanned or mineral free leather have the best profile, but the reality is that the common tannages such as chrome, vegetable and aldehyde all have environmental impacts in different areas of their life cycle.
It was this fact and other environmental drivers that encouraged a group of premium brands, retailers and leather manufacturers to get together to discuss and address the issue. The view of this group based on extensive research was that it is not the tannage type that is important, but rather how the leather is manufactured. They believe that the effective control of leather manufacturing processes and the professional management of waste liquids, solids, energy, water consumption, chemicals and other key factors can yield the most significant reduction in environmental impact. Therefore the group set out to measure and encourage improvement of environmental stewardship within the leather supply chain.
This initiative was started over two years ago and the Leather Working Group (LWG) was formed, contracting the technical expertise of BLC Leather Technology Limited to manage the process. Since the group formed, an environmental auditing protocol specifically for leather manufacturers has been developed. The new LWG environmental audit protocol looks beyond management systems and assesses the real issues that may be present during the manufacture of leather. During its development the protocol was peer reviewed by NGO organisations such the World Wild Life Fund (US) and other academic institutions.
The new protocol became active in January 2007 and a significant number of leather manufacturers have now been audited. A tangible benefit of this process for both leather manufacturer and brand is a standardised audit process and a consistent approach, meaning in many cases that one audit will satisfy the stewardship needs of multiple retailers and brands. The net result has been increased confidence in the leather supply chain for all those involved.
The LWG encourages other brands or retailers that have an interest in environmental stewardship issues relating to leather and footwear to get involved with the group and give additional input to the on-going development of the protocol.
For further details of the companies involved and the benefits of the group visit www.leatherworkinggroup.com or contact Adam Hughes on adam@blcleathertech.com
BLC Footwear Fit Assessment Service
Following significant demand from a number of customers, BLC is pleased to annouce the launch of our fit assessment service on children's footwear. This new service has been competitively priced at £50 for members, £55 for suppliers to members and £75 for non members. This is a standard 3 day service and fits can be accompanied upon request. All prices plus VAT.
Footwear Fit Assessment
9/Jan/07
Leather industry audit protocol launched
Following 18 months of development, involving prominent brands and tanners, the Leather Working Group (LWG) environmental audit protocol is now being utilised.
The protocol is intended to provide suggested guidelines for the environmental performance of tanneries. Developed and reviewed by tanners, brands and industry experts to ensure adequacy and technical feasibility, the protocol has been peer reviewed by the World Wildlife Fund US and other non-governmental, industry and academic stakeholders.
Through this audit protocol, the LWG seeks to create alignment on environmental priorities, bring visibility to best practices and provide suggested guidelines for continual improvement in the global tanning industry.
The objective of this multi-stakeholder group is to maintain a protocol that assesses the environmental performance of tanners and promotes sustainable and appropriate environmental business practices within the leather industry.
The contracted facilitator for the Leather Working Group is BLC Leather Technology Centre Ltd. For further details about the group and detailed information about the audit protocol please contact Adam Hughes on adam@blcleathertech.com or +44 (0) 1604 679936 or visit www.leatherworkinggroup.com.
Leather in Retail Conference
Following the successful footwear leather conference held in March 2006 BLC Leather Technology Centre Ltd and Leather International magazine will co-host another conference at the 2007 Asia Pacific Leather Fair.
Set to take place on Tuesday 27 March 2007 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), the conference will once again precede the Asia Pacific Leather Fair (28 to 30 March) and will feature presentations from global brands and leading figures from industry.
"With leather having such a significant presence on the retail high street and the annual trade in leather and footwear expected to exceed US$50 billion, the conference provides an essential meeting point for the leather supply chain from tanner through manufacturing to retail brand", said Adam Hughes, BLC Sales Director.
To date the conference has received sponsorship from APLF Ltd the fair organisers.