Redefining Leather

With the new upgraded techniques in contemporary textile, Samir Alam looks at the latest twist in the world of leather production.

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Leather has a cruel history. However, no amount of history cradled in a reputation of luxury, comfort and utilitarianism can shield it from criticism. The modern business of leather has garnered accusations of the unethical treatment of animals and workers as well as its contribution to global climate change. But despite these controversies industry reports claim that the global market for leather goods will reach US$ 247 billion by 2019, a significant uptake from US$ 200 billion in 2014. So it would seem that there is nothing to really worry for manufacturers and business’, right? Wrong.

THE NEW MARKET FOR LEATHER

Reports have shown that despite the increase in expected market size, a significant portion is based in the developing world. Countries such as India and China are critical in the expected pathway to success due to their increasingly affluent middle-class and populations with expendable income. As a luxury good used in products ranging from shoes to car interiors, the expectation is that consumer aspiration will fuel revenue for the leather market. However, there are forces that are actively working counter to this assumption. They are ethical and environmental attitudes.

By no means does this mean that traditional leather enterprises are under the risk of going out of business. India has organised itself around the “Make in India” movement and is looking to get its share of the global pie in the coming years. As one of the largest exporters of leather goods and apparel in the world and as the second largest producer of leather footwear and garments, India is leveraging its competitive advantage and lower labour costs to become an even bigger player. Already, India holds 10 per cent of the global market in leather, producing over two billion square feet of leather every year—with exports in FY 2015-16 being US$ 5.85 billion.