APLF returns to Hong Kong for its 40th anniversary

The 2024 edition of APLF Leather will be held at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from 19 - 21 March, concurrently with its sister events, Materials+ and Fashion Access.
The importance of APLF as ‘the meeting place of the global leather industry’ is borne out by the combination of institutional and commercial organisations that participate at this prestigious event.
Not only is the whole leather making supply chain present, from raw hides to a myriad of fashion and automotive leather, but the mixture of professional attendees from all corners of the globe permits invaluable opportunities to exchange views and meet with peers and competitors under one roof.

Associations and National Pavilions
For the fair’s 40th anniversary (1984-2024), there will be held the annual meetings of the following entities: International Council of Tanners (ICT), ICHSLTA, CNC, Leathersellers’ Company, The UK Leather Federation, Leather Working Group and Leather Naturally
In addition to the support offered by the above organisations, APLF is also supported by the following national pavilions from major tanning nations:
Australia’s AHSLEA, Brazil’s CICB and ASSINTECAL, China’s CLIA, France’s FFTM and SCGP, Germany, Italy’s ASSOMAC, UNIC and Consorzio Vera Pelle, India’s CLE, Japan’s JLIA, Korea’s KTA, Mexico, Pakistan’s PTA, Portugal’s APIC, Spain’s ACEXPIEL, Thailand’s TTIA, Türkiye’s ITKIB, and USA’s LHCA.
Meanwhile, major manufacturing countries such as China, India, Pakistan, South Africa and Vietnam are present in Fashion Access, along with Mongolia that will also participate in the fair.
The whole supply chain from raw hides and skins to finished leather, process chemical and machinery suppliers will be present in the leather fair and, as can be seen from the depth of official associations and leading tanning countries, APLF continues to attract the most important organisations to this international event.

Onsite Events
The trade show is complemented by a series of conferences, forums and workshops to create a rounded and integrated event for all industry stakeholders.

Global Footwear Executive Summit
In its fourth edition, Global Footwear Executive Summit is an annual gathering of industry leaders, executives, and professionals from the global footwear sector. Held on 20 March 2024, participants gain valuable knowledge about the latest advancements in materials, manufacturing technologies, retail strategies, and consumer behaviour.

Let’s Talk Leather Masterclass
Designer maker Yusuf Osman, together with technical consultant Karl Flowers from the UK, will bring the masterclass to Hong Kong. Tailored for designers, this course will provide participants with technical and practical insights into the characteristics and applications of different types of leather.

Leather Foundation Course for Fashion Professionals
Hosted by Karl Flowers, this course is specifically designed for fashion professionals including producers, designers, buyers, and store trainers. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the technical aspects of leather, including the tanning process, types of leather, leather products, care instructions, and an overview of leather testing and certification.

Highlight Networking Events
The Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA) will be co-hosting the APLF evening after-show cocktail party on 20th March. During the event, LHCA will announce the designs of the Real Leather. Stay Different. campaign, which showcases the innovative use of leather in artistic creations by talented designers from around the world.

Moreover, Leather Naturally will organise a breakfast meeting on the same morning. As a leading advocate for leather promotion, this group will present an insightful update on their upcoming initiatives aimed at uniting the industry. Their primary objective is to effectively convey the correct message of leather being a sustainable material to the public.

Apart from this, the organisers have prepared a series of seminars, workshops and display areas throughout the exhibition which enables the audiences to participate. Visit www.aplf.com to register and for the most updated information.