Studies in leather education
The loss of much tradition-based training - such as the recent closure of ICLT – is a matter of concern, and can have serious effects that extend across the global leather sector. Nevertheless, there are two existing and updated studies available to help address these eventualities and minimise the impact of such closures.
The first is entitled “Leather: AN INTRODUCTION”, providing information for people who need background information on the subject, or simply want a clear understanding for general interest. The second, entitled “Leather: AN OVERVIEW OF MANUFACTURE”, is a more advanced study in 10-sections, and intended to support those who wish to become leather technicians.
These are designed for individual study and self-training, but they are also viewed within formal education as supports at introductory and intermediate levels respectively. Moreover, they are suited for reference purposes, and as part of distance learning packages - such as the SOLES initiative.
As 2 complementary volumes, they comprise around 45,000 words, enhanced with more than 450 images and industrial photographs. Using a format that combines concise text with supporting images, these studies are designed for clear understanding.
This information, produced by specialists in the industry, is available for use or dissemination by any company or organisation that wishes to promote better leather-related understanding. All of the content is available free of any charge.
Approved and reviewed by SLTC, ALCA, IULTCS and UNIDO, these studies are now available for download via their respective web sites.
Footwear Industry Articles
- Malawi: Imports, forex stifle local leather sectorThe Malawi Leather Industry Association says it is struggling to meet the annual demand for shoes, producing only 200 000 pairs against demand of 15.5 million, largely due to competition from imports and forex shortages hindering raw material imports.Data from Small and Medium Enterprises Development Institute (Smedi), which is championin ...moreMizuno: New distributor plans increase in marketing, and diversification of sports categoriesJohannesburg, Gauteng, SA – Digital Wellness has been appointed by Mizuno Europe as the new Mizuno Footwear distributor for Southern Africa.It was previously distributed by Performance Endurance Solutions.Brian Kerby will continue with the brand, filling the role of Mizuno Brand Manager. He and Digital Wellness MD Ricky West respond ...morePure Endurance Solutions to launch 361° running shoe brand in SACape Town, W. Cape, SA – Sports energy products and sportswear distributor Pure Endurance Solutions has become the Southern African distributor of Hong Kong-based basketball and running shoe brand, 361°. In footwear, it previously represented Mizuno.361° was previously distributed locally, for a short period.On a much smalle ...more
Leather Industry Articles
- Sam Setter's 'Pills': Brands remain holier than thouOn more than one occasion I have reported on brands being caught using illegal labour in their supply line. From what I understand several brands regularly, but indirectly, use illegal labour and of course always deny their knowledge of this happening. The problem is that everybody knows and nobody can prove this because the brands buy fr ...morePEPTIDE MANUFACTUREPurchasing a 25 kg hide for the purposes of manufacturing a bit of leather used to be a pretty inefficient process. Consulting the 1999 paper (by UNIDO) showed the industry that 60-70% of that 25 kg is water, leaving collagen, keratin, glycosaminoglycans, fat, and a few minor components. The hair, epidermis, and fat are removed to leave a ...moreA land of opportunities, a land of contrasts, but it needs global brands to investReg Hankey, executive chairman of Pittards Group Ltd., is well qualified to write about the leather industry in Ethiopia. As an investor, he knows the opportunities and the pitfalls. He is also passionate about the country and its people. ...more
PPE Industry Articles
- Situational awareness has become a frontline imperative for first respondersWhy traditional radios and CCTV are no longer enough in complex threat environments Global case studies showing measurable impact on response times, safety, and transparency How LTE, 5G, and AI enable continuous, multi layered intelligence for faster, more effective decisions The opportunity for South Africa to leapfrog legacy sy ...moreHong Kong residential towers fire: Spotlight will fall on bamboo scaffoldingThe fire in Hong Kong which affected 8 32-storey residential towers in November will lead to scrutiny of the bamboo scaffolding which encased the buildings.There will be pressure to ban it, or at least modify it perhaps to the point where it loses the properties that have made it an attractive option for so long.Bamboo scaffolding is wide ...moreCleaning water with light — a new generation of compact and efficient water treatment systemsFunctionalised foam ceramics for treating polluted waterIndustrial process and wastewater pose a major challenge when it comes to environmental protection. Fraunhofer researchers in Dresden have now succeeded in developing compact and energy-efficient systems that use photocatalytic oxidation to efficiently break down impurities. At the ...more






