Organised by Conseil National Du Cuir under the patronage of the French Ministry of the Economy, Finance and Economic Recovery, each year the SLF gathers over 450 professionals and experts from the fashion, luxury and design industries to discuss the major CSR challenges facing the entire leather industry.

For this 5th edition, the SLF will be delighted to welcome Roland Lescure, Minister Delegate in charge of Industry.

The world’s leading specialists will be attending to discuss topical issues, including the current state of labelling and certification, emerging approaches to breeding and traceability for a more virtuous value chain, reparability as a lever for circularity, and much more…

Once again, the SLF will be welcoming 18 handpicked speakers who will lead four conferences over the course of this exceptional day.

Also on the program will be four exclusive keynotes by Elisabeth Laville, Chief Entrepreneur at Utopies; Paul Luu, Executive Secretary of 4p1000; Nienke Steen, Lead Apparel, Textiles and Footwear at Cradle to Cradle Certified; as well as Héléne Jessua, Director of Sustainable Development, and Hélène Billard, Accessories Director, both from Zadig & Voltaire, accompanied by Stéphane Piot, CSR Consultant at Pando Fashion.

Among the major new features of this year’s event:

A selection of companies providing CSR solutions

It’s good to be aware of the initiatives and best practices of industry players, but taking action is even better! The SLF is offering a new exhibition area to help both artisan businesses and industrial companies in the sector to find out about existing solutions and to support them with their action plans.

Traceability solutions, labelling, recyclability audits, training, research and development, chemical product innovations, trade associations and clusters.

Some 30 exhibitors will be on hand to help address the challenges faced by participants : the Institute of Quality Certification for the Leather Sector (ICEC); ID Factory; ICFA; YMPACT; the International Crocodilian Farmers Association; CTC; the Sustainable Leather Foundation; Biokimica; Fédération Française de la Tannerie; the Leather Working Group; SPIN 360; Institut de l’Elevage (IDELE); CETIA; TrustRace; La Boite Bien Faite; Plasseraud IP; Cluxter; Leather Naturally; RésoCuir; Les Compagnons du Devoir and more.

Encouraging networking

When it comes to CSR, sharing experience is essential and networking makes all the difference.

Conseil National Du Cuir has developed a matchmaking system to help connect delegates and exhibitors throughout the event.

An event also available via streaming

France is a benchmark for CSR in the leather sector. To promote this expertise, the event is now accessible worldwide via streaming. This service is reserved exclusively for overseas industry professionals in order to reduce the carbon footprint associated with international delegate travel.

Pre-Programme

Session 1 – How can certification standards contribute to improving traceability and processes in the leather industry?

The leather industry is committed to informing and protecting consumers in all areas, from the origin of raw materials to the marketing of finished products.

As a result, to ensure even greater transparency, new certifications are being introduced, particularly at the European level. These new standards perfectly illustrate the industry’s commitment to continuously reducing its environmental footprint.

During this roundtable discussion, some concrete projects will be presented.

  • Speakers: Cotance, Sustainable Leather Foundation, International Crocodilian Farmers Association, COVICO, ICEC.

Session 2 – Livestock farming and raw materials: the leather industry is reducing its carbon footprint through best practices and innovative tools

With the current changes occurring in food consumption patterns (vegetarianism, veganism, consumer appetite for organic and free-range products, etc.), new societal expectations are emerging in terms of animal welfare. Now more than ever, all companies in the fashion and design sector must take into account the origin of its raw materials in its value chain.

New, more environmentally friendly forms of agriculture are emerging to raise awareness of more sustainable and reasoned practices.

The aim of this roundtable is to help inform the debate, with contributions from experts, illustrated by a case study from a world-renowned fashion company.

  • Speakers : 4p1000, IDELE, Land to Market, Demeter, Chloé.

Session 3 – CSR, the DNA of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) sector

The PPE sector was one of the first to introduce strict regulations on the manufacture and composition of its various products, to ensure adequate protection for users.

In what ways are the PPE sectors, particularly safety footwear and protective gloves, pioneers of CSR?

A roundtable discussion led by several key players in the sector.

  • Speakers : LeMaitre Sécurité, Gaston Mille, Rostaing SAS, Tanneries Pechdo

Session 4 – A key element in the implementation of circular fashion:

the care and repair of shoes, gloves and leather goods

Repairing, reinventing, extending life… the maintenance and repair of leather goods (bags, gloves, accessories, shoes, etc.) is an integral part of responsible fashion.

This roundtable discussion brings together different brands and organisations to discuss the major challenges the circular economy presents in their activities.

  • Speakers : CTC, Paraboot, Longchamp, Fédération Française de la Cordonnerie Multiservice (FFCM).

The event will take place on Monday, September 11, 2023. The venue is the Palais Brongniart in Paris, France. Doors will open at 8:15am, with a welcome cocktail after the event at 6:15pm.

Find out more about the event and register now at slf-paris.com.