Building on the success of previous years, the theme of this year’s conference will focus on building a sustainable value chain for the leather industry; a key requirement for all retailers and brands is upstream supply chain transparency. This year’s event will include presentations which concentrate on the lifecycle of products with sustainability and innovation being key themes.
Frank Michel will discuss the latest development of the programme in the context of the leather value chain. Specific discussion points will include the MRSL conformance guidelines for the testing and verification of chemicals, audit protocols for suppliers and waste water guidelines for leather.
Topics such as effective supply chain mapping, recent developments of the multi-brand ZDHC, alternative materials, innovation in chemistry and animal welfare will feature in presentations during the event. Leading specialists in the international industry, including major brands/retailers, tanners, leather supply chain suppliers (machinery/chemicals) and organisations will present the most up-to-date developments across a range of topical subjects.
The ZDHC Foundation is an organisation responsible for implementing the ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) programme, which includes a collaboration of 22 signatory brands, 24 value chain affiliates, and 10 associates. All parties work collaboratively to support the implementation of safer chemical management practices in the textile and footwear value chains thereby protecting consumers, workers and the environment. It covers four key areas; Manufacturing Restricted Substance Lists (MRSL), waste water guidelines, audit Protocol and research. Data disclosure and training are cross-cutting areas which work across the four main work streams.
Jointly organised by the BLC Leather Technology Centre and APLF Ltd, sponsors of the 2017 conference include Stahl (platinum), Lanxess (Gold), Micro-Pak (Bronze). ILM is the official media sponsor.
The conference will be held on Thursday, March 30, 2017 from 12pm to 5.30pm. Please click here to register to attend.
