Entering the new term with a strong vision, Karaca emphasized that İDMİB will accelerate its transformation process and position Turkey more effectively in global competition.

“We Will Be the Pioneer, Not Just a Part of the Transformation”

Following the election, Karaca stated that İDMİB will evolve from a representative body into a proactive organization that actively shapes global markets.

“The world is changing rapidly. We cannot expect different results by doing the same things. Either we play by global rules or we fall behind,” he noted, highlighting the next four years as a critical period for the industry.

A New Era of Aggressive Marketing

In the new term, İDMİB will focus on marketing, digitalization, sustainability, and education.

Karaca stressed that a more aggressive approach will be adopted in target markets, with increased buyer delegations and trade missions to bring international clients to Turkey and support Turkish companies abroad.

The ultimate goal is to position İDMİB as a true global marketing hub for the leather sector.

Record-Breaking Young and Inclusive Leadership

The new board stands out with an average age of 39 and the inclusion of four female members—marking a record in the history of exporters’ associations.

“We are determined to build the future with young exporters,” Karaca said, underlining a dynamic and forward-looking management approach.

Target: Higher Value, Not Higher Volume

Highlighting the global leather and leather products market size of approximately $300 billion, Karaca stated that Turkey aims to increase its share through a strategic shift.

“We must produce higher value with less volume,” he said, emphasizing branding, sustainability, and innovation as key drivers of export growth.

Rising unit prices in recent years are seen as a strong indicator that the sector is on the right track.

New Export Records on the Horizon

Karaca also noted that the 2022–2026 period marked the highest number of export-oriented activities in the sector’s history, including B2B meetings, fairs, and trade missions.

He confirmed that these efforts will be further intensified in the new term, aiming to break new export records and strengthen Turkey’s global positioning.

This year, educational and design-driven initiatives stood out as key highlights. The newly introduced AYMOD Design Area provided a platform for emerging talents to connect with the industry. Students from Konya Selçuk University presented their original designs, demonstrating a strong example of university–industry collaboration.

One of the most visited areas of the fair was the stand of the Istanbul Leather and Leather Products Exporters’ Association Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School (İDMİB-MTAL). The handcrafted leather goods produced by students attracted great attention, while live demonstrations added a dynamic and engaging dimension to the exhibition experience.

Deputy Minister of Trade of Türkiye, Mr. Mahmut Gürcan, visited the fair, toured the stands, and closely observed the students’ production processes. Impressed by their live performances, Gürcan praised both the school management and the young talents, underlining the critical role of vocational education in sectoral development.

Zeytinburnu İDMİB-MTAL, the only school in Istanbul offering specialized education in leather goods design and production, aims to bring qualified workforce into the leather sector. Established with the support of the Leather Goods Industrialists’ Association, the school stands out with its “İdmibZEN” brand, combining education with real production experience.

The products exhibited at the fair reflected not only craftsmanship but also the powerful fusion of tradition, design, and modern production techniques. AYMOD 2026 once again proved to be not only a trade platform but also a showcase for the next generation shaping the future of the industry.

The agreement was signed during the Investment Conference held at Radisson Blu, with KLDC Acting CEO Jimmy Odhiambo and Chairman Capt. Mohamed Adan representing the council. The financing package is designed to support the entire leather value chain—from raw hides to finished products.

The funding will focus on expanding production capacity, improving access to finance for SMEs, enhancing technological capabilities, and strengthening export-oriented growth. It also aims to promote sustainable production practices and increase local value addition within the sector.

Despite Kenya’s strong livestock base, the country has historically relied on exporting raw hides and skins. This initiative is expected to accelerate the transition toward higher-value manufacturing, enabling Kenya to capture more value domestically.

Industry experts highlight that the partnership will not only attract new investments but also create jobs and enhance competitiveness. By building a more integrated and resilient ecosystem, Kenya is positioning itself as a leading leather manufacturing hub in East and Central Africa.

This development aligns with broader global trends emphasizing sustainability, traceability, and localized production in the leather industry.

The initiative aims to strengthen Kenya’s leather value chain through the adoption of Italian machinery and technologies, while supporting the country’s integration into global production networks. The partnership is expected to enhance local manufacturing capabilities, enabling companies to meet international quality standards and expand their export potential.

A key pillar of the agreement is the financial support provided by Equity Bank Kenya Limited, which will facilitate access to funding for local buyers investing in Italian technologies. This will allow Kenyan manufacturers to develop higher value-added products and improve their competitiveness in global markets.

The project is aligned with the priorities of Italy’s Mattei Plan, reinforcing economic cooperation between Italy and African countries. It is also part of the broader “Sistema Italia” approach, bringing together institutions, trade agencies and industry associations to support sustainable industrial development.

Commenting on the agreement, Assomac President Mauro Bergozza highlighted that Italian technology represents not only excellence and quality, but also the ability to transform raw materials into high value-added products. He emphasized that the collaboration aims to build a competitive and sustainable manufacturing ecosystem in Kenya.

Assomac continues to expand its footprint across Africa, with ongoing initiatives in Egypt, Niger, Senegal and Tunisia, and future plans targeting Ethiopia, Morocco and Namibia.

This strategic partnership positions Kenya as a rising regional hub for leather manufacturing, while further strengthening the global impact of Italian technology.

According to Roger Pinto, Director of Sustainability & Innovation at Pangea, the new product line reflects the company’s ability to merge luxury performance with sustainability. Through collaborations with local chemical partners and agricultural communities, Pangea transforms large volumes of organic waste into high-quality leather solutions.

Each year, approximately 2.4 million metric tons of agave are harvested, with up to 46% of the plant discarded during processing. These byproducts are now repurposed into biopolymers, with waste from a single agave plant capable of supporting the retannage of around 80 hides. Similarly, Mexico generates up to 530,000 metric tons of avocado pit waste annually, which is processed into natural tannin-rich biopolymers.

Beyond environmental impact, the initiative also drives social value. By creating demand for agricultural waste, Pangea supports rural employment and generates additional income streams for local farmers, while strengthening regional circular economies and reducing global supply chain dependency.

With this latest development, Pangea reinforces its position at the intersection of sustainability, innovation and premium automotive leather manufacturing.

I currently serve as Sustainability Director at JBS Couros, focusing on developing deep and practical strategies to continuously reduce the environmental impact of the leather we produce. I have a technical background in Chemical Engineering and Sustainability and have been working in the leather sector for about ten years.

JBS Couros is a global leather processing company supplying high-quality leather solutions to industries such as automotive, furniture, footwear and fashion. As part of JBS S.A., we operate within a vertically integrated structure, with strong oversight of the entire leather production chain, from raw hide sourcing to finished leather.

This structure is particularly strategic for sustainability innovation. With collagen, peptides, tallow, biodiesel and other related industries within the broader JBS group, we are able to optimize supply chains beyond the limits of the tannery, strengthening traceability, quality control and environmental responsibility.

Could you tell us about the services JBS Couros provides to the leather industry?

We produce and sell leather at different stages, from commodities such as Wet Blue and Wet White to fully finished leather. We serve the automotive, furniture, footwear and leather goods markets using multiple tanning technologies.

Our company is strongly focused on breaking sustainability paradigms through a data-driven approach. This enables us to support major brands in promoting transparency, ethical sourcing and circular economy practices throughout the leather supply chain.

With the introduction of the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and growing concerns around sustainability, traceability and deforestation, how does JBS Couros address these issues?

These topics are central to our Kind Leather strategy. Our Kind Leather team continuously assesses future challenges, identifies the main environmental impact sources across our value chains and develops action plans accordingly.

Although bovine leather is unquestionably a by-product of the beef industry, we cannot delegate responsibility. As supply-chain actors, we have a duty to collaborate with the beef sector and civil society. Our approach is twofold: implementing company-level solutions such as supply-chain mapping and hide traceability, while also engaging in pre-competitive working groups to drive collective action.

As part of one of the world’s leading meat groups, what innovations is JBS Couros introducing in leather processing?

Last year, our Kind Leather platform introduced RTC – Responsible Tannery Chemistry, a chemical management protocol designed to reduce the environmental impact of chemicals through clear metrics and informed decision-making in collaboration with our chemical suppliers.

We have also implemented impactful process innovations such as SAVETAN, a tanning technology that reduces chemical use, water consumption and processing time without compromising quality. In parallel, we are deploying advanced AI-based systems to improve hide sorting and unlock additional value across the supply chain.

Could you describe your regional and global supply-chain structure?

JBS Couros operates within a truly global supply chain. Our hides originate from South America, North America and Europe, while our processing units and distribution centres are strategically located to efficiently serve Asia, Europe and the Americas.

This global footprint ensures optimized logistics, consistent quality standards and fast adaptation to regional market needs, allowing us to supply globally while maintaining local inventories.

What are your roles within organizations such as IULTCS and Leather Naturally, and how do you contribute to sustainability?

I strongly believe in the power of collective action. Promoting leather’s value and responsibility requires unified efforts beyond individual companies.

Within IULTCS, I currently serve as Chair of the Sustainability Commission, reflecting the organization’s strong focus on sustainability. At Leather Naturally, I previously served on the Management Board and contributed to projects such as the Life Cycle Assessment update within the Higg Materials Sustainability Index. Today, I remain actively involved as a volunteer, contributing to technical publications such as the LCA Guide launched in 2025.

Do you participate in international fairs and global industry events?

Yes. Given our global network of suppliers, customers and partners, I regularly engage with different cultures and regions. JBS Couros participates in major trade fairs such as APLF, IILF, ACLE and Lineapelle, and I usually attend those with a strong sustainability focus. These events are invaluable for learning, networking and staying aligned with emerging challenges and opportunities.

What is your perspective on artificial intelligence and technology in the leather industry?

Like any disruptive technology, AI can generate uncertainty. However, it also offers tremendous opportunities. In materials and leather applications, AI can enable smarter supply-chain decisions, optimized processes, improved leather selection and more efficient hide trimming.

At the product level, it opens new possibilities for customization and bespoke finishes. These developments underline the importance of research and sector-wide collaboration as we navigate this generational paradigm shift.

What message would you like to share with the leather industry regarding vegan, petrochemical-based alternatives?

Leather has unique and clearly defined strengths. While alternative materials continue to improve, competition should be viewed positively. It sharpens our focus, accelerates innovation and encourages continuous improvement.

Rather than concentrating on the weaknesses of others, we should emphasize leather’s benefits and sustainability credentials. Competition has also fostered stronger collaboration within the sector, although more collective work is still needed.

The APLF Hong Kong Leather Fair has been one of the most important events in the industry for over 40 years, shaping the direction of the sector and providing valuable insights into global markets. Being able to receive the Best Leather Collection Award for three consecutive years at such a prestigious fair—especially among more than 750 participants—is truly remarkable and deeply meaningful.

At Egedamla Leather, every new day represents the blending of new knowledge, experience, and innovation with passion, dedication, and patience. First and foremost, we would like to express our gratitude to Akif Küplemez, the founder of Egedamla Leather, for his great vision and for building a company where real value can be created. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate all my teammates who contributed to this achievement. At Egedamla Leather, what we value most is not being the strongest link in the chain, but building a team where every link is strong and tightly connected to one another.

Stakeholders in the industry know very well how demanding it is to create value and make it sustainable. Achieving success and being able to represent our country at this level is a great source of pride and happiness. Once again, I would like to thank all our hidden heroes for their dedication and efforts. This success belongs to you more than anyone else.

This new edition introduces a refreshed visual identity and the launch of an Expert Committee designed to strengthen the Forum’s editorial direction. Bringing together recognised professionals from across the leather value chain — including luxury houses, tanneries, innovation and technical experts, sustainability leaders — the committee will help identify key industry transformations and broaden the Forum’s international and cross-sector perspective.

In 2026, the editorial focus will extend beyond strictly CSR-driven topics to address wider European strategic challenges facing the leather sector.

The Forum will once again gather more than 300 senior decision-makers from luxury, tanning, footwear and leather goods. The programme will combine international keynotes, strategic roundtables, networking sessions and a dedicated exhibition space showcasing services and innovations.

Early Bird registration has opened. Professionals across the leather value chain are invited to join the discussion shaping the future of leather in Europe.

For more information:

www.slf-paris.com

The campaign reflects a broader transformation within the leather sector, reinforcing its role in sustainability and circular economy models. According to recent data shared by Leather Naturally, leather is not only a premium material but also a responsible one with long-term environmental value.

Leather production transforms a by-product of the food industry into a valuable material, preventing millions of tonnes of waste from going to landfill. Each year, over 270 million hides are recycled into leather.

Key characteristics of leather include:

• Long lifespan, reducing consumption
• Easy repairability, extending product life
• Ability to biodegrade at end-of-life (10–50 years)

This positions leather at the core of the “buy less, buy better” philosophy.

Recycling and Value Creation

Leather is also a highly versatile material in terms of reuse and recycling. Production offcuts can be transformed into:

• Footwear components such as insoles
• Composite materials
• Interior and decorative applications

Even at the end of its lifecycle, leather can be repurposed into new products, extending its usability and reducing waste.

Rethinking Sustainability Perceptions

Leather Naturally’s fact-based approach also addresses common misconceptions:

• Leather is a by-product, not the primary driver of livestock farming
• Its carbon footprint is relatively low when assessed across its full lifecycle
• It does not generate microplastics and is biodegradable

These insights are reshaping the debate around leather versus synthetic alternatives.

Alongside World Leather Day, Leather Naturally has launched a redesigned website featuring:

• A cleaner and more intuitive user experience
• Updated educational resources and fact sheets
• Enhanced transparency around leather’s environmental profile

In 2026, leather is no longer positioned solely as a material, but as a strategic component of sustainable and circular systems.

The “Make It Leather” campaign stands out as a clear manifesto for a future built on quality, longevity and responsible consumption.

Throughout history, the primary sources of livelihood for nations have been agriculture and livestock. Although technological progress has shifted economic focus toward underground resources—particularly oil—human survival still fundamentally depends on agriculture and animal husbandry.

Recently, I have been watching 1883, 1923, Yellowstone and Landman. These productions highlight the importance of land, agriculture, livestock and oil within global power dynamics.

While wars in the past revolved around land and agricultural resources, today’s conflicts are largely driven by oil. Oil is both an indispensable raw material for modern life and a major contributor to environmental pollution, particularly through non-degradable plastics. Since the Industrial Revolution, increasing reliance on oil has facilitated consumption, often at the expense of the planet.

In Yellowstone, themes such as animal rights and the relocation of production to different geographies raise critical questions for our sector. Similarly, Landman powerfully illustrates how deeply oil is embedded in everyday life.

Despite living in 2026—an era defined by artificial intelligence and advanced technologies—the importance of agriculture and livestock remains undeniable. These sectors are no longer purely traditional; they are evolving into multidisciplinary fields enriched by science, innovation and technology.

However, the growing interest of younger generations in AI, robotics and defense industries risks creating gaps in fundamental production sectors. Agriculture and livestock are essential pillars of the supply chain—core links that sustain all industries. Encouraging younger generations to engage in these fields is crucial for preserving natural balance and fostering sustainable innovation.

Today, global supply chains are increasingly vulnerable to geopolitical tensions, particularly oil-driven conflicts. Yet fundamental human needs such as food and shelter depend directly on agriculture and livestock. At the same time, the development of natural and alternative materials presents new opportunities for our industry.

Wars and economic crises, while deeply disruptive to the leather and fashion sectors, also accelerate transformation and innovation. However, sustainable progress requires stability, peace and responsible resource management.

With the hope for a future where conflicts end and production regains its true value…
See you in the next article.