180 participants, 15 countries, and one common goal: shaping the future of leather.
On May 21–22, 2025, the city of Freiberg hosted the 13th Freiberg Leather Days, a prestigious event that brought together industry leaders from across the global leather value chain. With over 180 participants representing 15 countries, the event served as a vibrant platform for innovation, exchange of ideas, and international collaboration.
Attendees included tanneries, chemical suppliers, machinery manufacturers, and industry associations, all united by a shared interest in the future of leather. Despite its roots as a traditional craft, the leather industry today is a highly developed sector, aligned with stringent environmental standards and rapidly advancing through technological innovation.
Conference Highlights
This year’s conference focused on several key themes shaping the industry’s future:
🔹 Innovation and high-tech in a centuries-old craft
🔹 Bio-based processing materials for sustainable leather production
🔹 Artificial intelligence in machinery engineering – boosting efficiency and quality
🔹 The relevance of leather versus vegan materials in today’s fashion and design
🔹 Environmental and legal challenges – navigating shifting pollutant limits and regulations
🔹 Cutting-edge analytical methods and insights directly from the industry
One of the most anticipated moments was the keynote speech by Prof. Dr. Peter Heck from the Institute for Applied Material Flow Management (Hochschule Trier), who addressed the role of livestock in regional material flow systems. His remarks sparked engaging discussions and were followed by a thought-provoking panel debate.
The Pulse of the Industry
Beyond formal sessions, the two-day event was enriched by inspiring contributions, meaningful dialogue, and a strong sense of community. A recurring topic was the increasing use of bio-based alternatives that could reduce the environmental impact of leather production. Simultaneously, experts examined how AI is reshaping production efficiency and introducing new opportunities for premium leather products.
The ongoing debate between leather and vegan materials was another highlight. Speakers emphasized leather’s durability, versatility, and unique qualities that many synthetic alternatives still struggle to match.
Looking Ahead
As the event concluded, participants left with fresh insights, new partnerships, and a renewed commitment to advancing the leather industry. The next edition of Freiberg Leather Days is scheduled for July 1–2, 2026, in Münster, promising to once again be a key meeting point for all those driving the evolution of leather.“Anyone who wants to help shape the future of leather will be there next time.”
