Indian Leather Industry

The leather industry occupies a place of prominence in the Indian economy in view of its massive potential for employment, growth and exports. It has tremendous potential for employment generation. Direct and indirect employment of the industry is around 2.5 million , mostly from the weaker sections of the society. Women employment is predominant in leather products sector with about 30% share. The skilled and semi-skilled workers constitute nearly 50% of the total work force.

The Leather industry is bestowed with an affluence of raw materials as India is endowed with 21% of world cattle & buffalo and 11% of world goat & sheep population. Added to this are the strengths of skilled manpower, innovative technology, increasing industry compliance to international environmental standards, and the dedicated support of the allied industries.

Strengths of Indian leather sector

ü  Own raw material source – 2 billion sq ft of leather produced annually

ü  Some varieties of goat / calf / sheep skins command premium position

ü  Strong and eco-sustainable tanning base

ü  Modernized manufacturing units

ü  Trained / skilled manpower at competitive wage levels

ü  World-class institutional support for Design & Product Development, HRD and R & D.    

ü  Presence of support industries like leather chemicals and finishing auxiliaries

ü  Presence in major markets – Long Europe experience

ü  Strategic location in the Asian landmass

Emerging strengths

ü  Design development initiatives by institutions and individuals

ü  Continuous modernization and technology upgradation

ü  Economic size of manufacturing units

ü  Constant human resource development programme to enhance productivity

ü  Increasing use of quality components

ü  Shorter prototype development time

ü  Delivery compliance

ü  Growing domestic market for footwear and leather articles

The Indian leather industry is mainly spread over Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi, AndhraPradesh, Karnataka , Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

Facts about leather

ü  Leather is tear and puncture resistant.

ü  Leather protects from heat, cold and wind: it repels moisture.

ü  Factors such as strength, durability, color fastness, quality of tanning and surface imperfections are considered when classifying the quality of skin.

ü  The less hair or wool there is on an animal, the tougher and stronger the resulting skin especially the grain of the skin.

ü  Leather stretches and molds to your body, yet at the same time retains it's shape.

ü  Leather softens after years of use.

ü  The original leather skin is in fact odorless. The smell of leather is actually derived from the materials used in the tanning process.

ü  Genuine leather is the top split of the hide. It has natural flaw characteristics of the animal to which it once belonged.

ü  The sun will affect any natural substance adversely. Leather will be the same temperature as the room where it is located and will adjust accordingly. Heat and/or sunlight and time can affect all natural substances if not properly maintained. Excessive exposure can fade and dry out leather upholstery.

ü  All spills should be attended to immediately. For light spills always use distilled water and a clean cloth. Wipe the spill in one direction.

ü  Most light scratches can be massaged in lightly with clean fingers.

ü  Leather is great for children of all ages and pets. It is easy to car for and can take the day to day use from your family. As a result of it's strenght and durability it will withstand even the largest pets. Be sure to check the leather you choose for waxing/scratching and choose the one best suited for your lifestyle.