Leather and Leather Products Industry

Hides and skins are valuable by-products of the meat industry. They are important earners of foreign exchange and require relatively low capital investments for processing. Leather making and the manufacturing of leather products are labour-intensive and a key source of employment particularly for women. However, tanneries rank high among pollution culprits and are a prime target of public scrutiny and government regulation.

Skill development and technology upgrading across the entire range of operations in the leather cycle have long been the centrepiece of UNIDO support. The benefits of pilot enterprises receiving assistance include productivity gains and a significant increase in the quality of their products.

By establishing and supporting trade associations and training centres, the Service ensures the dissemination of such improvements in manufacturing performance. The UNIDO Leather and Leather Products Industry Panel, a worldwide network of technical institutions, professional associations, government agencies and private industry representatives, plays a key role in this respect. Practical assistance in marketing has allowed enterprises to capitalize on improved product quality and design capabilities and consequently increase their export earnings.

Enterprises assisted by the Service have upgraded in-plant as well as end-of-pipe pollution control to meet discharge norms and avoid harsh penalties. Emphasis is also given to waste utilization and safe disposal and to occupational safety and health.