Thursday September 24, 2009
Eco-friendly style
WHEN fashion buyers from all over the world descend upon Thailand and ask whether its leather products are environmentally-friendly, the Thai leather industry can answer with an affirmative “yes”.
“Our products are not only made of high quality materials and feature attractive designs, our tanning processes are eco-friendly,” said Pranee Kuruvelukorn, president of Thai Tanning Industry Association. At the end of the day, adopting green technology can both satisfy consumers’ demands and simultaneously sustain the leather industry’s growth.
Thailand’s “green” leather products were among a wide range of leather goods showcased at the recent Bangkok International Fashion Fair and Bangkok International Leather Fair (BIFF and BIL).
The Thai Tanning Industry Association has been working closely with the government, and providing training and information about green tanning technology to its 140 members.
“The high standard of our leather goods has won high regard around the world,” enthused Kuruvelukorn. “It is a strength we are proud of. Combined with modern manufacturing technology, trendy designs and special techniques to product different leather textures, our industry has not been affected by the global economic slowdown.”
Flexibity, quick adjustment to new market environments and the use of new materials have also been helpful in sustaining the leather industry’s growth. And it’s not just fashion leather products, the leather goods for everyday use and car accessories also incorporate more trendy designs to appeal to the global market.
“This helps us to retain our main markets in Europe, China and Taiwan. Meanwhile, we are also exploring new markets in Russia and India. We need to move forward so that we are always well-prepared for new challenges,” explained Kuruvelukorn.
Where textile is concerned, the industry has made systematic efforts to shift to clean technologies which reduce the use of chemicals and water.
“There are over 400 bleaching and dyeing factories in Thailand,” said Nopadol Piamkulawanich, president of the Association of Thai Bleaching Dyeing Printing and Finishing Industries. “About 130 of them are members, which are primarily medium and large factories.”
“We are now approaching small-scale factories to give them training in management, technical and marketing skills. Since our policy is based on clean technologies, we offer small-scale operators information and training in eco-friendly bleaching and dyeing,” added Piamkulawanich.
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