中文Paris to Host Sustainable Leather Forum 2026: Geopolitics, Regulation, and the Future of Leather on the Agenda
The Sustainable Leather Forum (SLF) will return to central Paris on Monday, September 7, 2026, for its 8th edition. Organised by Alliance France Cuir, this year’s forum marks a new milestone with a renewed governance structure led by a committee of experts representing the entire leather value chain.
A Platform for International Cooperation
SLF 2026 is reaffirming its role as an international platform for cooperation, fostering the exchange of perspectives in the face of a globalised market. Against this backdrop, the forum will examine European competitiveness, the role of collective action and regulation, as well as the long-term appeal of leather.
The programme features a series of keynote speeches delivered by renowned experts, providing strategic insight into the major transformations impacting the leather sector.
Geopolitics and Economic Consequences
The forum will open with a keynote by Hubert Védrine, former French Minister of Foreign Affairs (1997–2002) and a prominent figure in French diplomacy. Through his address, Védrine will put into perspective current geopolitical upheavals and their economic consequences, particularly on global trade flows and production systems.
In an era of escalating trade tensions, shifting alliances, and regional conflicts, the leather industry is far from insulated. Tanning relies on global supply chains—raw hides from one continent, processing in another, finished leather sold worldwide. Understanding the geopolitical landscape is no longer the purview of political scientists; it is a business imperative for leather industry stakeholders.
European Regulation: Constraint or Opportunity?
Another highlight will be the intervention of Edoardo De Paola, Secretary General of Cotance, who will address the central issue of European regulation. Drawing on his experience in public affairs in Brussels, De Paola will provide a clear overview of the regulatory developments shaping the sector.
Between constraints and opportunities, he will analyse changes related to sustainability, traceability, and competitiveness, and assess their concrete impact on leather industry stakeholders. His keynote will offer valuable insights to anticipate ongoing transformations within the European regulatory framework.
The European leather industry is navigating a complex regulatory environment. The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and the upcoming Digital Product Passport are reshaping how leather is produced, traced, and marketed. For tanners and leather goods manufacturers, compliance is not merely a legal obligation; it is becoming a competitive differentiator.
Sustainability versus Competitiveness
Finally, Sylvain Lambert, Partner in charge of Sustainability services at PwC France and Maghreb, will present a practical perspective on the link between sustainability and economic performance. From risk management to value creation, Lambert will demonstrate how environmental challenges can become real drivers of competitiveness, resilience, and innovation for companies in the sector.
This keynote touches on one of the most contentious debates in the industry: can sustainability and competitiveness be mutually reinforcing, or are they fundamentally in tension? The PwC perspective, grounded in consulting experience across multiple industries, will likely argue for the former—but the reality on the ground for many leather processors is more nuanced.
Roundtable Discussions: Where the Future Will Be Decided
In addition to the keynotes, roundtable discussions led by numerous speakers will enrich the debates. The topics to be covered include:
Roundtable 1 – The leather value chain: Where will the future be decided? How do we envision the future of livestock farming and the leather industries across major regions of the world? Cross-perspectives on key economic dynamics and production balances, with insights from French, Italian, Brazilian, Chinese, Turkish stakeholders and others.
Roundtable 2 – Truly playing as a team? Today, innovation requires collective action to strengthen the competitiveness of the leather sector. Following a presentation of the risk study conducted with ICARE, this session will highlight how the implementation of concrete innovations can become a genuine driver of performance and resilience for French and European stakeholders.
Roundtable 3 – Will we still love leather tomorrow? How can we strengthen consumers’ attachment to products, craftsmanship, and the material itself? This session will explore the cultural, creative, and sustainable levers that will shape the desirability and value of leather in the future.
Registration Now Open
Case studies will also enrich and punctuate the day, which, once again, will encourage discussion amongst stakeholders in the leather sector—those who are shaping the industry and building the future of the trades. The event will also provide valuable networking opportunities with exhibitors and industry stakeholders.
Registration is now open at https://www.slf-paris.com/en/
As the leather industry navigates an era of unprecedented scrutiny—environmental, social, and ethical—forums like SLF play a crucial role. They provide a space for honest dialogue, for the sharing of best practices, and for the collective imagining of a future where leather retains its cultural significance while meeting the highest standards of sustainability.
Source: International Leather Maker (June 23, 2026)
