IZMIR HOSTS LEATHER INDUSTRY'S GLOBAL MEETING

• IZMIR HOSTS LEATHER INDUSTRY'S GLOBAL MEETING
• IZMIR FREE ZONE (IZBAS) BOARD MEMBER MEHMET ERITEN:
• "TURKEY HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME THE MOST RELIABLE AND SUSTAINABLE LEATHER SUPPLIER IN THE EU AND THE AMERICA."
• "LEATHER ENGINEERS SHOULD MAKE A CAREER IN OUR INDUSTRY"
• "CONSUMERS BUY NOT ONLY THE PRODUCT, BUT ALSO THE STORY OF THE PRODUCT"

Izmir, one of Turkey's most important production centers for the leather sector, hosted the sector's international meeting. The 8th Innovative Aspects for Leather Industry (IAFLI) Congress, organized by the Leather Engineering Department of Ege University's Faculty of Engineering, took place at the Izmir Chamber of Commerce. Among its institutional supporters were İZBAŞ Izmir Free Zone Founder and Operator Inc. and the Aegean Region Leather Industrialists' Association (EGEDERİDER). Businesspeople and academics from around the world analyzed the sector's current state and discussed its future vision.

THE OPPORTUNITY AHEAD OF THE TURKISH LEATHER INDUSTRY

Speaking at the opening of the congress, Mehmet Eriten, Board Member of İZBAŞ and EGEDERİDER, emphasized that the vision of sustainability has become an indispensable element of competitiveness, moving beyond a necessity across every link in the value chain from raw materials to finished products in the leather industry.

Eriten noted that technology, biotechnology, and the circular economy are reshaping the sector, and that companies that initiate these transformational steps will be the winners of tomorrow.

Eriten emphasized that Turkey has the opportunity to become the most reliable and sustainable leather supplier in the European Union and the United States by improving water and energy efficiency, managing chemical use effectively, reducing waste and emissions, and managing supply chains and compliance with international certification processes.

“LEATHER ENGINEERS SHOULD MAKE A CAREER IN THE SECTOR”

Mehmet Eriten, a Board Member of İZBAŞ, noted that the Turkish leather sector, one of the world's top ten manufacturers, is sought after and preferred, especially in Europe, for its high-quality products. He made the following assessment:

“Strengthening university-industry collaborations, increasing R&D investments, and accelerating compliance with international standards will elevate Turkish leather manufacturers to a different level in global competition. For over 40 years, Izmir and the Izmir Free Zone have been leading centers for environmentally, humanely, and nature-friendly production. Despite all the challenges, our industrialists are able to maintain their production and exports. Furthermore, one of the most critical factors is our trained human resources. The departure of young Leather Engineering graduates from the sector poses a significant problem. Encouraging our young people to pursue careers in this field is our shared responsibility. Therefore, I see this congress as a valuable platform that will shed light on the future of our sector and strengthen our vision. With the right strategies, Turkey will achieve sustainable leather production.” “It can become a global reference point in the field of production.”

 TURKISH LEATHER INDUSTRY PROBLEMS

In his speech, Mehmet Eriten also provided information about the challenges facing the Turkish leather industry. He stated that flawed agricultural and livestock policies, artificial pressure on exchange rates and rising costs, the proliferation of artificial materials, and shifting consumer preferences are negatively impacting the sector's development.

Eriten added that consumers buy not only the product itself but also its story, production process, and ethical values. He added that environmental awareness, traceability, and social compliance are just as important as product quality.

Following the speech, Prof. Dr. Bahri Başaran, Head of the Leather Engineering Department at Ege University, presented a plaque of appreciation to Mehmet Eriten, a member of the Board of Directors, on behalf of the Aegean Region Leather Industrialists' Association, which sponsored the congress.