October 13th

Leather and Hide Weekly

The Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA) continues to monitor developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and is available to support members navigating this rapidly evolving situation. LHCA last week joined the global leather industry in calling on the Sustainable Apparel Coalition to suspend the score the organization applies to leather in its Higg Materials Sustainability Index, questioning the fairness and accuracy of the assessment methodologies used to determine leather's impact. LHCA also announced a new video and social series as part of its Real Leather. Stay Different. campaign aimed at showcasing the natural, sustainable and durable qualities of leather. Plus, LHCA will hold its Annual Meeting virtually from October 21-23, 2020. A new section below provides additional details about the meeting, along with links to register for its various sessions. More on these and other topics below.

We hope you stay safe and healthy.

 

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Weekly Hides and Skins Stats 

  • Net sales of cured cattle hides reported for the period ending October 1 were 285,000 pieces and of wet blue were 117,800 pieces. Reported shipments of cured hides were 461,800 and of wet blue were 186,700. China was the largest buyer of cured hides and the largest destination for wet blues. See more. For historical data, click here. 
  • U.S. Cattle Slaughter was 637,000 last week, down 4.2 percent from the previous week. Total cattle slaughter in 2020 is 24,814,000, 4.1 percent below 2019 levels. See more.
  • USDA AMS Major Packer Hide Price Report provided prices for seven types of U.S. hides at seven price points with a spread of $5.50 for branded southwest cows to $34 for butt branded steers.  See more.

LHCA Annual Meeting Spotlight

  • Mark your calendars -- LHCA will hold its Annual Meeting virtually from October 21-23, 2020. 
  • Thank you to our sponsors: Buckman, Cargill Meat Solutions, Hidenet, Hutchinson Salt Co., Norseman, Sprint Forwarders Inc, theSauerReport and The Jacobsen, Tyson Fresh Meats, Western Ag Enterprises, and World Leather Magazine and LeatherBiz.com. 
  • A draft meeting agenda is available here. The following sessions require registration, and links are provided below. Registration is free. Please note, Committee meetings are open to all current LHCA Producer and Associate member companies. The General Session is open to all meeting participants.  
    • General Session, Friday, October 23, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. CT
    • Marketing and Sustainability Committee, Wednesday, October 21, 3-4:30 p.m. CT.
    • Hides and Skins Committee Meeting, Thursday, October 22, 10:30-11:30 a.m. CT. 
    • Tanner and Environmental Committee Meeting, Thursday, October 22, 12:00-1:00 p.m. CT. 

Industry Updates

  • LHCA last week joined the global leather industry in formally asking the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) to suspend the score the nonprofit organization applies to leather in its Higg Materials Sustainability Index (MSI). Launched in 2012, the Higg Index aims to help brands, retailers and manufacturers assess the sustainability of materials for use in footwear, garments and other consumer products. The SAC released an updated version of the index in August 2020. LHCA, along with other leading leather industry bodies, contend that the latest update of the MSI treats leather unfairly. In their letter, the associations cite specific concerns to support their request that SAC suspend leather's MSI score, pending reviews of the methodologies and data it uses. Read more.   
  • LHCA, under the banner of Real Leather. Stay Different., yesterday unveiled the first in a series of videos as part of a new international campaign communicating the natural, sustainable and durable nature of leather.  The campaign will feature three videos and social shorts examining nature and sustainability, sourcing and fashion. The initiative will be promoted entirely through social channels, including WeChat and Weibo in China, and Instagram and Facebook around the world. The first video, featuring stunning vistas and striking imagery, can be viewed here. Read more here.     
  • The International Union of Leather Technologists and Chemists Societies (IULTCS) announced that it is extending the deadline to receive applications to its Young Leather Scientist Grant program until November 30, 2020. The IULTCS made this decision due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19. Young research talents are encouraged to submit innovative research project ideas in three categories: Leather Research, Machinery/Equipment and Sustainability. Learn more about the grant program here. 
  • The organizers of the 2021 edition of APLF-Leather, Materials+ and Fashion Access announced the trade show would be postponed until July 5-7 2021. The event, which was originally scheduled to take place March 30-April 1, 2021, will still be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center in Hong Kong. The organizers decided to reschedule the event in light of continued travel disruptions and restrictions caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. More information is available here. 
  • The Center for the Brazilian Tanning Industry (CICB), in coordination with the National Wildlife Federation, announced a new webinar series focused on sustainability and the future of the leather sector. "Leather Business and the Future Consumer" will be delivered in live broadcasts this Thursday, October 15, and on November 5. The series will examine sustainability as it relates to the fashion, furniture and automotive industries. Registration is free. Learn more here.
  • The North American Meat Institute continues to share guidance documents and other resources for industry on its COVID-19 response webpage. The page includes the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding face coverings, employee screening and positive test result protocol, among other pertinent resources. CDC and the Department of Labor issued guidance specific to the meat and poultry processing industry in order to facilitate ongoing operations and support the food supply, while also mitigating the risk of spreading COVID-19. The guidance is available here.  

Latest Updates from Real Leather. Stay Different.

leather_face_masks

 

The onset of COVID-19 has made wearing masks crucial to protect public health. But have you become bored with your collection of uninspiring disposable face masks? Well, you're in luck, because renowned stylist Mike Adler's latest blogpost spotlights trendy, breathable triple layer face masks that feature an exceptional leather-sculpted design aesthetic. Get the latest news from Real Leather. Stay Different. here. And, don't forget to:

RLSD Social Corner

rlsd fall leather

Monthly Trade Data

U.S. hides and skins August 2020 export data is now available. Get a summary of the data here.*

  • Cured cattle hides exports fell 23 percent in volume and declined 29 percent in value compared to 2019. Download the data here.
  • Wet blue shipments decreased 30 percent in volume and 33 percent in value. Italy was the largest buyer by value, totaling more than $65.7 million. 
  • Pigskin exports increased 7 percent in both volume and value compared to 2019. Download the data here. 

*Please note, monthly and weekly export data often diverge. As a result, the figures in the links above may not align with data presented in the weekly hides and skins statistics reported in this newsletter. LHCA is aware of this issue and is working with USDA and Customs to recalibrate the monthly data to more accurately reflect the weekly figures.

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Leather News

Each week, we will share relevant leather news below. Some of the articles may cover our products, and the industry, unfavorably, but we still believe it is important to share the different ways in which leather is presented in the media. If you find articles that you would like to see included, please send them to mschumpp@meatinstitute.org.