Leather training courses in Hong Kong in January

2009-12-22 00:00:00

BLC are pleased to be able to offer several leather training courses in Hong Kong during January 2010. For dates and more information please visit www.blcleathertech.com >

Nike and BLC to co host seminar in Donguan, China Dec 9th 2009

2009-01-01 00:00:00

BLC partner Nike in this restricted substance seminar at the Sheraton Hotel, Donguan 9th December 2009. The seminar presented by BLC staff is designed to help Nike suppliers better understand the importance of RSL management, what substances need to be monitored why the substances are restricted and how to correct failures when they occur. Please note the conference is only available to Nike suppliers or affiliates and is aimed at advising and supporting in RSL compliance and corrective action. http://2009nikeleathersummit.eventbrite.com/

BLC receives CPSC approval for lead testing

2009-11-09 00:00:00

A new bill has just been signed into US law. The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (HR4040) targets lead in children's products giving new limits, and also gives a lower restriction for lead in paint and surface coatings. The law covers mandatory Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) approved third party testing and the use of tracking labels and product registration cards. All effective dates for requirements are based on the enactment date of August 14, 2008.

Dimethylfumarate (DMF) Legislation

2009-11-08 00:00:00

DMF legislation

Reach training courses in India and Mexico

2009-11-10 00:00:00

BLC have been contracted to present a series of training courses on the new EU REACH legislation. BLC have been selected as one of the premium suppliers of technology advice and support to the footwear and leathergoods sector. If you would like further information on BLC chemical testing and support please contact info@blcleathertech.com

December's Leather Training Courses from BLC

2009-12-01 00:00:00

Mould is a common problem in leather. This half day workshop on 3rd December provides an insight into its causes and prevention. For more information click here.

Footwear and Leather Retailers Show Strong Growth in January

2010-01-28 00:00:00

Although the UK officially crawled out of recession in the final quarter of 2009, shoe and leather goods retailers were one of only two sectors to record strong annual sales growth in January (the other being grocers). Shoes and accessories such as leather belts have typically sold well during a downturn, as consumers look to update their style by accessorising existing outfits. Theorists have suggested that shoppers have turned away from 'disposable' fashion and are looking to invest in classic pieces in materials that will last. >

Major Footwear Brands to Speak at Eco Trends Conference

2010-01-28 00:00:00

Representatives from Nike and Adidas will speak at the Eco Trends in Leather conference during the APLF in Hong Kong this March 30th. The half day conference, sponsored by Lanxess and co-organised by BLC and APLF, will address issues such as deforestation and traceability, green chemicals, restricted substances in leather and eco design. It is a must for anyone involved in the leather supply chain. For more information visit www.blcleathertech.com >

BLC Sponsors 2010 Footwear Friends' Designer Awards

2010-10-05 00:00:00

BLC Leather Technology Centre Ltd will sponsor the 2010 Footwear Friends' Awards. The awards are now in their fourth year and in that time have been recognised as an important way of spotting and rewarding British design talent. Footwear Friends, the industry charity, has been established for nearly 175 years and has a proud record of helping those most in need in the trade. These sponsored awards also enable Footwear Friends to support young entrepreneurs who will be the future lifeblood of the industry.>

Trader punished for misdescription of garments

2010-07-22 00:00:00

Trading Standards have recently prosecuted a trader selling fake garments, which were made of synthetic materials and labelled 'real leather'. The retailer concerned received a 28 day custodial sentence. When purchasing a leather garment, bag or other item described as leather, look for the leathermark which indicates that it is in fact genuine leather. For further information about the leathermark visit www.blcleathertech.com or contact info@blcleathertech.com>

Sourcing, Safety and Sustainability Conference, Hong Kong

2011-01-27 00:00:00

BLC are holding a half day international conference 'Sourcing, Safety and Sustainability in the leather and materials supply chain'. The conference will take place during the Asia Pacific Leather Fair in Hong Kong on Thursday 31 March 2011.

Consumer and environmental legislation is constantly changing and it is vital in the global marketplace for retailers, brands and manufacturers to ensure that materials and products meet local, national and international requirements. A further complexity revolves around the need to ship products around the world and the associated problems including mould issues and logistical challenges.

A selection of International experts and brands will offer a global perspective and opportunity to share their experiences in relation to the following issues:

• Mould risk, management and solutions

• Mould prevention during leather processing

• Transparency and traceability in the supply chain

• Chemical safety compliance in the US and Europe

• Product material eco-metrics (eco-index)

• Global shipping challenges

• Manufacturing shifts in China

• Hide markets

• Leather naturally, a global forum for leather promotion

This event will provide a unique opportunity for all areas of the global leather supply chain to gather valuable knowledge on the leather industry and the challenges of trading profitably in today's business environment.

The event is being co-hosted by APLF and sponsored by Micro-Pak Limited, Thor Specialties and Stahl International with Leather International as media partner. The event will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre during the Asia Pacific Leather Fair.

Click here to register for the conference or for further information contact sivett@blcleathertech.com or chionkwok@ubm.com

BLC sponsors the Corium club meeting

2011-03-24 00:00:00

BLC sponsors the Corium club meeting in Hong Kong during the Asia Pacific Leather Fair. Join BLC and the corium club for drinks Wednesday 30 March: HKCEC Room N206-N208

16.30 Press Conference

17.00 Drinks with the press and opportunity to meet Corium Club sponsors and supporters

17.30 Corium Club Reunion

Visit BLC at APLF - Stand ZA01/UK

2011-03-24 00:00:00

Sit down with our experts on the BLC stand ZAO1/UK to discuss how we can help you with your leather and footwear needs

New textile labelling rules for fur and leather

2011-05-17 00:00:00

New textile labelling rules were approved by the European Parliament on Wednesday 11 May 2011.

The new rules state that any use of animal-derived materials will have to be clearly stated on product labels. Consumers often find it hard to distinguish between real or fake fur/leather; the new labelling rules will now allow easy identification of real fur or leather when purchasing products. This will be beneficial for allergy sufferers, for whom fur is a potential health hazard, as well as for consumers who wish to avoid fur products for ethical reasons.

Companies will have two and half years to adapt to the new labelling rules following publication of the regulation in the Official Journal of EU law.

Please click the link for more detailed information on New textile labelling rules for fur and leather .

If you would like further information on leather-related issues, please contact BLC Leather Technology Centre Ltd at info@blcleathertech.com or call +44 (0) 1604 679999.