1 European cattle slaughtering industry is off to a strong start in 2024
According to reports, the European cattle slaughtering industry in 2024 is off to a good start, better than in the previous four years.
In January 2024 (as most EU countries currently only publish slaughter data for January 2024), a total of 1.92 million cattle were slaughtered in the EU, the best year in the last four years and almost 7% higher than in January 2023.
However, most authorities believe that beef production in 2024 will continue the overall downward trend of the past few years, and may decline slightly slower than in 2023.
In 2023, the number of cattle slaughtered in the EU hit a new low, falling to 21.9 million head for the first time, down 3.4% year-on-year. France fell 5.2%, Spain fell 6%, and Italy saw the largest year-on-year decline, falling more than 9.2%.
In 2023, slaughter volumes in other major countries and regions changed as follows: Ireland decreased by 2.1%, Poland by 3.7%, Germany by 0.3% and the Netherlands by 1.3%. Adult and calf slaughter declines were almost identical, at 3.4 percent and 3.5 percent, respectively, with the decline in calf slaughter being more pronounced than in adult cattle in previous years.
2 Textile Exchange呼吁替代合成材料
In its latest report, The Future of Synthetics, Textile Exchange advocates for accelerating the pace of substitution of synthetics.
The report highlights how synthetics have dominated global production since the mid-90s, with polyester alone accounting for 54% of global fiber production and the single fiber with the highest greenhouse gas emissions in 2022.
However, the organization noted that current market conditions, especially the over-reliance on the use of raw materials to synthesize other materials, could lead to over-dependence and depletion of natural ecosystems.
Instead, the report calls for an alternative approach to making synthetic materials in a more sustainable or recyclable way.
3 Five generations continue, and the "nobility" of leather cannot be concealed
Dating back to 1911, the Cortume Krumenauer tannery is a Brazilian tannery specializing in the production of finished leather (mostly vegetable-tanned leather) for the leather goods and footwear industries. The factory covers an area of more than 8,000 square meters, with a daily production capacity of about 1,300 skins.
Krummenauer has been engaged in export business and has a wealth of customer resources in the global market. About 90% of the company's leather is destined for foreign markets, with the main destinations being the United States and China.
The company's goal is to become an international benchmark in the leather industry, while adhering to the principles of sustainable development. To this end, the company has continuously invested in this area and, over time, has perfected a system for treating solid and liquid waste. The company stresses that the waste generated during the plant tanning process can be reused in the soil industry after treatment, as it is biodegradable.
According to Lucas Krummenauer, the company's strengths lie not only in the quality of its products, but also in its commitment to sustainability. The vegetable-tanned leather we produce significantly reduces our impact on the environment and reflects our commitment to protecting the environment.
Godai Dodo
A new generation of employees is about to join the Krummenauer tannery, the fifth generation of employees in the company's 112-year history. Lucas said that the addition of young people to the company can make the company more creative and innovative, which in turn will improve the company's operational efficiency and product quality. The new generation also brings new market insights and trends to the company, making the products more diverse and more competitive!
When asked about the future of the tanning industry, Lucas bluntly said: "The tanning industry faces a future full of challenges and opportunities. Due to the growing focus on sustainability, there is a growing demand for more environmentally friendly products. The adoption of automation and advanced technologies has helped to increase production efficiency, and the growing awareness in all markets is influencing and reshaping the tanning industry, and this will continue. But the future of the tanning industry depends on the ability of companies to adapt to change, keep up with sustainability and meet the needs of consumers around the world. Of course, leather, as a 'noble material', will always be in demand. ”
The company has also launched a retail concept, the Sculp Leather Retail Store, for anyone who wants to buy leather and the tools and materials needed to process it. Over the years, the company has discovered that it is not easy for artisans and small businesses to buy small quantities of leather. Given that the market could not meet these demands, the company decided to launch the Sculp Leather Shop project. Tanneries were structurally unsuitable for storing and supplying small batches of products due to their requirements for mass production, so they seized the opportunity to fill this gap and offer solutions that would both meet the needs of artisans and small businesses while providing a unique, convenient shopping experience for their customers.
"The future of our store is very promising. Our goal is to provide leather of the same standard as the tannery's exports. Of course, every piece of leather is always strictly adhered to. Lucas added.