The Sustainable Leather Forum 2026 will take place on September 7, 2026, in Paris, France. The 1 day event will bring together global brands, manufacturers, tanners, experts and institutions to discuss sustainability, traceability, innovation and the future of the leather industry. Click here to register
The event will welcome participants from across the leather value chain, including collectors and traders of raw hides and skins, tanners, footwear and leather goods manufacturers, major fashion houses, retailers and technical, industrial and CSR service providers.
The programme will feature keynote sessions, roundtable discussions, case studies, an exhibition area and networking opportunities designed to promote collaboration and share practical solutions for a more responsible leather industry.
The forum will begin with a breakfast reception and networking session at 8:30 AM, followed by the opening of the 8th edition at 9:00 AM.
Hubert Vedrine, France’s Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, will deliver the opening keynote on geopolitical changes and their economic impact on production systems and global trade.
A roundtable titled “Leather industry: where does the future lie?” will examine the future of livestock farming and leather production across major global regions. Speakers include Kim Sena of JBS Couros, Manon Gauthier of Les Cuirs de l’Ouest – H & S Holding Group, Burak Uyguner of the International Council of Tanners (ICT), Marie Gabriel of T’Rhéa, Marie Hiriart Carriat of Tannerie Remy Carriat and Luca Boltri of UNIC.
Edoardo De Paola, Secretary General of COTANCE, will deliver a keynote on European regulations, discussing how new sustainability, traceability and competitiveness requirements could create both challenges and opportunities for the leather sector.
Another roundtable titled “Playing as a team, really?” will focus on how collaboration and innovation can strengthen the competitiveness of the French and European leather industry.
The final roundtable, “Will we still love leather tomorrow?”, will discuss how culture, creativity and sustainability can strengthen consumer demand for leather.
The session will begin with the presentation of the Leather and CSR study by the Economic Observatory of Alliance France Cuir. Speakers include Clémentine Colin Richard of Paraboot, Andrée-Anne Alemieux of Institut Français de la Mode, Yasu Michino of Michino and Aurore Bardey of BSB Education.
The event will conclude with a closing speech at 5:45 PM, followed by a cocktail reception from 6:00 PM.
