8.Lear Corporation to cut 15,000 jobs


Originally published: February 10, 2025

Early in 2025, Lear Corporation announced a global restructuring plan and some 15,000 job cuts after declines in its 2024 results. For the industry, this clearly caused heightened concern about economic pressure and structural changes in the automotive and leather supply chain.

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7.Biomaterials and leather in the battle against plastics


Originally published: September 16, 2025

Here, ILM columnist Mike Redwood’s reflections on the downfall of most plant-based “leather” was popular with our readers. In it, he argues for genuine leather’s potential to replace plastics through partnership, durability and transparency.

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6.It is a dangerous world, go safely


Originally published: May 7, 2025

Mike Redwood’s opinions are always of great interest to our readers, but his lamentations on the major fire at Ecco’s Dongen tannery was particularly poignant, particularly given the knock-on effects of this disaster.

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5.Introducing Muno: Stahl’s wet-end leather spin off


Originally published: November 17, 2025

Stahl is pressing ahead with plans to separate its wet-end leather chemicals division, confirming it will complete the “carve-out” itself and walk away from its previously announced sale to Syntagma Capital. The divestment plan has been of great interest to readers.

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4.A paradigm shift for the future of leather


Originally published: November 24, 2025

Dr Luis Zugno has been working in the leather industry for over 50 years. Following his retirement from Buckman, he shared with ILM his vision for the future of leather innovation. It is interesting to note how recently this was published compared to many others on this list, though after a career of this scale and Zugno’s great contribution to the industry, it is not surprising that his insight for the future resonated with ILM readers.

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3.Packer Leather defends kangaroo industry in open letter


Originally published: June 27, 2025

In an open letter, Packer Leather responds to recent claims by the “Kangaroos Are Not Shoes” campaign, defending Australia’s regulated, ethical and sustainable commercial kangaroo industry. This highlights the industry’s interest and recognition of sustainability, animal welfare debates and industry reputation management.

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2.Fire destroys Ecco Leather factory in Dongen


Originally published: May 6, 2025

A fire engulfed the Ecco Leather production facility in Dongen on May 4, completely destroying the 14,000 sq m facility. It is clear that this was a devastating blow to the leather industry not just in the Netherlands, but globally.

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1.LVMH-owned L Catterton acquires stake in Polène


Originally published: September 3, 2024

L Catterton, a private equity firm owned by LVMH, acquired a stake in leather goods brand Polène. Though this took place in 2024, it remained the most-read story throughout 2025, suggesting a strong interest across the industry of investment, consolidation and financial activity in the leather and luxury sectors.

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