Cotance is stepping up its efforts on innovation in its broadest sense. On 26 June, the association that represents national tanning bodies in Brussels (and which, following its statutory reform, has broadened its representation to include partners and stakeholders) took part in the online meeting of the ten partnerships participating in TCLF SkillsBridge. The project aims to mobilise both public and private stakeholders for professional upskilling and reskilling, supporting the green and digital transition.

But that is not all. Cotance also took part in the public consultation recently launched by the European Commission regarding Biotech Act II. It did so to convey a very clear message: within the bioeconomy context, where there may be a tendency to focus on emerging initiatives — whose reliability and scalability still need to be demonstrated — Europe cannot overlook what has already proved effective. Leather above all.

Cotance active on TCLF SkillBridge

Within TCLF SkillBridge (where the TCLF acronym refers to the fashion supply chain: textiles, clothing, footwear and leather), tanning is involved in three partnerships. In Tuscany, the partnership — which also involves UNIC – Italian Tanneries — “is developing digital training tools for SMEs in the leather and footwear sectors”, as stated on Cotance’s LinkedIn account, “covering sustainability, traceability and regulatory compliance”. The project works in synergy with the partnership in Baden-Württemberg, where gamification tools include plans for the development of a virtual tannery. In Campania, where both UNIC and the Experimental Station for the Leather Industry (SSIP) are participating, the focus is on “innovation laboratories aimed at strengthening practical training and sector-specific skills”.

And Biotech Act II

The European Commission is preparing a legislative extension of the 2025 Bioeconomy Strategy to include biotechnology and manufacturing. Cotance used the public consultation process to reaffirm leather’s value within the bioeconomy framework. “The leather industry is a clear example of an established and circular bio-based value chain: it enhances by-products from the food and dairy industries and transforms residual biomass into a durable, high-value material: leather”. The EU should not underestimate the importance and impact of traditional bio-based supply chains in pursuit of novelty that could ultimately prove harmful. “Biotech Act II is an opportunity to recognise established value chains alongside emerging ones”, concludes the text published on LinkedIn, “to ensure technological neutrality in funding and regulation, and to support biotechnological innovation within existing industries”.