The German leather chemists and technicians’ association (VGCT) presented its annual awards during the second day of the 14th Freiberg Leather Days conference in Freiberg, Germany, on July 1.
The VGCT Promotional Award, which recognises outstanding young talent in the German tanning industry, was presented to Gabriel Geier from German tanner, Bader in recognition of his achievements during his apprenticeship. Geier entered the leather industry as a career changer and was praised for his enthusiasm and commitment to the profession.
The VGCT Annual Award was presented to Dr Dietrich Tegtmeyer formerly of TFL, in recognition of his decades of service to the global leather industry.
During the award presentation, Professor Michael Meyer of FILK highlighted Tegtmeyer’s long leather industry related career at Bayer, Lanxess and TFL, as well as his longstanding involvement with organisations including VGCT and the International Union of Leather Technologists and Chemists Societies (IULTCS), where he was a former President. He was also recognised for his work developing more sustainable leather processing technologies, including container-based retanning systems and the use of leather waste to produce biobased products.
The ceremony also marked the retirement of Andreas Meyer, who was recognised for his contribution to the German leather industry through his work with the German Tanners’ Association (VDL). Speakers praised his commitment to education and training, industry representation and the protection of the term “leather”.