Résumé : |
Operating in the area of consultancy in leather and shoe manufacture, after many years working directly for tanners and shoemakers, has focused my attention on several topics of real importance. Advances, particularly in shoemaking techniques are occuring faster than the leather industry is capable of responding.
Although for many years specifications and test procedures have centred on flex resistance and rub fastness, for example, tomorrow's requirements assume that a sufficient level of these properties will be consistently provided, leaving room for other, more advanced, technical developments.
This paper will be centred on the six following topics :
(a) leathers suitable for footwear manufactured by the polyurethane injection soling technique,
(b) consumer benefit,
(c) rapid fashion response,
(d) commercial realities,
(e) consistency of supply and
(f) patent leather. |