WORK AREAS
The Cluster's strategic pillars
Six pillars driving the competitiveness of Catalan leather on a European scale
Six areas, one shared vision
Industry, sustainability, innovation, training, culture and internationalisation: the pillars through which Leather Cluster Barcelona drives the competitiveness of the entire value chain.
Each work area concentrates projects, technological services and strategic alliances designed for companies, brands and institutions seeking the highest excellence in Catalan leather. Through this interconnected network, we enable the industrial fabric to respond successfully and rigorously to the new demands of the global market.
Sector Industries
Industry
Industrial excellence at the service of luxury
The leather value chain in Catalonia is a highly specialised, resilient and competitive economic engine. The sector exports over 80% of its production and responds directly to the most demanding quality and service standards of international fashion, leather goods and accessories brands.
From this area, we coordinate synergies to strengthen the operational efficiency of the business fabric, integrating everyone from raw-material suppliers to the chemical and advanced-machinery industries. Our purpose is to consolidate a precision industrial model capable of supplying flexible, customised solutions on an international scale.
IDR Treatment Plant
Sustainability
Sustainability with first-class infrastructure
The ecosystem’s environmental commitment translates into large-scale collective projects and ecological-transition services led by the sector itself. We work continuously on the valorisation of organic by-products, the improvement of traceability indicators and technical support for companies seeking the most prestigious international environmental certifications, such as the Leather Working Group (LWG).
We promote transparent audit systems and practical solutions to minimise the water and energy footprint of factories. Through cooperation, we enable tanneries to apply continuous-improvement processes, guaranteeing fashion houses a safe, responsible supply chain aligned with European environmental regulations.
A3 Leather Innovation
Applied research and technological development
The future of the material is built through leather science and technology transfer. We develop advanced R&D projects focused on applied chemical research, such as the use of artificial intelligence for automated hide grading, end-to-end traceability systems based on blockchain technology and the design of our own digital marketplaces.
This area acts as a bridge between scientific knowledge and real market needs. We actively take part in international consortia and high-value European projects, constantly researching new bio-based finishes, biotechnology applied to tanning and process optimisation to deliver disruptive solutions to luxury design.
University and Courses
Specialised education and future talent
Continued excellence depends on professional training and the rigorous transmission of knowledge. We run high-level training programmes and specialised practical workshops designed specifically to meet the real needs of today’s industry, connecting young talent with the companies of the sector.
Our training offer spans the entire value chain of the material: from learning the classic techniques of fine leather goods to skills in chemical engineering, environmental management and conceptual design. We provide tailored continuing education for both independent creators and the technical teams of major brands seeking to master the secrets and behaviour of leather.
Leather Museums
Promoting leather heritage and value
Leather is a noble material with a deep cultural, historical and creative legacy. From this area, we work to preserve the historical memory of the craft and connect it directly with the present of fashion, projecting the savoir-faire and authenticity of leather to the contemporary consumer.
We promote cultural initiatives, design competitions and strategic communication actions to defend the value of leather as a natural, durable product intrinsically linked to the identity of the territory. By building a brand narrative based on craftsmanship and living tradition, we add an emotional, prestige component that elevates the positioning of our product in the international market.
International Collaboration
International outreach and global alliances
The cluster’s competitiveness is consolidated by being present in the world’s main decision-making centres. We coordinate a unified presence of our companies at the sector’s leading international trade fairs — such as Lineapelle in Milan, Première Vision in Paris and APLF — acting as the great commercial showcase of Catalan leather.
Beyond external promotion, the internationalisation area builds stable alliances with peer clusters, industrial federations and global leather regulatory bodies. This network of institutional collaboration allows us to influence the international sector agenda, open up new market opportunities for our members and facilitate their connection with the world’s leading brands.
