The meeting helped strengthen international alliances and share knowledge around sustainability, innovation and the digital transformation of the TCLF sector.
On 26 and 27 May, Leather Cluster Barcelona took part in Greece in the European bootcamp of the SiT – Sustainability in TCLF project, together with the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Barcelona and other European organisations linked to the textile, clothing, leather and footwear sectors, known as the TCLF sectors.
The meeting was part of this European project, aimed at boosting sustainability, innovation and the development of new professional skills in the TCLF industry. The bootcamp sought to create spaces for shared work, knowledge exchange and the identification of new international collaboration opportunities linked to the green and digital transformation of the sector.
Over the two days, participants took part in different working sessions, collaborative activities and networking spaces with European entities and professionals. These activities made it possible to share common challenges, best practices and new methodologies to move towards a more sustainable, competitive industry adapted to the new professional profiles the market demands.
The SiT – Sustainability in TCLF project focuses on the connection between training, business and innovation, with the aim of supporting the sector’s transition towards more sustainable models. In this regard, it works on identifying new training needs and developing skills linked to areas such as the circular economy, recycling, digitalisation, sustainability and the management of new industrial processes.
Taking part in this bootcamp also allowed Leather Cluster Barcelona to expand its network of European and international contacts, as well as to strengthen strategic alliances with other organisations linked to the TCLF sector. These connections are especially relevant for detecting new cooperation opportunities, driving shared projects and bringing trends and knowledge from other European ecosystems to the Catalan leather sector.
These kinds of initiatives are key to continuing to drive new European projects and access funding opportunities that make it possible to develop innovative, relevant actions for the leather industry and its professionals.
With this participation, Leather Cluster Barcelona reaffirms its commitment to internationalisation, training and the sustainable transformation of the leather sector, helping to generate new collaboration opportunities and to strengthen the cluster’s role as a connector between companies, knowledge and European ecosystems.
Leather Cluster Barcelona is a competitive cooperation environment that promotes cross-cutting, transformative strategic projects aimed at driving the ecosystem of the Catalan leather sector within the framework of Shared Value policies. The cluster is an accredited entity within the Catalonia Clusters programme and is supported by <a href="https://www.accio.gencat.cat/ca/inici" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Acció</a>.

The meeting helped strengthen international alliances and share knowledge around sustainability, innovation and the digital transformation of the…

Leather Cluster Barcelona takes part in Greece in the European bootcamp of the SiT project

The cluster receives recognition as a Leather Ambassador at the “Bajo la Piel” Fair in Ubrique.
From 21 to 23 May, Leather Cluster Barcelona took part in various institutional, professional and cultural activities at the “Bajo la Piel” Fair in Ubrique, a gathering that celebrates the tradition, innovation and culture linked to the leather sector.
The cluster’s participation was part of the twinning between Ubrique and Igualada, two cities with a strong leather-making tradition and an industrial legacy deeply tied to leatherwork. The event was attended by an institutional delegation from Igualada City Council, led by Mayor Marc Castells, reinforcing the city’s commitment to projecting its tanning heritage and to consolidating ties with other leading territories in the sector. This connection helped strengthen the links between Ubrique and Igualada and share experiences about the present and future of the leather industry.
During the visit, the Leather Cluster Barcelona delegation attended the official opening of the fair, presided over by Jorge Paradela, Regional Minister of Industry of the Government of Andalusia and José Mario Casillas, Mayor of Ubrique, as well as various cultural and gastronomic events organised in the town. During the opening ceremony, the Patacabra de Honor was also presented to Xavier Badia, of Curtidos Badia, in recognition of his career and contribution to the leather sector.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-9860 size-full" src="/api/assets/b311f32a-3410-43d2-8827-16d176d929af" alt="" width="1536" height="2048" />
One of the highlights of the visit was the meeting at the MOVEX Foundation – Leather Technology Centre, where participants were able to learn first-hand about the work of this technology centre and share views on innovation, knowledge transfer and new opportunities for the industry. In this context, Leather Cluster Barcelona held a working meeting to advance shared initiatives such as the Behind Leather and 2D Life projects.
The fair also hosted a round table focused on the present and future of the leather sector, with the participation of MOVEX, Asopiel, the Ubrique School of Artisans, Raquel Camacho, director of La Gaspar, and Mònica Santamans, director of Leather Cluster Barcelona. The conversation provided an opportunity to reflect on the importance of training, craftsmanship, innovation and knowledge transfer as key elements to ensure the continuity and evolution of the sector.
One of the most special moments was the “Día del Petaquero” and “Embajadores de la Piel de Ubrique” ceremony, in which Leather Cluster Barcelona received recognition in the ambassadors category. This distinction reinforces the link between the leather ecosystems of Catalonia and Andalusia and acknowledges the cluster’s role in promoting, projecting and connecting the sector.
The visit also served to further strengthen the relationship between Igualada and Ubrique, with the twinning ceremony between the two cities and various popular cultural activities, such as the performance of the Moixiganguers d’Igualada and the participation of the Ubrique Municipal Music Band.
With this participation, Leather Cluster Barcelona reaffirms its commitment to promoting the knowledge, innovation, culture and talent linked to the leather industry. The meeting was an opportunity to share experiences, generate new connections and continue driving collaboration between territories that share the same sectoral identity and a forward-looking vision.
Leather Cluster Barcelona is a competitive cooperation environment that promotes cross-cutting, transformative strategic projects aimed at driving the ecosystem of the Catalan leather sector within the framework of Shared Value policies. The cluster is an accredited entity within the Catalonia Clusters programme and is supported by <a href="https://www.accio.gencat.cat/ca/inici" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Acció</a>.

The cluster receives recognition as a Leather Ambassador at the “Bajo la Piel” Fair in Ubrique. From…

Leather Cluster Barcelona takes part in the twinning between Ubrique and Igualada

The mission offered a close look at one of Germany’s most innovative industrial and technological ecosystems and expanded the network of international contacts.
Leather Cluster Barcelona recently took part in an international Study Trip to Augsburg, promoted by the Catalonia Clusters programme of ACCIÓ, with the aim of strengthening learning, collaboration and internationalisation within the European cluster ecosystem.
This mission allowed the participating clusters to gain first-hand insight into one of Germany’s most dynamic industrial and technological environments, especially in areas such as innovation, industrial digitalisation, artificial intelligence applied to production and the connection between companies, startups, research centres and institutions.
During the stay, the delegation visited leading Bavarian venues such as the Augsburg Innovation Park, a hub focused on industrial and technological innovation; the AI Production Network Augsburg, centred on applying artificial intelligence to advanced production; XITASO, a company specialising in software and industrial digitalisation; and the Digitales Zentrum Schwaben, which supports the development of digital startups and knowledge transfer to the business fabric.
The Study Trip was also an opportunity to share experiences with other Catalan and European clusters, expand the network of international contacts and identify new collaboration opportunities in projects linked to innovation, competitiveness and the transformation of industry.
As part of the mission, ACCIÓ supported the organisation of strategic contact agendas and provided assistance at meetings, visits and professional activities, facilitating connections with potential collaborators and institutions of interest.
Participation in this action is part of Leather Cluster Barcelona’s internationalisation and cooperation strategy, and strengthens the exchange of knowledge with other innovative European ecosystems. For some time now, the cluster has been working to establish synergies with business organisations, institutions, knowledge centres and international associations, with the aim of bringing new trends, methodologies and opportunities to the leather sector in areas such as innovation, sustainability, digitalisation, the circular economy and industrial transformation.
With the support of ACCIÓ and the Catalonia Clusters programme, this experience has helped strengthen the cluster’s international projection and generate new learnings that can add value to the Catalan leather sector and its entire business ecosystem.
ACCIÓ, through its network of 40 Foreign Offices present in more than 100 markets, continues to drive the competitiveness and international projection of Catalan clusters through personalised services, international connection actions and support in identifying strategic collaborators.
Leather Cluster Barcelona is a competitive cooperation environment that promotes cross-cutting, transformative strategic projects aimed at driving the ecosystem of the Catalan leather sector within the framework of Shared Value policies. The cluster is an accredited entity within the Catalonia Clusters programme and is supported by <a href="https://www.accio.gencat.cat/ca/inici" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Acció</a>.

The mission offered a close look at one of Germany’s most innovative industrial and technological ecosystems and expanded the network of contacts…

Leather Cluster Barcelona takes part in an international Study Trip to Augsburg with the support of ACCIÓ

The Adoberia Bella once again became a meeting point for brands, designers, craftsmanship and new audiences at REC.0.
On 6, 7, 8 and 9 May, the Adoberia Bella in Igualada once again became a key venue for discovering new perspectives on leather with a new edition of LaPellDelRec, promoted by Leather Cluster Barcelona as part of the REC.0 festival.
For four days, the Adoberia Bella, headquarters of Leather Cluster Barcelona, hosted several pop-up stores and exhibitions that introduced the public to different ways of understanding, working and transforming leather from a contemporary, creative and innovative perspective.
This edition featured the brands Puntotres, Platadepalo, Leather Hug Belts and Carner, which presented their collections and products in a unique setting where design, craftsmanship and the quality of the material took centre stage.
In parallel, LaPellDelRec also included an exhibition area dedicated to the work of Jordi Ribaudí and La Gaspar Leather, reinforcing the link between design, training, craftsmanship and experimentation with leather.
The public response was very positive and once again confirmed the growing interest in discovering new applications for this material. Leather was shown to be a versatile, durable, functional material with great creative potential, able to adapt to new languages and uses within fashion, design and contemporary creation.
As part of LaPellDelRec, a new session of “Talks With” was also held on Wednesday, an initiative jointly organised by Leather Cluster Barcelona and MOVEX (Ubrique). The conversation featured designers Albert Ramoneda and Jordi Ribaudí, who shared with attendees their professional experience and the way they incorporate leather into their creative and design processes.
The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on the role of leather in fashion, design and contemporary creation, as well as the opportunities the material offers in terms of quality, durability, sustainability and innovation.
With initiatives such as LaPellDelRec, Leather Cluster Barcelona continues its commitment to bringing the leather sector closer to new audiences, creating spaces for connection between brands, creators and professionals, and showcasing the versatility of a material with tradition, present and future.
Leather Cluster Barcelona is a competitive cooperation environment that promotes cross-cutting, transformative strategic projects aimed at driving the ecosystem of the Catalan leather sector within the framework of Shared Value policies. The cluster is an accredited entity within the Catalonia Clusters programme and is supported by <a href="https://www.accio.gencat.cat/ca/inici" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Acció</a>.

The Adoberia Bella once again became a meeting point for brands, designers, craftsmanship and new audiences at REC.0. On…

LaPellDelRec consolidates a space for creativity, design and innovation around leather

The initiative aims to preserve this heritage and incorporate it into the new museography of Cal Granotes.
The Igualada Leather Museum has launched a call to the tanning sector to locate and collect working tools from the old tanneries, with the aim of preserving this heritage, preventing its dispersal or loss and incorporating it into the new museography of Cal Granotes.
This initiative is part of the renovation project of the old Cal Granotes tannery, a unique space where the traditional process of tanning hides will be presented and the historical evolution of the sector will be explained, up to becoming the high-quality, innovative and leading industry we know today.
At Leather Cluster Barcelona we believe this project is of great interest to the sector as a whole, as it helps to spread leather culture, preserve the memory of the trades linked to tanning and highlight a millennia-old activity that has managed to transform and evolve over time.
For this reason, we encourage all companies, professionals and people connected to the sector who have old material —such as merlets, boixetes, pincers, scraping or fleshing irons, soaking dishes, stretchers, boards or other traditional tools— to get in touch with the Museum. The Museum team is open to receiving donations and, where appropriate, may also consider acquiring them.
The collected pieces may be catalogued, preserved and, eventually, become part of the new Cal Granotes exhibition space, thus helping to preserve and explain the history of the tanning sector for future generations.
Those interested in collaborating with this initiative can contact the Management of the Igualada Leather Museum directly (Glòria Escala – <a href="mailto:escalag@aj-igualada.net">escalag@aj-igualada.net</a> – 938046752), who will provide more information and assess each case.
At Leather Cluster Barcelona we would like to thank the sector in advance for its collaboration in an initiative that strengthens the link between heritage, industry and territory.
Leather Cluster Barcelona is a competitive cooperation environment that promotes cross-cutting, transformative strategic projects aimed at driving the ecosystem of the Catalan leather sector within the framework of Shared Value policies. The cluster is an accredited entity within the Catalonia Clusters programme and is supported by <a href="https://www.accio.gencat.cat/ca/inici" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Acció</a>.

The initiative aims to preserve this heritage and incorporate it into the new museography of Cal Granotes. The Igualada Leather Museum has…

The Igualada Leather Museum calls on the tanning sector to recover working tools from the old tanneries

The meeting highlighted the Catalan cluster model and the international projection of the leather sector.
On 4 May, Leather Cluster Barcelona welcomed an institutional and business delegation from Mongolia as part of the European project ITDM – International Trade Development in Mongolia, an initiative promoted by the European Union to foster the competitiveness, economic diversification and internationalisation of the Asian country.
The delegation was made up of representatives from Mongolia’s Ministry of Agriculture and Light Industry, the Mongolian Export Cluster Network (MECN), the Mongolian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the National University of Mongolia and several export clusters linked to the leather, textile and cosmetics sectors.
The aim of the visit was to learn first-hand about European best practices in cluster development, public-private cooperation, internationalisation and sectoral competitiveness strategies. In this context, Barcelona was chosen as an international benchmark thanks to the Catalan cluster model and the business and innovation ecosystem promoted by ACCIÓ.
Leather Cluster Barcelona was selected as one of the reference clusters for the visit for its track record, its ability to articulate collaborative projects and its role in transforming a sector that combines industrial tradition, innovation, sustainability and international projection.
During the day in Igualada, participants were able to learn about the cluster’s operations, its governance model and the main lines of work it drives together with its member companies. The visit also made it possible to share experiences around innovation, sustainability, the circular economy, internationalisation and the evolution of the leather value chain.
In addition, the delegation had the opportunity to visit companies in the sector and experience first-hand an industrial ecosystem rooted in its territory while at the same time oriented towards quality, research, differentiation and openness to new markets.
For some time now, Leather Cluster Barcelona has been establishing synergies and building collaborations with different business organisations, institutions and international associations, in areas ranging from industry, research and innovation to sustainability, the circular economy, sustainable fashion, training and communication.
In this regard, welcoming the Mongolian delegation represented a new opportunity to strengthen the cluster’s international ties and project the knowledge, experience and potential of the Catalan leather sector beyond its immediate environment.
The delegation rated the visit and the exchange of experiences very positively, particularly highlighting the model of collaboration between companies, knowledge centres and institutions that Leather Cluster Barcelona promotes, as well as the sector’s capacity to evolve, innovate and generate value from its territory.
Leather Cluster Barcelona is a competitive cooperation environment that promotes cross-cutting, transformative strategic projects aimed at driving the ecosystem of the Catalan leather sector within the framework of Shared Value policies. The cluster is an accredited entity within the Catalonia Clusters programme and is supported by <a href="https://www.accio.gencat.cat/ca/inici" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Acció</a>.

The meeting highlighted the Catalan cluster model and the international projection of the leather sector. Leather Cluster…

Leather Cluster Barcelona welcomes an institutional and business delegation from Mongolia

Promoted by Leather Naturally, this global campaign in defence of leather and its industry has this year’s theme “Make It Leather”
World Leather Day was celebrated this year on Wednesday 29 April. World Leather Day is an annual global celebration dedicated to recognising and supporting the leather industry. It brings together stakeholders from across the value chain to highlight the extraordinary potential of leather.
World Leather Day was launched in 2022 as a collaboration between Leather Naturally and the Leather Working Group, and Leather Cluster Barcelona joined the initiative from its very first edition. This day offers an important opportunity to focus the debate on leather as a durable, versatile material with a long service life that continues to play a relevant role in a responsible materials economy.
On the occasion of World Leather Day 2026, at Leather Cluster Barcelona we want to highlight leather as a unique material that combines durability, responsibility and innovation in a context where the industry faces major sustainability and transformation challenges.
This year’s World Leather Day theme is “Make It Leather”, a call to action aimed at consumers, designers, educators, students and leather industry professionals and partners. The goal is for the entire spectrum of stakeholders linked to leather to go beyond awareness and move into action.
The Make It Leather campaign reinforces the value of leather through positive, direct communication of its main messages and attributes:
<h2>Made to last</h2>
Leather stands out for its long service life and high resistance to wear, positioning itself as a solid alternative to the culture of fast use and consumption. In a context where the current consumption model is being questioned, leather represents a commitment to products designed to last for decades, which can be repaired and restored, and which offer better value over time in relation to their use.
<h2>Naturally responsible</h2>
Leather is a material of natural origin and a co-product of the food chain, which contributes to the efficient use of existing resources. In addition, the industry works continuously to improve its processes in areas such as water and energy consumption, as well as chemical innovation, moving towards increasingly sustainable practices and incorporating consideration of the products’ end of life.
<h2>Craftsmanship and innovation</h2>
The leather sector is the result of combining artisanal knowledge with technological advances. Generations of tanners and artisans coexist with new solutions in traceability, finishes and lower-impact processes, while new designers and students explore the full potential of the material.
<h2>A personal and unique material</h2>
Leather evolves over time, developing its own patina that reflects the use and history of each piece. This ability to adapt and age with character makes it a material with a strong emotional component, hard to replicate with synthetic alternatives.
<h2>One material, infinite possibilities</h2>
From fashion to the automotive industry, including interior design and travel accessories, leather demonstrates its great versatility and performance: strength, breathability and comfort, as well as its ability to adapt to innovative and creative uses.
On this World Leather Day, Leather Cluster Barcelona once again joins this global initiative to champion leather as a key material for moving towards a more responsible, durable and people-connected model.
Leather Cluster Barcelona is a competitive cooperation environment that promotes cross-cutting, transformative strategic projects aimed at driving the ecosystem of the Catalan leather sector within the framework of Shared Value policies. The cluster is an accredited entity within the Catalonia Clusters programme and is supported by <a href="https://www.accio.gencat.cat/ca/inici" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Acció</a>.

Promoted by Leather Naturally, this global campaign in defence of leather and its industry has this year’s theme “Make It…

Leather Cluster Barcelona celebrates World Leather Day

During REC.0 from 6 to 9 May, Leather Cluster Barcelona will celebrate leather in all its forms
Leather will once again play a leading role in Igualada’s REC.0 festival with LaPellDelRec, an initiative by Leather Cluster Barcelona that reinforces the presence and visibility of the sector at one of the most relevant fashion and creativity events in the area.
On 6, 7, 8 and 9 May, various brands linked to the world of leather will take part in this edition to showcase the richness, quality and versatility of this material.
LaPellDelRec thus consolidates itself as a meeting space between leather and the public, highlighting both artisanal tradition and new design proposals.
The participating brands will be:
<ul>
<li>Carner Barcelona</li>
<li>Puntotres</li>
<li>Leather Hug Belts</li>
<li>Platadepalo</li>
</ul>
As in every edition, La Gaspar Leather will have a prominent role at the LaPellDelRec event.
LaPellDelRec is, above all, a showcase for the versatility of the material. Leather is transformed into decorative objects with personality, unique jewellery pieces, contemporary leather goods and accessories that combine functionality and identity. We also find it in proposals where design and craftsmanship coexist naturally, and even in unexpected worlds such as perfume, with brands exploring new ways of evoking textures and aromas.
This initiative, promoted by Leather Cluster Barcelona, aims to strengthen the link between industry, design and territory, and to help position leather as a key material within contemporary fashion.
REC.0 thus becomes a unique opportunity to discover the versatility of leather up close, learn about emerging and established projects, and connect with sector professionals in a dynamic environment open to the public.
Leather Cluster Barcelona encourages people to visit the Adoberia Bella during the REC.0 days and buy the leather pieces and fashion accessories of the brands associated with the cluster, brands inspired by values such as quality, craftsmanship, proximity, authenticity and sustainable fashion. Choosing leather means investing in items that can be used for many years. A leather item can last a lifetime.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit them and experience leather first-hand!
Leather Cluster Barcelona is a competitive cooperation environment that promotes cross-cutting, transformative strategic projects aimed at driving the ecosystem of the Catalan leather sector within the framework of Shared Value policies. The cluster is an accredited entity within the Catalonia Clusters programme and is supported by <a href="https://www.accio.gencat.cat/ca/inici" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Acció</a>.

During REC.0 from 6 to 9 May, Leather Cluster Barcelona will celebrate leather in all its forms. Leather…

Leather returns to REC.0 with LaPellDelRec

With the presence of A3 Leather Innovation Center-UdL, the fourth meeting of the “Train the trainers” programme was held in Padua
The European project Metaskills4TCLF, in which Leather Cluster Barcelona participates together with A3 Leather Innovation Center-UdL, continues to advance in its mission to modernise the skills of the textile, clothing, leather and footwear (TCLF) sector.
The Metaskills4TCLF project aims to keep taking steps to address the challenges of the digital era within a framework of transition towards a greener economy in the textile, clothing, leather and footwear sectors, developing new curricula and teaching materials with innovative content, learning tools and virtual reality training. The project’s purpose is to incorporate digital metaverse technologies to improve training and talent.
This April, with the presence of A3 Leather Innovation Center-UdL, the fourth meeting of the “Train the Trainers” programme was held in Padua (Italy), a key project initiative aimed at training professionals and trainers from different European countries. These sessions make it possible not only to delve deeper into the content and methodologies developed by the project, but also to acquire the tools needed to implement them effectively in classrooms and training environments, thus ensuring a real impact on the sector’s future workforce.
The meeting in Padua brought together trainers and teachers from various places who had the opportunity to:
<ul>
<li>experience first-hand virtual reality (VR) training modules, simulating real industrial environments;</li>
<li>explore how immersive learning can be integrated into vocational training (VET) pathways in the textile, fashion, leather and footwear sectors;</li>
<li>delve into methodologies to design engaging courses that combine technical content, virtual simulation and competency-based assessment;</li>
</ul>
These sessions also become spaces for strategic reflection, where participants can share experiences and jointly analyse the current challenges of the TCLF industry, especially in areas such as digitalisation, sustainability and innovation.
The final meeting will take place in Porto on 16, 17 and 18 June, where the “Train the Trainers” programme will be closed and the results and learnings achieved will be shared.
This Metaskills4TCLF project reinforces Leather Cluster Barcelona’s commitment to training, knowledge transfer and boosting the competitiveness of the leather sector at a European level.
Leather Cluster Barcelona is a competitive cooperation environment that promotes cross-cutting, transformative strategic projects aimed at driving the ecosystem of the Catalan leather sector within the framework of Shared Value policies. The cluster is an accredited entity within the Catalonia Clusters programme and is supported by <a href="https://www.accio.gencat.cat/ca/inici" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Acció</a>.

With the presence of A3 Leather Innovation Center-UdL, the fourth meeting of the “Train the trainers” programme was held in Padua. The European project…

Metaskills4TCLF, training the trainers to drive the transformation of the sector

The meeting made it possible to explore new avenues of collaboration between business and training to respond to the challenges of the leather sector and encourage generational renewal
At Leather Cluster Barcelona we accompanied the cluster member company PUNTOTRES on a visit to La Gaspar Leather, with the aim of generating synergies between the company and the training centre.
PUNTOTRES is a Catalan company dedicated to the design and manufacture of leather bags and accessories. The brand was founded in 1991 by Jordi Llavina and Sandra Pamias, with headquarters and showroom in Barcelona. From the outset, PUNTOTRES’s presence at trade shows, showrooms and relevant sector fairs has helped consolidate its projection in both the national and international markets.
PUNTOTRES has always been committed to using top-quality leathers and to rigorous control of finishes, paying special attention to the details, style and quality of the designs that make up its collections of bags, wallets and belts. PUNTOTRES’s goal is to create pieces that customers feel as their own, both for their design and for the quality of the leathers used. Its products are designed for today’s women and men who, in a constantly evolving society, value quality, authenticity and the ability to express their personality through the accessories they choose.
This meeting, promoted by Leather Cluster Barcelona, made it possible to share the needs of the sector and the training capabilities of the school, La Gaspar Leather, with the aim of exploring future avenues of collaboration that help boost emerging talent and address the challenge of generational renewal faced by many companies in the sector.
La Gaspar Leather is La Gaspar’s new project dedicated to leather neo-craftsmanship: a space created to become a reference centre for training in leather goods, prototyping and leather fashion accessories. Promoted jointly with Louis Vuitton, La Gaspar Leather offers the only authorised international dual training in Catalonia in leather design and leather goods techniques. A project that connects artisanal knowledge with the needs of contemporary industry, combining tradition, innovation and professional excellence. Since its creation, the leather pathway has experienced exceptional growth and has consolidated itself as a successful model of collaboration between education and business. La Gaspar Leather represents a firm commitment to talent, craftsmanship and the future of leather goods, training professionals ready to respond to the new challenges of the fashion and leather accessories sector.
This visit by PUNTOTRES to La Gaspar Leather is part of Leather Cluster Barcelona’s aim to work towards strengthening the connection between industry and training, promoting the manufacture of leather articles, both in the field of leather goods and prêt-à-porter, and fostering new professional opportunities for new generations.
We would especially like to thank the team at La Gaspar Leather for their welcome, as well as the involvement of its director, Raquel Camacho, the deputy director, Ester Commenge, and the workshop coordinator, Mosi Ayabi.
Leather Cluster Barcelona is a competitive cooperation environment that promotes cross-cutting, transformative strategic projects aimed at driving the ecosystem of the Catalan leather sector within the framework of Shared Value policies. The cluster is an accredited entity within the Catalonia Clusters programme and is supported by <a href="https://www.accio.gencat.cat/ca/inici" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Acció</a>.

The meeting made it possible to explore new avenues of collaboration between business and training to respond to the challenges of the…

Leather Cluster Barcelona connects PUNTOTRES and La Gaspar Leather to boost talent

Held as part of 080 Barcelona Fashion, the meeting addressed the challenges of sustainability, digitalisation and internationalisation of the fashion sector
On 13 and 14 April 2026, Barcelona hosted the European Designer Fashion Summit, also presented as the International Conference on European Designer Fashion, as part of 080 Barcelona Fashion. The meeting, held at the Tinglados space of the Port of Barcelona, brought together institutions, creators, experts and international sector stakeholders with the aim of reflecting on the present and future of European designer fashion and addressing strategic challenges such as sustainability, digitalisation and internationalisation, as well as strengthening the role of fashion as a driver of creativity and innovation in Europe.
At Leather Cluster Barcelona we took part actively, sharing our vision and experiences together with Javier Gallego, manager of MOVEX (Ubrique), in a setting of dialogue with other relevant players in the European fashion and design ecosystem.
Organised by the Spanish Fashion Academy Foundation —FAME— and promoted by ACME, the summit addressed key issues such as cultural identity, sustainability, digitalisation, internationalisation, emerging talent and the need to strengthen the connection between creativity, industry and market. With voices such as Gilles Lipovetsky, Dana Thomas, Scott Lipinski, Pepa Bueno and representatives of various European fashion institutions, Barcelona has consolidated itself as a strategic space for debate and projection for designer fashion on the continent.
Particularly notable were the contributions of Gilles Lipovetsky, who reflected on the role of fashion in European cultural identity, and of journalist and author Dana Thomas, who offered a critical view of the contemporary fashion system and its future challenges.
One of the highlights was the talk by Gilles Lipovetsky, who warned that fashion “is no longer frivolous”, but that it also represents a major environmental problem. He defended the need to reduce the impact of textile production, commit to recycling, biodegradable materials and second-hand, and avoid greenwashing.
The meeting also raised the need for European designer fashion to gain structure, visibility, international connection and commercial capacity, especially in a context dominated by fast fashion, globalisation and competition from large platforms.
The European Designer Fashion Summit has consolidated itself as a strategic platform to connect talent, industry and critical thinking, reinforcing the need to build a more collaborative, resilient and innovative European ecosystem.
Leather Cluster Barcelona is a competitive cooperation environment that promotes cross-cutting, transformative strategic projects aimed at driving the ecosystem of the Catalan leather sector within the framework of Shared Value policies. The cluster is an accredited entity within the Catalonia Clusters programme and is supported by <a href="https://www.accio.gencat.cat/ca/inici" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Acció</a>.

Held as part of 080 Barcelona Fashion, the meeting addressed the challenges of sustainability, digitalisation and internationalisation of the…

Leather Cluster Barcelona takes part in the European Designer Fashion Summit

The session led by Connect-IN was a great opportunity to explore new ways to boost the internationalisation of the sector
This Friday, 27 March, we held a new session at the Adoberia Bella for Leather Cluster Barcelona members, organised together with Connect-IN, focused on funding opportunities to boost the international promotion of companies in the sector.
This international promotion grants session was led by the Connect-IN team. Connect-IN are Internationalisation Support agents (ASI) of ACCIÓ and consultants accredited by ACCIÓ in the area of Internationalisation to carry out export-initiation and international-strategy projects. They offer specialised internationalisation services that provide 360º coverage of all areas of the company to prepare it for the global international process, and they have a powerful international network of professional connections through an industrial virtual community where business synergies can be generated.
The session was a great opportunity to share key information, answer questions and explore new ways to boost the internationalisation of the sector.
The session allowed participants to delve into different lines of aid that can fund strategic actions such as:
<ul>
<li>Participation in international fairs and events</li>
<li>Digital marketing and communication campaigns</li>
<li>Development and optimisation of websites</li>
<li>Traditional marketing actions</li>
<li>Other initiatives linked to internationalisation</li>
</ul>
During the session, real cases of Leather Cluster Barcelona companies were also shared, such as Despell, which already accessed these grants in the previous edition, highlighting the positive impact of this aid on their international activity.
In addition, attendees had the opportunity to hold individual meetings with the Connect-IN team to analyse their specific needs and identify the most suitable lines of aid in each case.
For those members who were unable to attend, we remind you that you can contact the project manager Carla (cvelez@leatherbarcelona.com), who will provide all the necessary information and can guide you through the process.
Finally, please bear in mind that some of the grant lines are not yet open, but their publication is expected between June and July. From the cluster we will keep you promptly informed of their opening, as these are calls under a competitive bidding regime.
At Leather Cluster Barcelona we monitor funding opportunities for our members’ projects. This session with Connect-IN is part of the advisory service for grants and subsidies that the cluster is promoting with the aim of guiding, accompanying and helping members to manage grants and subsidies for their projects and initiatives.
With this service, Leather Cluster Barcelona keeps its members up to date on the different grants, funding routes and internationalisation opportunities, such as the lines of aid and specific programmes managed by ACCIÓ.
Leather Cluster Barcelona is a competitive cooperation environment that promotes cross-cutting, transformative strategic projects aimed at driving the ecosystem of the Catalan leather sector within the framework of Shared Value policies. The cluster is an accredited entity within the Catalonia Clusters programme and is supported by <a href="https://www.accio.gencat.cat/ca/inici" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Acció</a>.

The session led by Connect-IN was a great opportunity to explore new ways to boost the internationalisation of the sector. This Friday,…

Leather Cluster Barcelona organises a session on international promotion grants

This European project aims to strengthen generational renewal in the leather sector
At Leather Cluster Barcelona we are pleased to announce that the European project NextGen Leather &amp; Footwear Technician has now been officially presented on the European projects platform.
The main objective of this initiative is to strengthen generational renewal within the sector, promoting the training of new professional profiles adapted to the current needs of the leather and footwear industry. The project places special emphasis on knowledge transfer, innovation and attracting young talent to the sector.
Training and talent attraction, especially in the more technical professional profiles, is one of the concerns that Leather Cluster Barcelona members have expressed during the personalised visits carried out by the cluster’s working team.
The NextGen Leather &amp; Footwear Technician project is a strategic commitment to ensuring the continuity and competitiveness of our ecosystem in the long term, aligned with the transformation challenges the industry faces.
With the aim of consolidating its international projection, Leather Cluster Barcelona positions itself as an active player in the development of European projects geared towards innovation, training and the transformation of the leather sector.
Participation in projects like this is perfectly aligned with the three main strategic lines of the Leather Cluster Barcelona Master Plan for the 2025-2030 period: the cluster’s economic self-sufficiency, the building of European prestige and positioning, and the generation of real impact for member companies.
Once results on the evaluation of the NextGen Leather &amp; Footwear Technician project are available, they will be shared with all members.
Leather Cluster Barcelona is a competitive cooperation environment that promotes cross-cutting, transformative strategic projects aimed at driving the ecosystem of the Catalan leather sector within the framework of Shared Value policies. The cluster is an accredited entity within the Catalonia Clusters programme and is supported by <a href="https://www.accio.gencat.cat/ca/inici" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Acció</a>.

This European project aims to strengthen generational renewal in the leather sector. At Leather Cluster Barcelona we are pleased to announce that…

Leather Cluster Barcelona presents NextGen Leather & Footwear Technician

This fair is the main business platform for accessing the markets of China and Southeast Asia
From 12 to 14 March, the APLF Leather, Materials+ and Fashion Access fair took place in Hong Kong, with a significant representation of cluster members.
APLF Hong Kong is the major Asian event of the leather and fashion manufacturing value chain: it brings together leather, chemicals, machinery, materials, components and manufacturers of finished articles such as bags, footwear, accessories and leather garments. The fair, held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), is presented in three major blocks: APLF-Leather, Materials+ and Fashion Access.
This 2026 edition brought together nearly 800 exhibitors in 20 national pavilions and more than 10,000 professional visitors from 100 countries. With these significant figures, APLF Hong Kong remains the main business platform for accessing the markets of China and Southeast Asia for tanneries, chemical suppliers, component specialists, brands, buyers and developers of leather products, materials and fashion accessories.
Once again, APLF Hong Kong featured a notable presence of Leather Cluster Barcelona members. The following member companies took part as exhibitors:
<ul>
<li>Curtidos Lancina</li>
<li>Miret y Cia</li>
<li>Leather Química</li>
<li>Cromogenia Units</li>
<li>Combalia</li>
<li>Colomer 1792</li>
</ul>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-9703 size-full" src="/api/assets/6ae6e3ff-1b07-48f4-9cc7-78b818bb8b24" alt="APLF Hong Kong 2026" width="1600" height="1200" />
The presence of these companies highlights the internationalisation capacity, strength and competitiveness of the Leather Cluster Barcelona business ecosystem, at a world-leading showcase for the sector.
Cluster members shared very positive assessments of their participation in APLF Hong Kong, highlighting both the quality of the contacts established and the business opportunities generated throughout the fair.
This type of participation is key to strengthening the international positioning of the cluster’s member companies and to continuing to open up new opportunities in strategic markets. At Leather Cluster Barcelona we value these results very positively because they help drive the global growth of the sector.
To find out more details about our members’ participation, as well as other cluster activities, we encourage you to follow us through our <a href="https://www.instagram.com/leather_cluster_barcelona/?hl=es" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/leather-cluster-barcelona/?viewAsMember=true" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LinkedIn</a> channels, where we share updated content regularly.
Leather Cluster Barcelona is a competitive cooperation environment that promotes cross-cutting, transformative strategic projects aimed at driving the ecosystem of the Catalan leather sector within the framework of Shared Value policies. The cluster is an accredited entity within the Catalonia Clusters programme and is supported by <a href="https://www.accio.gencat.cat/ca/inici" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Acció</a>.

This fair is the main business platform for accessing the markets of China and Southeast Asia. From 12 to…

Strong presence of Leather Cluster Barcelona members at APLF Hong Kong

Another cluster initiative to generate synergies between the different links of the leather sector value chain
At Leather Cluster Barcelona we celebrate a new collaboration promoted by the cluster that brings together the company Colomer 1792 and fashion designer Javier Guijarro in a project that exemplifies the potential for cooperation within the sector’s value chain.
The initiative allowed the fashion designer to create a collection from leather provided by the cluster member company Colomer 1792, in a proposal that highlights the excellence of the material and the creative capacity linked to the leather industry. The pieces were made with the participation of Joan Ramon, a student at La Gaspar Leather, in a collaboration that helps strengthen Leather Cluster Barcelona’s positioning as a link between business, emerging talent and specialised training, promoting projects that connect the different players in the sector’s value chain.
Javier Guijarro is a young Catalan designer who has made a name for himself in the world of fashion. His proposal stems from a contemporary reinterpretation of the classic codes of menswear, adapted to today’s sensibility and languages.
His work has generated great impact and, despite his youth, Javier Guijarro already has a consolidated career in the fashion world, having designed for international artists such as Shakira, Karol G, Aitana and Troye Sivan.
The collection presented from the collaboration between Colomer 1792 and Javier Guijarro corresponds to the Fall/Winter 2026 season and includes a skirt, two dresses, a jacket and a bag.
This action reflects the cluster’s aim to continue generating synergies between companies, creators and training centres, and to help give visibility to emerging talent and the value of the leather industry.
Leather Cluster Barcelona acts as a space for connection, cohesion and momentum for the entire leather sector value chain, fostering the development of projects between tanneries, brands, designers, manufacturers, technology suppliers, knowledge centres and innovation agents. This role of channelling and interconnection is key to strengthening the ecosystem, sharing knowledge, detecting opportunities and promoting collaborative projects with a real impact on the sector’s competitiveness.
Through this work, the cluster helps build bridges between industrial tradition and innovation, between productive capacity and creativity, and between business needs and specialised knowledge. This cross-cutting vision makes it possible to strengthen the positioning of the leather sector, boost its national and international projection and create a more solid, connected environment that is ready to face future challenges.
Leather Cluster Barcelona is a competitive cooperation environment that promotes cross-cutting, transformative strategic projects aimed at driving the ecosystem of the Catalan leather sector within the framework of Shared Value policies. The cluster is an accredited entity within the Catalonia Clusters programme and is supported by <a href="https://www.accio.gencat.cat/ca/inici" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Acció</a>.

Another cluster initiative to generate synergies between the different links of the leather sector value chain…

Leather Cluster Barcelona fosters the collaboration between Colomer 1792 and designer Javier Guijarro

The project develops new learning tools that will transform the way teaching is delivered in the leather industry
Several Leather Cluster Barcelona members taking part in the European project Metaskills4TCLF had the opportunity to experience first-hand the content and training tools developed within the framework of the project.
Through immersive technologies such as virtual reality, participants visualised the different leather transformation processes, thus bringing the sector’s technical knowledge closer in an innovative and accessible way.
Virtual reality has proven to be much more than an innovative technological tool: it is a strategic solution for improving safety, efficiency and practical learning in complex industrial environments, especially in the textile, clothing, leather and footwear (TCLF) sectors and, in particular, in leather, where the transfer of technical skills requires precision, direct experience and quality training.
These tools aim to reinforce the sector’s visibility and highlight the circularity and sustainability of leather, contributing to a better understanding of the material by new audiences.
In addition, the content generated can be incorporated into educational environments, facilitating its application in the classroom and contributing to the training of future sector professionals.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-9726 size-full" src="/api/assets/5cf14c06-0c6f-4e80-865f-ae12b14eba83" alt="Metaskills4TCLF sectors TCLF" width="1536" height="1520" />
Metaskills4TCLF is a key project for the development of digital and immersive skills within the TCLF sectors. Through the integration of Artificial Intelligence, innovation and real industrial practice, it is helping to transform the way skills are taught and acquired, especially in the leather sector.
The Metaskills4TCLF project aims to address the challenges of the digital era within a framework of transition towards a greener economy in the textile, clothing, leather and footwear sectors, developing new curricula and teaching materials with innovative content, learning tools and virtual reality training.
In this European project, A3 Leather Innovation Center – UdL, together with other European knowledge centres, is responsible for organising the course content, while Leather Cluster Barcelona contributes to the dissemination and projection of the project’s results.
At Leather Cluster Barcelona we continue working to drive initiatives that connect industry, technology and education, and that strengthen the positioning of leather as an innovative material with a future.
Leather Cluster Barcelona is a competitive cooperation environment that promotes cross-cutting, transformative strategic projects aimed at driving the ecosystem of the Catalan leather sector within the framework of Shared Value policies. The cluster is an accredited entity within the Catalonia Clusters programme and is supported by <a href="https://www.accio.gencat.cat/ca/inici" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Acció</a>.

The project develops new learning tools that will transform the way teaching is delivered in the leather industry. Several Leather Cluster…

Metaskills4TCLF, key to the promotion and training of the TCLF sectors

Leather Cluster Barcelona coordinates this European Erasmus+ KA220 project
On 27 February, the first working session of the European project DesignSmart took place at the Adoberia Bella, the cluster’s headquarters.
DesignSmart is a European project coordinated by Leather Cluster Barcelona, aimed at strengthening the competitiveness, innovation and sustainability of the sectors linked to design, materials and production, connecting companies, professionals, knowledge centres and European initiatives.
DesignSmart was created with the aim of driving eco-design, sustainability and innovation strategies, promoting a comprehensive vision that integrates all the stakeholders involved: tanneries, manufacturers, designers, brands and technology suppliers.
Following the project’s Kick-off Meeting held last December in Italy, this first meeting with the sector’s value chain, organised at the Adoberia Bella, took the form of a Focus Group. During the session, among other matters, the results of the survey in which Leather Cluster Barcelona member companies took part were analysed, with the aim of identifying challenges and opportunities in key areas such as innovation, materials, production processes and sustainability.
This first Focus Group was a key space for identifying current challenges in sustainable design, gathering the real needs of companies, validating the project’s lines of work and generating strategic debate on the future of the leather product in the context of the green transition.
The active participation of members is essential to ensure that the project responds to the business reality of the sector and generates a tangible impact. The project foresees the continued involvement of different value-chain profiles throughout the coming phases, with the aim of incorporating a broad and diverse representation of the sector. For this reason, at Leather Cluster Barcelona we call on member companies to take part in the project.
Leather Cluster Barcelona is a competitive cooperation environment that promotes cross-cutting, transformative strategic projects aimed at driving the ecosystem of the Catalan leather sector within the framework of Shared Value policies. The cluster is an accredited entity within the Catalonia Clusters programme and is supported by <a href="https://www.accio.gencat.cat/ca/inici" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Acció</a>.

Leather Cluster Barcelona coordinates this European Erasmus+ KA220 project. On 27 February, the Adoberia Bella, the cluster’s headquarters,…

The Adoberia Bella hosts the first working session of DesignSmart

World Leather Day – 29 April 2026 – Save the Date!
World Leather Day will be celebrated this year on Wednesday 29 April. This global campaign in defence of leather and its industry reaches its fifth edition this year with the aim of raising public awareness of the many benefits leather brings to the world and its value as a sustainable, durable, quality material.
Once again, Leather Cluster Barcelona supports the initiative and joins the celebration of World Leather Day by organising a technical and strategic event to analyse the major challenges facing the leather sector at a European level.
Under the theme “Leather in Transition: Challenges, Regulation &amp; Circular Solutions”, the meeting will address the impact of the new European regulatory framework —including the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), the Digital Product Passport (DPP), the Green Claims Directive and the traceability requirements linked to the EUDR— and how these regulations directly affect the industry.
The event will combine technical presentations and debate spaces to delve into key topics such as the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF), traceability, the circular economy, the valorisation of by-products and new, more efficient tanning and finishing technologies.
The aim is to create a space for shared reflection to strengthen the positioning of leather as a circular, responsible and competitive material within the new European industrial context.
The full programme and speakers for the event organised by Leather Cluster Barcelona to commemorate World Leather Day will be announced soon.
Led by Leather Naturally and supported by sector associations and bodies from around the world, World Leather Day, first held in 2022, has consolidated itself as an international movement to highlight leather as a material and to promote a broader, more rigorous and well-founded view of the leather industry.
Leather Cluster Barcelona is a competitive cooperation environment that promotes cross-cutting, transformative strategic projects aimed at driving the ecosystem of the Catalan leather sector within the framework of Shared Value policies. The cluster is an accredited entity within the Catalonia Clusters programme and is supported by <a href="https://www.accio.gencat.cat/ca/inici" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Acció</a>.

World Leather Day – 29 April 2026 – Save the Date! World Leather Day will be celebrated this year on Wednesday 29…

Leather in Transition: reflecting on the present and future of the sector

Leather Cluster Barcelona hosts the initial meeting and reinforces its essential role as an international connector between education, industry and innovation
After months of dedication, coordination and shared vision, on 17 February the collaboration project between La Gaspar, Igualada’s municipal school of art and design, and Les Compagnons du Devoir et du Tour de France was officially launched.
The meeting held at the Adoberia Bella, headquarters of Leather Cluster Barcelona, marks the beginning of a strategic European alliance between La Gaspar and one of the most prestigious institutions in Europe in artisan training. This collaboration is about sustainability, innovation and building a broader European perspective within the field of craftsmanship and design education.
Les Compagnons du Devoir et du Tour de France is a historic French institution dedicated to vocational training in artisan and technical trades, with more than eight centuries of tradition. It is considered a model of excellence in artisan training in Europe. The compagnonnage model has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2010.
This collaboration between La Gaspar x Les Compagnons du Devoir Paris is much more than an Erasmus mobility; it represents a long-term commitment to strengthening European cooperation in artisan training, fostering the exchange of knowledge, techniques and innovation, and placing leather studies within a shared, future-oriented European framework.
The agreement is driven and supported by Leather Cluster Barcelona, which has connected this educational initiative with the entire leather ecosystem, coordinating visits to tanneries and key sector players so that students can learn first-hand about the industry’s processes, innovation and future challenges.
With actions like this, Leather Cluster Barcelona consolidates its role as a strategic driver of the leather industry value chain, strengthens the sector’s international projection and enhances the connection between education and business.
Leather Cluster Barcelona is a competitive cooperation environment that promotes cross-cutting, transformative strategic projects aimed at driving the ecosystem of the Catalan leather sector within the framework of Shared Value policies. The cluster is an accredited entity within the Catalonia Clusters programme and is supported by <a href="https://www.accio.gencat.cat/ca/inici" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Acció</a>.

Leather Cluster Barcelona hosts the initial meeting and reinforces its essential role as an international connector between education, industry and innovation…

Launch of the La Gaspar x Les Compagnons du Devoir Paris project

Another step to strengthen their international projection and global positioning
From 11 to 13 February, Lineapelle was held in Milan, one of the oldest and most prestigious international leather fairs in the world, dedicated to leather, accessories and components for the footwear, leather goods, clothing and furniture industries.
The 107th edition of Lineapelle featured the participation of 848 exhibitors from 33 countries who presented their innovations in leather, components, materials and accessories for the Spring-Summer 2027 collections. Around 16,000 professionals visited this international exhibition, consolidating the Italian fair’s position as a global platform for the fashion, luxury and design industries.
A total of ten tanning companies associated with Leather Cluster Barcelona took part in Lineapelle, showcasing their leather articles at this major international showcase where fashion professionals from all over the world gather in search of innovations, trends and accessories.
The tanneries Curtits Aqualata, Curtidos Badia, Colomer 1792, Combalia, Despell, La Doma, Miret y CIA, Morera Pell, Curtidos Riba Guixà and Miguel Farrés Rojas (Splenda) exhibited in Milan, one of the world’s fashion capitals.
Lineapelle is an international meeting space for manufacturers, designers and buyers, as well as a key trend tool for collections and a forum to discuss innovation, sustainability and technology in the leather sector. The presence at Lineapelle represents for Leather Cluster Barcelona members a strategic platform for attracting international clients, a space to detect market trends, an opportunity to strengthen their global positioning and a meeting point with world-renowned brands.
At Leather Cluster Barcelona we celebrate the international projection of our members and their commitment to innovation, sustainability and quality. The quality of leather tanned in Catalonia is recognised worldwide, and today more than 80% of production is exported.
Leather Cluster Barcelona is a competitive cooperation environment that promotes cross-cutting, transformative strategic projects aimed at driving the ecosystem of the Catalan leather sector within the framework of Shared Value policies. The cluster is an accredited entity within the Catalonia Clusters programme and is supported by <a href="https://www.accio.gencat.cat/ca/inici" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Acció</a>.

Another step to strengthen their international projection and global positioning. From 11 to 13 February…

Strong presence of Leather Cluster Barcelona members at Lineapelle Milan

This tool will make it possible to better manage data and optimise communication with members and the cluster’s internal processes
As part of its process of continuous improvement and of retaining and attracting new members, Leather Cluster Barcelona is working on the implementation of a CRM (Customer Relationship Management).
This new system will make it possible to optimise internal processes, improve organisation and ensure more efficient management. At the same time, it will facilitate more personalised communication and better monitoring of the activity and participation of each company or entity associated with the cluster.
The digital tool that Leather Cluster Barcelona will implement is Timtul, a software specialised in entities, clusters and communities that helps manage communication with members.
To optimise the CRM, it is very important to update the information of all members, in order to have a database that is as up to date as possible and that allows the experience of the different cluster members to be personalised according to their needs.
Having up-to-date information is key to:
<ul>
<li>Improving direct, personalised communication with each company</li>
<li>Detecting collaboration opportunities between members</li>
<li>Identifying technical capabilities, product lines and markets of interest</li>
<li>Facilitating participation in European projects and competitive calls</li>
<li>Generating synergies within the leather value chain</li>
<li>Optimising access to the Intranet and the member’s personal area</li>
</ul>
A robust database is not only an administrative tool, but a strategic instrument to strengthen the cluster’s collective competitiveness.
For this reason, we encourage all members to review and update their data. This action will allow us to continue offering tailored services, generate business opportunities and strengthen the cohesion of the sector.
Those of you who have not yet been able to do so can fill in the form you will find at this link: <a href="https://forms.gle/5aBy9zy3r7wrvxsg7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://forms.gle/5aBy9zy3r7wrvxsg7</a>
Leather Cluster Barcelona is a competitive cooperation environment that promotes cross-cutting, transformative strategic projects aimed at driving the ecosystem of the Catalan leather sector within the framework of Shared Value policies. The cluster is an accredited entity within the Catalonia Clusters programme and is supported by <a href="https://www.accio.gencat.cat/ca/inici" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Acció</a>.

This tool will make it possible to better manage data and optimise communication with members and the cluster’s internal processes. As part…

Leather Cluster Barcelona works on the implementation of a new CRM system

A3 Leather Innovation Center-UdL and Leather Cluster Barcelona are partners in the project
As part of the European Metaskills project, from 27 to 29 January 2026 one of the project’s international workshops was held at the University of Lleida - Igualada Campus, with the participation of various European partners.
The Councillor for Neighbourhoods and Civic Affairs, Sports and Vocational Training of Igualada City Council, Patrícia Illa, gave the institutional welcome to participants and opened the session.
MetaSkills4TCLF, co-funded by the European Union, addresses a critical challenge: equipping the textile, clothing, leather and footwear (TCLF) industries with the skills needed to excel in a world driven by green innovation and digital transformation. By developing an EU TCLF skills strategy, the international consortium of the Metaskills project aims mainly to drive new competencies, transversal skills and training methodologies adapted to the current and future challenges of the industrial sector, with a special focus on technical and vocational training. In this context, the international workshops are a key element for validating and testing the content developed by the consortium.
This meeting is part of a cycle of workshops being held in different cities of the participating countries, and its purpose is to start the pilot tests of the training content that will be deployed during the project. In Igualada, the focus was on the practical implementation of the materials and the assessment of their real applicability in training environments.
The content is aimed at the trainers who will support teaching staff, with the aim of reinforcing new pedagogical competencies, innovative methodologies and tools that enable better knowledge transfer to students. In this way, the project helps to improve the quality of training and align it with the real needs of the productive sector.
Holding this workshop in Igualada reinforces the territory’s role as a hub of knowledge, innovation and specialised training within the European arena.
As part of the training, Leather Cluster Barcelona coordinated a series of meetings for the project partners, which included visits to the La Gaspar Municipal School of Art and Design and the Igualada Leather Museum, as well as the Igualada leather ecosystem, strengthening collaboration between education, industry and the territory.
In this European MetaSkills4TCLF project, A3 Leather Innovation Center-UdL, together with other European knowledge centres, is responsible for organising the course content, while Leather Cluster Barcelona contributes to the dissemination and projection of the project’s results.
In parallel, the Metaskills4TCLF project is developing a communication plan with the publication of articles to inform society about different aspects of the textile, clothing, leather and footwear industries. In this regard, Leather Cluster Barcelona also collaborates with Metaskills4TCLF by writing content to highlight leather and its industry as a benchmark for the Circular Economy and Sustainable Fashion.
Leather Cluster Barcelona is a competitive cooperation environment that promotes cross-cutting, transformative strategic projects aimed at driving the ecosystem of the Catalan leather sector within the framework of Shared Value policies. The cluster is an accredited entity within the Catalonia Clusters programme and is supported by <a href="https://www.accio.gencat.cat/ca/inici" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Acció</a>.

A3 Leather Innovation Center-UdL and Leather Cluster Barcelona are partners in the project. As part of the European Metaskills project, from 27 to 29…

The Igualada-UdL University Campus hosts a workshop of the European Metaskills project

An information session to move towards a more efficient energy model
On 22 January, Leather Cluster Barcelona, together with the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce, organised an energy transition session for our members, with the aim of supporting companies in the sector in their process of adapting to the new energy and environmental challenges.
The information session was an opportunity to learn about the Anoia Energy Transition Office. Last July, the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce launched the Energy Transition Offices with the aim of providing support and advice to all companies in their decarbonisation process. From this new service point, the Chamber provides personalised technical and financial advice, energy efficiency diagnoses, administrative and regulatory support, training workshops and assistance in accessing grants, funding and aggregated energy purchasing, among other services. The Energy Transition Offices are integrated into the Chamber of Commerce’s territorial network with the aim of becoming a benchmark for companies that want to move towards a more efficient, fair and decentralised energy model. The goal is to improve the competitiveness of the business fabric, reduce energy dependence and drive a new culture based on saving, autonomy and sustainability.
The session, held at the Adoberia Bella, headquarters of Leather Cluster Barcelona, addressed the opportunities and challenges of the energy transition in the industrial field, with special attention to key aspects such as energy efficiency, the sustainability of production processes, the reduction of energy costs and adaptation to current and future regulations.
Throughout the session, practical tools, strategic guidance and cases of interest were shared, designed to facilitate decision-making and help companies identify solutions applicable to their day-to-day work. In addition, the meeting became a space for exchanging experiences and best practices between companies in the sector.
A session specially designed to provide practical value, foster competitiveness and drive an efficient and sustainable energy transition within the leather sector.
Leather Cluster Barcelona is a competitive cooperation environment that promotes cross-cutting, transformative strategic projects aimed at driving the ecosystem of the Catalan leather sector within the framework of Shared Value policies. The cluster is an accredited entity within the Catalonia Clusters programme and is supported by <a href="https://www.accio.gencat.cat/ca/inici" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Acció</a>.

An information session to move towards a more efficient energy model. On 22 January, Leather Cluster Barcelona, together with the Chamber of…

The Chamber of Commerce and Leather Cluster Barcelona hold an energy transition session

Innovative collagen-based products for cell biology, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
With more than 50 years of history, the Viscofan Group is the world leader in the production, manufacture and distribution of casings and wrappings for the meat industry, with a commercial presence in more than one hundred countries around the world. It has production centres in Spain, Germany, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, the United States, Mexico, the Czech Republic, Serbia and Uruguay.
Viscofan’s leadership in the global market goes hand in hand with leading activity in terms of Research and Development (R&amp;D). In this regard, in addition to casings for the meat industry, Viscofan has diversified its activity by developing, among other products, collagen solutions for functional foods and nutrition, as well as biomedical and bioengineering applications through its unit specialising in collagen-based products.
Viscofan’s collagen solutions business unit is a strategic and expanding part of the Viscofan Group, going far beyond traditional collagen casings for cured meats and focusing on advanced nutrition, health and biomedical products, drawing on the company’s decades of experience in the industrial processing of collagen.
Viscofan has advanced technological centres for the production of collagen casings in Spain and Germany within the EU. In addition, Viscofan BioEngineering is based in Weinheim (Germany), where both nutritional ingredients and biomedical materials based on high-purity bovine collagen are developed and manufactured. This division draws on the company’s historical knowledge of collagen, now applied to new high-value-added uses in sectors such as nutrition and wellbeing, biomedical research and regenerative medicine, as well as life sciences applications and medical devices.
Viscofan’s collagen solutions represent a strategic commitment to expanding the use of collagen in new sectors and to growing in markets with high future potential.
Leather Cluster Barcelona is a competitive cooperation environment that promotes cross-cutting, transformative strategic projects aimed at driving the ecosystem of the Catalan leather sector within the framework of Shared Value policies. The cluster is an accredited entity within the Catalonia Clusters programme and is supported by <a href="https://www.accio.gencat.cat/ca/inici" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Acció</a>.

Innovative collagen-based products for cell biology, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. With more than 50 years…

Viscofan Group

The project’s aim is to design and validate an innovative European training model for leather sector technicians
On 15 January, Leather Cluster Barcelona organised an initial meeting with member companies at the Adoberia Bella, with the aim of learning first-hand about the current and future needs regarding professional profiles within the leather sector.
Training and talent attraction, especially in the more technical professional profiles, is one of the concerns that Leather Cluster Barcelona members have expressed during the personalised visits carried out by the cluster’s working team.
The meeting made it possible to create a space for shared reflection on the sector’s main challenges in terms of training, technical qualification and updating of skills, in a context marked by the green transition, the digitalisation of processes, the new regulatory requirements and the lack of qualified generational renewal.
Building on this joint work with the business community, we are pleased to inform you that at Leather Cluster Barcelona we are already working on the first draft of the European project Leather Technician 5.0, which will be submitted to the Erasmus+ KA220 call (Cooperation Partnerships in Vocational Education and Training).
The project’s aim is to design and validate an innovative European training model for leather sector technicians (EQF level 3–4), aligned with the real needs of the industry, transferable to different countries and with a strong component of dual training in collaboration with member companies. This model will combine knowledge of production processes, applied chemistry, sustainability, quality, traceability and digital skills, also incorporating hybrid methodologies and digital resources.
Leather Cluster Barcelona is currently in the phase of configuring the European consortium, with the planned participation of training centres, sectoral bodies, companies and leading international partners, with the aim of providing a common response to a shared challenge at European level.
These collaborative projects with different companies and players in the leather industry value chain around the world consolidate Leather Cluster Barcelona as an indispensable platform for the innovation, internationalisation and sustainability of the Catalan leather sector.
The leadership of the European project Leather Technician 5.0 is perfectly aligned with the three main strategic lines of the Leather Cluster Barcelona Master Plan for the 2025-2030 period: the cluster’s economic self-sufficiency, the building of European prestige and positioning, and the generation of real impact for member companies.
At Leather Cluster Barcelona, we will keep you informed about the project’s progress and the next steps. For any questions, contributions or interest in taking part in the project’s development, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Leather Cluster Barcelona is a competitive cooperation environment that promotes cross-cutting, transformative strategic projects aimed at driving the ecosystem of the Catalan leather sector within the framework of Shared Value policies. The cluster is an accredited entity within the Catalonia Clusters programme and is supported by <a href="https://www.accio.gencat.cat/ca/inici" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Acció</a>.

The project’s aim is to design and validate an innovative European training model for leather sector technicians. On 15 January,…

Leather Cluster Barcelona will submit the European project Leather Technician 5.0 to the Erasmus+ KA220 call

The new website, geared to members’ needs, will be more visual and functional
We are pleased to inform our members that we have begun work on the development and implementation of the new Leather Cluster Barcelona corporate website, a strategic project that aims to provide the cluster with a more dynamic, intuitive and user-friendly platform, aligned with current communication and service needs.
The new corporate digital platform of Leather Cluster Barcelona, designed to offer a better experience to all users, will be based on principles of usability and functionality, improving the visual appearance, design, clarity and accessibility of content.
The new website will feature a more attractive interface, with a more accessible content structure and simplified navigation on both desktop and mobile devices. It will retain the essence and identity of Leather Cluster Barcelona, but with a more dynamic, up-to-date design.
The new website aims to become a digital meeting point for the leather ecosystem, facilitating access to relevant information, cluster resources and the initiatives carried out both locally and at European level. It will also provide better visibility of activities, projects and opportunities for members.
As a notable new feature, the platform will incorporate an Intranet with a member area, designed to improve communication and transparency. This private space will make it possible to:
<ul>
<li>keep up to date with all the cluster’s events, sessions and activities,</li>
<li>follow ongoing projects and participation opportunities,</li>
<li>and strengthen more direct, agile and personalised communication with members.</li>
</ul>
This new digital tool aims to help improve the members’ experience, reinforce the sense of community and consolidate Leather Cluster Barcelona as a connecting and driving agent of the leather sector.
It will be a channel that acts as a new means of communication. We will keep you informed of the next steps and the launch schedule of the new platform.
Leather Cluster Barcelona is a competitive cooperation environment that promotes cross-cutting, transformative strategic projects aimed at driving the ecosystem of the Catalan leather sector within the framework of Shared Value policies. The cluster is an accredited entity within the Catalonia Clusters programme and is supported by <a href="https://www.accio.gencat.cat/ca/inici" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Acció</a>.

The new website, geared to members’ needs, will be more visual and functional. We are pleased to inform our members that we have…

Leather Cluster Barcelona launches the project for its new corporate website

The working session centred on how natural leather upholstery reads in European residential salons—shade stability under mixed daylight/tungsten rigs, oversized seat cushions intended for informal family layouts, and the quiet detailing that hides join lines on generously deep benches.Teams contrasted tactile reference boards against neutral flooring and leafy interior planting, stressing how captions in digital lookbooks track colour drift versus CAD swatches handed to installers.<figure class="CmsBodyFigure"><img src="/pic/spaces/space-01.jpg" width="1200" height="700" alt="Living room with muted leather sectional under balanced daylight and accent lamps" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Warm-toned lounges tuned for transitional residential lighting setups.</figcaption></figure><h2>Auxiliary pieces and restrained styling</h2>Lighter ancillary pieces—reading lights with padded collars, magazine ladders with stitched pulls—provided counterweight when clients already insist on commanding leather blocks as room anchors.<figure class="CmsBodyFigure"><img src="/pic/spaces/space-07.jpg" width="1200" height="700" alt="Double leather sofa grouping in bright interior planting context" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Open-plan lounges using paired upholstered volumes.</figcaption></figure>This article is illustrative only; contractual pricing and branded SKUs stayed off the agenda.

Architects and furniture partners compare specification language for tactile leather sofas and ancillary home pieces.

Architects and furniture partners compare specification language for tactile leather sofas.

Interior design spotlight │ LCB

Interior design spotlight: upholstered leather lounges and residential lighting palettes

Leather Cluster Barcelona brought together tanneries, finishing houses, laboratories, and brand-side contacts linked to the Catalan value chain. The programme mixed short inputs with open discussion, aiming to align language and priorities ahead of new joint work streams.Organisers stressed that competitiveness rests on demonstrable environmental performance—water and energy discipline, effluent quality after treatment—without compromising the hand and consistency expected from premium leather destined for footwear and leather goods.<figure class="CmsBodyFigure"><img src="/pic/leather/leather-07.jpg" width="1200" height="700" alt="Leather surface in finishing" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Samples shown during the practical segment of the meeting.</figcaption></figure><h2>From shared diagnosis to work tracks</h2>In the morning, technical leads outlined approaches already running on site: sampling protocols, batch records, and rules of thumb for capital decisions when upgrading hardware or adding partial recirculation.Cooperation with regulators and chemical suppliers came up repeatedly—not as box-ticking but as a way to reduce surprises in audits and to speak with one voice to international buyers.<figure class="CmsBodyFigure"><img src="/pic/people/people-09.jpg" width="1200" height="700" alt="Industry roundtable discussion" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Quality managers and cluster representatives in discussion.</figcaption></figure><h3>Indicative next steps</h3><ul><li>Produce an internal glossary of environmental descriptors, consistent across Catalan and Spanish reporting to partners.</li><li>Arrange cross-visits between plants interested in water-efficiency pilots while honouring existing contracts.</li><li>Keep an open channel with universities and technology centres already supporting laboratory trials.</li></ul><blockquote>“Traceability across the chain is how you answer brands that audit suppliers—not slogans on a slide.”</blockquote><figure class="CmsBodyFigure"><img src="/pic/leather/leather-52.jpg" width="1200" height="700" alt="Finished leather surfaces" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Finishes illustrating the diversity of the cluster’s industrial fabric.</figcaption></figure><h2>Closing note</h2>The wrap-up restated a simple theme: present the sector’s strengths more clearly abroad. No funding figures or binding timelines were announced; participants were asked to take conclusions back to their own governance bodies and stay in touch through the cluster’s usual channels.This article summarises the event for general information.

Tanners, finishers, and brand representatives met for working sessions on efficiency, quality, and export-facing traceability.

Cluster meeting in Igualada with tanners, brands and labs on traceability and water efficiency.

Cluster meeting in Igualada │ LCB

Igualada hosts Leather Cluster Barcelona on water, traceability, and the future of Catalan leather

Sessions compared how the Catalan chain presents itself to buyers who want consistent documentation, emphasising SME coordination and local government partnerships.<figure class="CmsBodyFigure"><img src="/pic/leather/leather-12.jpg" width="1200" height="700" alt="Industry representatives at EU forum" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Networking alongside European trade bodies.</figcaption></figure>No co-funded projects are announced in this update—the focus was exchange of practice.

Industry delegations joined discussions on procurement norms and consumer-facing transparency.

Industry delegations at EU forums discussing procurement criteria and transparency.

Cluster EU forum presence │ LCB

Cluster steps up engagement at EU forums on responsible fashion and materials

The trials follow agreed weight, colour, and strength targets on vegetable-tannage routes, pairing bench work with line visits to see how leather finishes downstream technical teams stress repeatability across lots and raw-material consistency—not just bench scores.<figure class="CmsBodyFigure"><img src="/img/img-pells3.jpg" width="1200" height="700" alt="Leather samples after bench trials" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Side-by-side panels after trial cycles.</figcaption></figure>Members will receive a closed briefing before deciding on phase two volumes.

University lab and two tanneries test plant-based recipes on partner-supplied cattle hides before any scale-up.

University lab and two tanneries test vegetable-tannage routes on production hides.

Vegetable-tannage trials │ LCB

Joint lab and plant trials advance vegetable-tannage recipes on production hides

The scheme covers credit-bearing placements and final projects tied to process efficiency, water quality, or leather characterisation. Each stint blends floor hours with university supervision and strict batch confidentiality.<figure class="CmsBodyFigure"><img src="/pic/leather/leather-11.jpg" width="1200" height="700" alt="Students and mentors in a university–industry briefing" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Orientation session with faculty and in-plant supervisors ahead of placements.</figcaption></figure>Host sites highlighted light automation, wash optimisation, and documentation as priority skill areas next to senior staff.

Engineering and chemistry students gain plant time with in-house mentors and academic oversight.

University agreement for placements and final projects in the leather sector.

University placements │ LCB

Universities sign placements and thesis tracks focused on tannery engineering

Across art history and furniture-making, leather has doubled as substrate and protagonist—surfaces that age honestly and volumes that organise daylight in a room. Today’s conversation is less about empty nostalgia than admitting a material that still sits comfortably beside painting, printed photography, and oiled timber.<figure class="CmsBodyFigure"><img src="/pic/leather/leather-20.jpg" width="1200" height="700" alt="Close-up leather surface showing artisan character" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Tactile hide as the bridge between workshop heritage and everyday creative rooms.</figcaption></figure>Recent fashion cycles have welcomed vintage silhouettes and retro references—heavy denim, bold eyewear, sculpted footwear—that mirror domestic moods: a patinated leather sofa, an analogue camera parked beside an armchair, and a worn hardback remind us there are rhythms slower than infinite scrolling.<figure class="CmsBodyFigure"><img src="/pic/spaces/space-06.jpg" width="1200" height="700" alt="Living corner with green walls, leather sofa, wooden tables, retro camera and old book" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>A curated salon vignette—leather upholstery, dark wood joinery, botanical greens—closer to a private gallery corner than a glossy showroom.</figcaption></figure><h2>Modernity with memory</h2>What reads as contemporary often mixes eras deliberately; leather bridges centuries—from painterly portraiture to today’s consciously retro wardrobes and interiors. Deep green plaster and sculpted timber accents underline craft continuity rather than disposable novelty.This piece is cultural commentary on how leather persists as both artefact and everyday backdrop.

A cluster-backed public showcase celebrating retro leather—from bench-made pieces to lived-in rooms.

Public showcase of vintage leather spanning craft, fashion and interiors backed by the cluster.

Vintage leather expo │ LCB

Leather Cluster Barcelona promotes a vintage leather expo spanning craft, fashion, and interiors

The pilot chains three partners on the same item, logging internal reference, date, lot state, and owner to cut phone tag and paper tickets when tracing a wash or finish step.Wider adoption hinges on existing ERP integrations; tooling never replaces human sign-off when specs change.<figure class="CmsBodyFigure"><img src="/pic/leather/leather-19.jpg" width="1200" height="700" alt="Lot tracking dashboard mock-up" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Shared tracker prototype with illustrative data.</figcaption></figure>

Three members test a minimum field set before any network-wide rollout.

Digital lot log pilot using a shared internal ID across three partners before wider rollout.

Digital lot pilot │ LCB

Digital lot log pilot lets partners share one internal ID across hand-offs

VET students and families toured short segments of production, from QC sheets to hand-off between washing and finishing while keeping traceability intact.<figure class="CmsBodyFigure"><img src="/pic/people/people-13.jpg" width="1200" height="700" alt="Skills demonstration" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Floor demonstration for visitors.</figcaption></figure>Hosts argued that recruiting means showcasing real plant technology as well as craft heritage. Visitor slots were staged to avoid disrupting in-flight batches, with time boxed for quieter Q&amp;A moments.Discussants outlined typical shift patterns, refresher training with chemical suppliers, and why language skills matter when export buyers audit from abroad.<h2>From a physical sample to floor skills</h2><figure class="CmsBodyFigure"><img src="/pic/leather/leather-16.jpg" width="1200" height="700" alt="Bench tools for crafting leathergoods" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Common leather-working tools laid out while hosts explain how small leathergoods are assembled from selected hides.</figcaption></figure>Floor mentors walked through knives, punches, hardware, and allied bench kit, tying each step to documented production before moving visitors into participatory demos.<h3>What participants took away</h3><ul><li>An outline of frequent entry routes (operations floor, QC laboratory, finishing logistics).</li><li>An honest framing of apprenticeship and school-to-work linkage without implying guaranteed placements.</li><li>Internal contacts for post-event questions on placements or hybrid programmes.</li></ul>

Hands-on demos introduce vocational pathways inside the cluster.

Open skills day with demos and short tours for VET students and families.

Open skills day │ LCB

Open skills day: students see beamhouse, finishing, and QC in action

Teams compared incoming buyer checklists, agreeing on longer physical retain samples and standard-light photography at critical finishing stations.<figure class="CmsBodyFigure"><img src="/pic/leather/leather-61.jpg" width="1200" height="700" alt="QC inspection under standard light" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Surface and shade review under agreed viewing conditions.</figcaption></figure>This memo is cluster-internal and does not replace third-party certification.

Members align retain policies and photo evidence with premium footwear and goods buyers.

Quality circle refreshes audit packs and sampling rules ahead of peak season.

Quality audit refresh │ LCB

Quality circle refreshes audit packs and sampling rules ahead of peak season

United for a Sustainable Leather Industry

Focused on research and innovation with new technologies for the leather sector, it develops projects aimed at producing premium eco-leather and improving the sustainability of tanning processes.

A3 Leather Innovation Center

A platform for cooperative competitiveness that promotes strategic and transformative projects to boost the Catalan leather sector's ecosystem, aligned with sustainability, circular economy, sustainable fashion, and shared value.

Leather Cluster Barcelona

A pioneering waste management company, Tradebe specializes in converting waste into valuable resources through innovative solutions, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.

Tradebe

Collaborative Network
IDR is part of a collaborative network involving universities, associations, municipalities, and specialized companies. Together, we carry out R&D projects and promote sustainability within the leather industry.

Who We Work With

As part of Leather Cluster Barcelona, IDR has continuously improved processes in the leather sector through an innovative biological treatment system that has significantly reduced the industry's environmental impact.

This collective effort drives a forward-thinking leather industry, firmly committed to efficiency and environmental responsibility, bringing value both to the production chain and the local community.

The Sustainable Revolution of the Leather Sector

Our founding members include leading companies from the leather sector, the Igualada City Council, and representatives from the textile and chemical industries, all committed to environmental sustainability.

Members

We aim to become an international benchmark in advanced industrial water treatment systems, leading the leather sector's transition toward a zero-impact circular water economy.

Our organizational structure is based on the active collaboration of our members through committees and working groups advising on traceability, technical development, and environmental impact. This ensures that every decision contributes to a more sustainable production cycle.

Thanks to this alliance, IDR has become a unique platform in Catalonia, dedicated both to treating wastewater from leather tanning processes and managing liquid industrial waste from other sectors.

After twenty years in operation, IDR has become one of the pioneering plants in Europe for industrial wastewater treatment and is now a reference point in the water industry. Over the years, it has treated wastewater from the tanning companies of Igualada affiliated with LCB, alongside other industries, and has been visited by sustainability professionals from over 30 different countries.

The Tanners' Treatment Plant

Projects Directory

Send us your proposal using the form below or by email.

Collaborations

Leather Cluster Barcelona external collaborations programme: alliances, joint projects, and organisations linked to the leather sector.

Collaborations │ LCB

Universities, research centres, industry companies, institutions, and other partners driving joint projects, innovation, or visibility for the leather sector in Catalonia and internationally.

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You can contact Leather Cluster Barcelona using the form below, by email, or by phone during business hours. Our offices are at Adoberia Bella.

Contact us

Map: Adoberia Bella, Carrer del Rec 21-23, Igualada

Get in touch with Leather Cluster Barcelona: address, phone, email, and contact form.

Contact │ LCB

Contact

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Documentation

Download Leather Cluster Barcelona documents: annual reports, guides, and sector materials.

Documentation │ LCB

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Igualadina de Depuració i Recuperació (IDR) is a corporate initiative led by Leather Cluster Barcelona (LCB), in collaboration with tanners from the Rec district of Igualada. It was founded with a clear mission: to treat wastewater from the leather sector and ensure a cleaner, more environmentally respectful water cycle.

Thanks to this alliance, IDR has become a unique platform in Catalonia, driven by a shared commitment: to promote a more sustainable leather industry.

Area 1

Area 2

Area 3

Area 4

Area 5

Area 6

Area 7

Area 8

IDR works across several areas to promote sustainability and innovation in the leather sector.

Our areas of activity

We lead R&D projects aimed at optimizing existing processes and implementing cutting-edge technologies that enable increasingly comprehensive and sustainable purification—moving toward a circular economy and zero-impact model.

Innovative Solutions for Emerging Environmental Challenges

We promote the development of alternatives to reintegrate purified water into the production process, contributing to a more circular system and optimizing the use of water resources.

Circular Economy

We are committed to reducing the ecological impact of the leather sector by treating wastewater from the leather transformation process using biological methods, minimizing its environmental footprint.

Environmental Sustainability

We apply advanced treatment processes to ensure the highest quality of purified water, protecting the environment through efficient water management at every stage of purification.

Water Quality

At IDR, we are dedicated to providing sustainable purification solutions, constantly innovating to embrace circular economy models and moving toward a more efficient and environmentally responsible industry.

Our Mission

News

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Subscribe to our newsletter

Our founding partners include leading companies from the leather industry, along with the City Council of Igualada and representatives from the textile and chemical sectors—all united by a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.

Partners

Featured Projects

IDR is the only authorized treatment plant in Catalonia specializing in the processing of non-hazardous industrial liquid waste.

We add value to Catalonia's industrial sector by offering specialized water purification services for external companies, using advanced technology and sustainable processes.