Royal Smit & Zoon welcomes the launch of the Global Leather Alliance (GLA), a new independent, global non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting, promoting and advancing the future of real leather. Created for the industry, by the industry, GLA was officially launched during the Lineapelle international leather exhibition in Milan on 15 September 2026. The Alliance will serve as a unified platform to help the global leather industry speak with one voice, coordinate outreach efforts, promote factual information about leather, support education and research, and strengthen confidence in one of the world’s most natural, durable and circular materials. The formation of the Alliance comes at a pivotal moment for the industry. As the leather industry faces challenges including declining consumer demand, misinformation about leather and increasing regulatory pressure, the GLA aims to provide a global platform through which the industry can work together, align priorities and communicate with a stronger collective voice. For Royal Smit & Zoon, collaboration has always been essential to driving meaningful progress. Whether advancing sustainability, fostering innovation or supporting customers throughout the leather value chain, the company firmly believes that the industry’s most significant opportunities and challenges can only be addressed collectively. Marc Smit, CEO of Royal Smit & Zoon “We are proud to support an initiative that brings our industry together around a shared mission,” said Marc Smit, CEO of Royal Smit & Zoon and Chair of the GLA Board of Directors. “The challenges facing our industry are greater than any one company, country or stakeholder can address alone. The Global Leather Alliance creates a platform for collaboration on a global scale and helps ensure that leather’s value and future can be communicated with one clear and credible voice.” Established as an independent organisation, the GLA is built around four core pillars: Unite, Fund, Empower and Protect. Through these principles, the Alliance aims to strengthen industry cooperation, increase resources for strategic initiatives, give members a direct voice in shaping priorities and safeguard the reputation and future of leather worldwide. Royal Smit & Zoon congratulates everyone involved in bringing this initiative to life and looks forward to contributing to the Alliance’s mission in the years ahead. Interesting for you Discover more news APLF Dubai: ILM Conference ‘Future Trends in a Post-COVID Leather Industry’ On March 29, Royal Smit & Zoon will host a conversation about 'Enabling positive change in the leather industry' during the half-day hybrid conference ‘Future trends in a post-Covid leather industry’ at APLF Dubai, co-organised by International Leather Maker and APLF. Royal Smit & Zoon rolls out Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) program for leather chemicals Leather chemicals manufacturer Royal Smit & Zoon has taken a significant step toward a more a sustainable leather value chain by implementing a long-term Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) program for its leather chemicals portfolio. Behind the scenes of Royal Smit & Zoon’s ESG Roadmap and reporting What is the process behind the ESG report and why is ESG so important? Aukje Berden, ESG Director of Royal Smit & Zoon, explains more about this topic. More news Go to all news articles Discover Stay informed Receive the latest company news and industry updates Subscribe to our newsletter Share this:
