Intertek, a leading international provider of quality and safety solutions, participated in the India International Leather Fair 2011, which was held from 31st, January 2011 to 3rd February, 2011 at Chennai Trade Centre, Nandabakkam, Chennai. This fair was organised by the India Trade Promotion Organization, a leading nodal agency of the Government of India for promoting the country’s external trade.
The India International Leather Fair is a one-of-a-kind expo that brings together the leather industry leaders to encourage new developments and advancements, enable the industry to assess the new global challenges and prepare to compete with the best in the world. The event aimed to showcase the latest technologies, designs, fashion trends and processes involved in the manufacturing of leather related products from raw material to finished products. It also focused on auxiliary products such as finished leather; shoes; shoe components - uppers, soles, heels, counters, lasts; leather garments, fashion accessories, leather goods - wallets, belts, gloves, portfolios, hand bags; saddlery and harness; machinery and equipment and chemicals.
“It was a matter of great pleasure to participate in the India International Leather Fair 2011 as it provided the opportunity to collaborate with manufacturers, suppliers, traders and designers from across the country to exchange ideas and business opportunities in the field of leather and footwear products,” says Mr. Rajesh Saigal, Managing Director, Intertek India.
“Leather goods, including clothing, belts, footwear, fashion accessories and small goods are not only high value items, but are also highly variable in terms of species, types of leather, dyeing / colour, chemicals employed in finishing and microbiological activity. Intertek has unparalleled expertise in identifying the species and the chemicals used in dyeing and finishing, ensuring that the products meet all the quality requirements. Our participation in the fair gave us a platform to emphasize the importance of quality testing of leather goods” says Mr. Dilip Gianchandani, Regional Director, Consumer Goods-Intertek.
It has been determined that Chromium (VI), certain azo colorants, formaldehyde and pentachlorophenol are harmful substances that may be found in leather. Intertek uses advanced technology and analytical equipment to determine low levels of these chemicals, which can cause health problems to consumers and/or pollute the environment.