Recently, Durli Leathers was featured in the international magazine Magazine Leather, where our CEO, Evandro Durli, discussed the company's growth trajectory and ongoing efforts in sustainability, technological innovation and its reference in leather traceability.
The interview covers topics such as sustainability, technological advances and the importance of traceability in leather production. Read below a summary of the original article published in Magazine Leather on July 16, 2024, and find out how Durli Leathers is positioning itself as a global benchmark in the sector.
"With LWG Gold certification and an ESG approach, we produce high-quality leather with social and environmental compliance at every stage of the process, taking care of the environment, people and the planet." Evandro Luis Durli
As published in Magazine Leather, the interview with Evandro Durli, CEO of the Brazilian tanning company DURLICOUROS, on "THE LEATHER INDUSTRY AND SUSTAINABILITY":
Evandro Durli, first of all, can we get to know you and the Durli family?
Evandro Durli: In 1960, in the city of Erechim/RS, the brothers Jandyr Sady, Olímpio and Egídio Durli founded Durli Leathers. Starting out as a small business, the company faced many challenges, which it overcame with perseverance and hard work. In 1974, a new brick pavilion was built, allowing for the production of Crust and Finished leathers. Growth was substantial and, in 1986, after consolidating its position as a national benchmark in Wet Blue leather, we began exporting to Asia and Europe.
Com a nova geração, Volnei Roberto Durli e Evandro Luís Durli, a empresa expandiu suas operações para o Centro-Oeste e Norte do Brasil, ganhando uma base de clientes internacional. Com cerca de 1.500 funcionários, investimos continuamente em treinamento, pesquisa e inovação, além de plantas modernas e certificadas, combinadas com práticas ambientais e sociais responsáveis, garantindo a excelência da produção. Hoje, nos sentimos honrados de que a Durlicouros seja sinônimo de qualidade no mercado global de couro, com suas oito unidades no Brasil e duas no exterior, situadas no Paraguai e no México.<br>
Does Durli Leathers produce to cover all types of leather? Does this also include the tanning of exotic leathers?
For us, leather is a unique product that we handle with knowledge and technology. We specialize in the production of wet blue, semi-finished and finished leathers, guaranteeing high quality standards from monitored origins to tracked delivery.
We currently produce leathers from a wide range of origins, including South American countries such as Brazil and Uruguay, North American countries such as the United States and Mexico, and Northern European countries such as Germany. This diversity of origins allows our customers in the automotive, furniture and footwear sectors around the world to select leathers according to their characteristics for each specific purpose.
With the entry into force of the "Ecodesign Regulation for Sustainable Products" (ESPR) in the EU Parliament in Europe, do you have any studies on Durli Leathers on how this affects the entire leather industry? And what do you think about it?
Although we don't have anything specifically geared towards eco-design legislation, all of Durli Leathers 's ESG and sustainability work is focused on pillars such as the responsible use of natural resources, including water and energy, with an emphasis on reducing consumption and cutting greenhouse gas emissions, thus helping to tackle climate challenges. In addition, we have innovative and visionary efforts in terms of responsible sourcing, with full compliance of the leathers we purchase, following strict socio-environmental criteria.
As Durli Leathers, what would you like to say about the leather industry in the Brazilian market?
Brazilian leather is characterized by its resistance, durability, sustainability and competitive price. The history of Brazilian leather in the world is marked by innovation, quality and sustainability. From its artisanal origins, Brazil has evolved to become one of the main global players in the leather industry. Companies like ours exemplify this trajectory of success, combining tradition with advanced technology. With responsible practices and an ongoing commitment to excellence, Brazilian leather has gained international recognition, which we are honored to see.
What we want today is for Brazilian leather not only to enrich products with its durability and beauty, but also to promote sustainable consumption, standing out as a reliable and intelligent choice in a competitive global market.
Do you participate in international fairs?
Absolutely, attending trade fairs and international congresses in our industry is crucial to our company's relationship with the global market. This not only facilitates the sale of products and services, but also allows us to exchange vital market information and sustainable practices. These events provide a platform for networking, presenting our innovations and keeping up to date with industry trends, essential for maintaining a competitive edge and fostering meaningful partnerships around the world.
Durli LeathersWhat is your work on sustainability? In recent years, you have addressed a common theme of traceability with farmers on the issue of deforestation and we would like to know your comments on this subject.
Our goal is to become a benchmark in traceability in the leather industry, going beyond the individual identification of each piece and achieving traceability of indirect sources. This initiative reflects our pioneering spirit in the sector, demonstrating the company's commitment to transparency, sustainability and quality, guaranteeing the responsible origin of leather throughout our supply chain.
We started a project in the state of Pará, developed in partnership with local slaughterhouses and collaborators, who helped to create a comprehensive protocol. Now, our goal is to expand this initiative to other units in different Brazilian states where we operate. This expansion will further strengthen our efforts to ensure the responsible sourcing of leather and maintain our commitment to sustainable practices throughout our operations.
It is important to note that we have LWG Gold certification in all our production units, attesting to the quality and sustainability considerations in our operations. This certification underscores our commitment to sustainable practices and ensures that our activities meet the strict environmental standards set by the Leather Working Group (LWG).
What would you like to say about Artificial Intelligence and technology in tanning, automation and technologies?
AI has been introduced mainly in matters of product classification and sorting. We have invested heavily in technology, research and development to implement these artificial intelligence programs in order to obtain production information, indexes, controls and targets. All of this tends to make life easier for our workers over time.
This is a path of no return. Just like the ESG part, traceability, despite all the challenges we face, I believe it is a path that the industry has already understood it must follow, and everyone has been trying to meet this demand.
As a family Durli Leathers, what would you like to say to the leather industry in the face of vegan, petrochemical and alternative products?
At Durli, we are committed to responsible production. We strive to consistently set a standard of excellence in the leather industry. With LWG Gold certification and an ESG-oriented approach, we produce high-quality leather with social and environmental compliance at every stage of the process, taking care of the environment, people and the planet. It is essential that we play a role in building a more ethical, responsible and environmentally conscious leather sector. True sustainable leather is what we produce, part of a chain that addresses serious environmental issues, in contrast to the rampant use of plastic we have seen in recent years.
Do you have cooperation and activities with universities for employees in the international sector? (Referring to qualified and trained personnel)
What we do is send some of our employees for development and upskilling in the leather industry, to tannery schools, where they undergo technical training aimed at advancing their skills in the workplace.
Finally, what would you like to say to the people who dedicate themselves to the profession?
Our message is to maintain the perception that our work is highly important and completely in line with responsible and sustainable production trends.
We operate in a naturally recyclable sector. Today, there is talk of the circular economy and social and environmental responsibility, principles that we have already incorporated into our core. Durli Leathers is a company committed to valuing and respecting the environment, using raw materials responsibly that would otherwise be discarded and polluting, but now add significant value throughout the supply chain.
For more details, see the original article.
To find out more about full and individual traceability at Durli Leathers , visit our traceability page.