German Leather Federation
(VDL)

We give a voice to our members in the leather manufacturing and related sectors and to their economic and political interests.

Home2026-07-09T14:49:16+02:00

Our Members

The members of the German Leather Federation are natural persons and legal entities of domestic and foreign companies, especially tanneries and industries.

Newsletter

We hope to provide interesting and entertaining information on all aspects of leather. This information also aims to reach people who are not familiar with the leather industry. The newsletters are written by the member associations of our umbrella organization COTANCE and are published about eight times a year in different languages. We are delighted if you like them and will be even happier if you share them. You are also welcome to send us any suggestions.

News

Eight years on, Savar’s CETP remains a problem

15. July 2026|

(La Conceria/mk) Incomplete, undersized and a source of difficulties on every level. The relocation of Bangladesh’s tanneries from the ageing and heavily polluting district of Hazaribagh to the supposedly more modern and efficient industrial zone of Savar has long been a[read more]

Timeline Update for the LWG Sustainability System

15. July 2026|

(LWG/mk) Following a detailed review of project timelines and processes, together with the feedback received through public consultation LWG has taken the decision to extend the period of assessment and evaluation as they transition from the current Protocols to the[read more]

ECHA: Restrictions on Hazardous Substances in Products

15. July 2026|

(BDI AK Stoffpolitik/mk) Within the European Chemicals Agency’s Enforcement Forum, national authorities coordinate the priority areas for their inspectors regarding chemicals legislation. As part of the upcoming enforcement project (REF-16), inspectors will check whether products or mixtures placed on the[read more]

Leather in daily life

You have seen a leather article that was unusual, surprising, eye-catching, that you would not have expected at this point, or ‘leather’ that is imitation leather.
Send us the picture/video, give us the right to publish it, and we will put it on this page.

Videos

LEATHER NATURALLY – Join Leather Naturally as a new member

LEATHER NATURALLY – An exploration of modern leather manufacturing and its position as a responsible employer and producer of a sustainable, long lasting material.

FILK FREIBERGER LEATHER DAYS 2023 –
Wilhelm Windisch: What would a world without farm animals look like?
(Slides english, speech german)

Competences

Information on some of our activities can be found here:

We act in the common interests of the leather industry. This involves economic and political interests, the exchange of opinions and information with other professional associations, information for members, community promotion of leather and prosecution of unfair competition, promotion of education and training, scientific and practical research. We do not pursue any economic business or political goals.

Leather knowledge

Information – everything you want to know about it – manufacturing, terminology, regulations, standards etc.

Sustainability

This is a term that is now used very generally. The creator of the term is Hans Carl von Carlowitz, who demanded in his Sylvicultura oeconomica in 1713 that nature and its raw materials be treated with respect and care and that only as much wood be taken from the forest as would grow back again. Leather is a natural renewable resource that is only available in quantities that are related to the number of animals that are slaughtered or hunted.

Animal Welfare

Only a healthy farm animal that is well treated and comfortable has a hide, a skin, that the consumer will want to buy after the animal has been slaughtered and the hide has been processed into leather by the tanner.

Education and training

To offer people an attractive profession. To help people advance in their careers. To open up opportunities for people to find their vocation in the leather sector. Medium-sized family businesses are a good basis for this.

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