Mike Redwood
@mredwood.bsky.social
Retired Tanner. Columnist for International Leather Maker. Author of Gloves & Glovemaking. Supporter of Leather Naturally and of Yeovil Town (The Glovers) Trustee of the Leather Conservation Centre.
Leather is a material that makes certain problems visible.
In a slowing world, value will increasingly belong to things that can live with time rather than outrun it. Leather shows us what that looks like — if we are prepared to pay attention. internationalleathermaker.com/what-happene...
In a slowing world, value will increasingly belong to things that can live with time rather than outrun it. Leather shows us what that looks like — if we are prepared to pay attention. internationalleathermaker.com/what-happene...
What happened with leather in 2025 - International Leather Maker
Mike Redwood reflects on 2025, the peaks and challenges the leather industry has faced, as well as what might come from 2026. From footwear trends to persisting anti-leather arguments, he takes 2025's...
internationalleathermaker.com
December 24, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Leather is a material that makes certain problems visible.
In a slowing world, value will increasingly belong to things that can live with time rather than outrun it. Leather shows us what that looks like — if we are prepared to pay attention. internationalleathermaker.com/what-happene...
In a slowing world, value will increasingly belong to things that can live with time rather than outrun it. Leather shows us what that looks like — if we are prepared to pay attention. internationalleathermaker.com/what-happene...
If the EU wants to trade within well intentioned environmental rules the message could not be clearer: do not be stupid with them, only cover the minimum of items and time them so they can be sensibly managed by all parties and sizes of business. internationalleathermaker.com/the-eu-regul...
The EU regulatory roadblock - International Leather Maker
Mike Redwood reflects on the concept of a strong, united Europe, the historic success of EU initiatives in the leather industry, as well as what the current style of EU regulation means for the future...
internationalleathermaker.com
December 11, 2025 at 9:13 AM
If the EU wants to trade within well intentioned environmental rules the message could not be clearer: do not be stupid with them, only cover the minimum of items and time them so they can be sensibly managed by all parties and sizes of business. internationalleathermaker.com/the-eu-regul...
Over the next decades urbanisation & agriculture will change dramatically. Both overlap & both have big impacts on the leather industry. There is opportunity only if the industry seriously prepares & adjusts. More of the same is not going to work. internationalleathermaker.com/living-at-th...
Living at the intersection - International Leather Maker
Mike Redwood reflects on how urbanisation, climate change and shifts in agriculture reshape both rural and urban environments, with a focus on how the leather industry must reinvent itself to be a sol...
internationalleathermaker.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Over the next decades urbanisation & agriculture will change dramatically. Both overlap & both have big impacts on the leather industry. There is opportunity only if the industry seriously prepares & adjusts. More of the same is not going to work. internationalleathermaker.com/living-at-th...
The leather industry belongs in both “nature” & “craft” economies: it is not an artefact of the past but a model for a more sustainable future, where progress is measured not by speed or scale, but by care, stewardship & time well used. internationalleathermaker.com/ai-time-hori...
AI, time horizons and two economies - International Leather Maker
Mike Redwood argues for a return to long-term thinking through craft and nature economies—models rooted in regeneration, stewardship and balance between people, planet and progress.
internationalleathermaker.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:32 AM
The leather industry belongs in both “nature” & “craft” economies: it is not an artefact of the past but a model for a more sustainable future, where progress is measured not by speed or scale, but by care, stewardship & time well used. internationalleathermaker.com/ai-time-hori...
The Leather Manifesto for the COP30 meeting in Brazil needs to be read in full. The only negative is many national associations & individual tanners have not joined in & continue to maintain silo attitudes internationalleathermaker.com/skewed-by-na...
Skewed by narratives and numbers - International Leather Maker
Following the publication of a leather industry manifesto ahead of COP30, Mike Redwood examines how the leather industry is pushing back against misinformation, advocating for evidence-based sustainab...
internationalleathermaker.com
October 29, 2025 at 8:59 PM
The Leather Manifesto for the COP30 meeting in Brazil needs to be read in full. The only negative is many national associations & individual tanners have not joined in & continue to maintain silo attitudes internationalleathermaker.com/skewed-by-na...
Another misleading headline. Not a tannery. Not making leather at all. Synthetic leather is 100% plastic. www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6224540
Central Taiwan leather maker caught emitting excessive levels of air pollutants | Taiwan News | Oct. 21, 2025 14:45
Changhua factory exceeding toluene limits faces penalties | Oct. 21, 2025 14:45
www.taiwannews.com.tw
October 22, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Another misleading headline. Not a tannery. Not making leather at all. Synthetic leather is 100% plastic. www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6224540
Private Equity have a poor global reputation & now they are increasing their involvement with the leather industry. But so far they have worked well & are helping a fragmented industry consolidate & an introverted, research free, one widen its vision.
internationalleathermaker.com/changing-the...
internationalleathermaker.com/changing-the...
Changing the leather landscape - International Leather Maker
Mike Redwood discusses how private equity firms and luxury conglomerates are reshaping the global leather industry through consolidation, investment and modernisation, along with the significance of b...
internationalleathermaker.com
October 17, 2025 at 10:27 AM
Private Equity have a poor global reputation & now they are increasing their involvement with the leather industry. But so far they have worked well & are helping a fragmented industry consolidate & an introverted, research free, one widen its vision.
internationalleathermaker.com/changing-the...
internationalleathermaker.com/changing-the...
Leather that retains its natural character has qualities no plastic imitation can match. It breathes, flexes, moulds to the foot, & ages with dignity. The patina that develops speaks of continuity between the living animal & the life of the owner. internationalleathermaker.com/closer-to-na...
Closer to nature - International Leather Maker
Mike Redwood discusses how leather, rooted in farming and nature, embodies both craft and responsibility, arguing that its true value lies in preserving its natural character, cultural heritage and su...
internationalleathermaker.com
October 1, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Leather that retains its natural character has qualities no plastic imitation can match. It breathes, flexes, moulds to the foot, & ages with dignity. The patina that develops speaks of continuity between the living animal & the life of the owner. internationalleathermaker.com/closer-to-na...
is time for leather to partner with the new materials to engage in a true war against plastics and some great tanneries have started @heller_leder @isatantec @ModernMeadow
Itinternationalleathermaker.com/biomaterials...
Itinternationalleathermaker.com/biomaterials...
Biomaterials and leather in the battle against plastics - International Leather Maker
Mike Redwood reflects on the downfall of most plant-based “leather” and argues for genuine leather’s potential to replace plastics through partnership, durability and transparency.
internationalleathermaker.com
September 17, 2025 at 7:12 PM
is time for leather to partner with the new materials to engage in a true war against plastics and some great tanneries have started @heller_leder @isatantec @ModernMeadow
Itinternationalleathermaker.com/biomaterials...
Itinternationalleathermaker.com/biomaterials...
Great global background to one of my favourite leather fairs in a wonderful city (and the only one I’ve ever been expelled from). The figures show Europe’s battle against longterm decline and irrelevance
www.aclechina.com/acle-to-unit...
www.aclechina.com/acle-to-unit...
ACLE to Unite China’s Leather Industry - ACLE Leather Fair
3 September 2025 ACLE to Unite China’s Leather IndustryDespite Economic and Geopolitical Headwinds The 25th edition of ACLE takes place from 3–5 September 2025 at the New International Expo Centre (SN...
www.aclechina.com
September 4, 2025 at 8:37 AM
Great global background to one of my favourite leather fairs in a wonderful city (and the only one I’ve ever been expelled from). The figures show Europe’s battle against longterm decline and irrelevance
www.aclechina.com/acle-to-unit...
www.aclechina.com/acle-to-unit...
Leather needs new allies with tech skills, creativity & finance for a battle against pure plastics. Innovera from Litecosm, an ISA TanTec brand, using plant-based proteins, biopolymers & recycled rubber. @modernmeadow-innovera @isatantec
internationalleathermaker.com/the-future-c...
internationalleathermaker.com/the-future-c...
The future comes too fast, and in the wrong order - International Leather Maker
Mike Redwood examines how impacts from major global events are happening sooner than many people had predicted and how the global leather industry may be able to capitalize on it.
internationalleathermaker.com
August 26, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Leather needs new allies with tech skills, creativity & finance for a battle against pure plastics. Innovera from Litecosm, an ISA TanTec brand, using plant-based proteins, biopolymers & recycled rubber. @modernmeadow-innovera @isatantec
internationalleathermaker.com/the-future-c...
internationalleathermaker.com/the-future-c...
The toxicity of failing Geneva Plastic meeting, chaos of tariffs as revenue earning plus policy punishment the horrendous waste of hides & skins could offer target for 2035 to recirculate the waste back into leather. Should we build a ten year plan?
internationalleathermaker.com/circulating-...
internationalleathermaker.com/circulating-...
Circulating leather back to its proper place - International Leather Maker
Mike Redwood examines how rising U.S. tariffs, plastic pollution concerns and wasted hides could create a pivotal opportunity for the leather industry’s revival.
internationalleathermaker.com
August 13, 2025 at 3:04 PM
The toxicity of failing Geneva Plastic meeting, chaos of tariffs as revenue earning plus policy punishment the horrendous waste of hides & skins could offer target for 2035 to recirculate the waste back into leather. Should we build a ten year plan?
internationalleathermaker.com/circulating-...
internationalleathermaker.com/circulating-...
a growing consumer intolerance for plastic pollution must be exploited by leather and that leather must demonstrate the core leather qualities of authenticity, integrity, natural beauty and durability. internationalleathermaker.com/do-not-be-a-...
Do not be a science denier - International Leather Maker
In this ILM opinion piece, industry expert Mike Redwood reflects on the fact that leather should demonstrate the core leather qualities of authenticity, integrity, natural beauty and durability and av...
internationalleathermaker.com
August 1, 2025 at 4:34 PM
a growing consumer intolerance for plastic pollution must be exploited by leather and that leather must demonstrate the core leather qualities of authenticity, integrity, natural beauty and durability. internationalleathermaker.com/do-not-be-a-...
Tks for quoting my article. Without Scottish cattle the machair would die and another blow would be dealt to the curlew. Bad science has many dreadful consequences: one4leather.com/article/gett...
Getting the Balance Right: Why Methane Matters - One 4 Leather
Why leather remains the most sustainable choice for car interiors—when livestock emissions are counted correctly using GWP.
one4leather.com
July 23, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Tks for quoting my article. Without Scottish cattle the machair would die and another blow would be dealt to the curlew. Bad science has many dreadful consequences: one4leather.com/article/gett...
The Cologne ruling offers a new impetus & congratulations to those involved & must be a catalyst to ensure that leather is known everywhere as an animal-only material & aggressively address the leather industry’s own social & environmental deficiencies. internationalleathermaker.com/leather-or-n...
Leather or not? Why the Cologne ruling matters - International Leather Maker
In this opinion piece, industry expert Mike Redwood reflects on a German court ruling that protects leather labelling – and what it means for the material’s future.
internationalleathermaker.com
July 22, 2025 at 5:19 PM
The Cologne ruling offers a new impetus & congratulations to those involved & must be a catalyst to ensure that leather is known everywhere as an animal-only material & aggressively address the leather industry’s own social & environmental deficiencies. internationalleathermaker.com/leather-or-n...
Many tanneries from some of the newest micro tannery to the big industrial side leather units are already using some of the ideas gathered together here. To move forward a bigger narrative has to be built for leather’s wide complexity of audiences. internationalleathermaker.com/the-dangerou...
The dangerous binary of art and craft - International Leather Maker
In his latest comment, Mike Redwood explores how the colonial-era divide between art and craft still affects the leather industry – and how tanneries can reclaim their identity through authenticity.
internationalleathermaker.com
July 16, 2025 at 10:55 AM
Many tanneries from some of the newest micro tannery to the big industrial side leather units are already using some of the ideas gathered together here. To move forward a bigger narrative has to be built for leather’s wide complexity of audiences. internationalleathermaker.com/the-dangerou...
The business of gloves should still be relevant in advanced societies As a craft worthy of keeping and a business sector needed for defence and health: mike-redwood.com/we-are-at-a-...
“We are at a crossroads in history”
mike-redwood.com
July 16, 2025 at 9:47 AM
The business of gloves should still be relevant in advanced societies As a craft worthy of keeping and a business sector needed for defence and health: mike-redwood.com/we-are-at-a-...
With global supply chains being comprehensively re-assessed there is a window for leather to expand market share and get more of the unused hides and skins back to market. Serious product innovation +new narratives in marketing needed. internationalleathermaker.com/celebrating-...
Celebrating sporting leathers - International Leather Maker
Mike Redwood explores the decline of leather in sports and argues for its renewed relevance amid shifting market trends and sustainability debates.
internationalleathermaker.com
July 9, 2025 at 8:19 AM
With global supply chains being comprehensively re-assessed there is a window for leather to expand market share and get more of the unused hides and skins back to market. Serious product innovation +new narratives in marketing needed. internationalleathermaker.com/celebrating-...
Tanners & farmers need to ensure the value of livestock to the planet is fully understood. Sweep out old approaches that overestimate biogenic methane, ignore good soil, biodiversity, changing climate, true circularity & food security.
https:internationalleathermaker.com/counting-scottish-cattle/
https:internationalleathermaker.com/counting-scottish-cattle/
Counting Scottish cattle - International Leather Maker
In his latest comment, Mike Redwood explores Scotland's stance on livestock emissions and the global debate over how methane should be measured.
internationalleathermaker.com
June 25, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Tanners & farmers need to ensure the value of livestock to the planet is fully understood. Sweep out old approaches that overestimate biogenic methane, ignore good soil, biodiversity, changing climate, true circularity & food security.
https:internationalleathermaker.com/counting-scottish-cattle/
https:internationalleathermaker.com/counting-scottish-cattle/
With the help of good trade associations, working hard as demonstrated and present at the key moments, tanners should be able to get on with their main purpose: supplying consumers with simple, beautiful, long-lasting leathers they will cherish. internationalleathermaker.com/managing-unh...
Managing unhelpful complexity - International Leather Maker
Mike Redwood explains why trade associations are the backbone of the leather industry in a time of constantly evolving regulations and requirements.
internationalleathermaker.com
June 17, 2025 at 5:48 PM
With the help of good trade associations, working hard as demonstrated and present at the key moments, tanners should be able to get on with their main purpose: supplying consumers with simple, beautiful, long-lasting leathers they will cherish. internationalleathermaker.com/managing-unh...
A great event showing a way forward for leather. No one complained about plastic; it was the artisan that captivated the evening, and their increasing involvement with leather. “It mattered not that the port did not always travel to the left” internationalleathermaker.com/a-captivatin...
A captivating dinner in London - International Leather Maker
Mike Redwood celebrates the work of the Worshipful Company of Leathersellers, and the generation of young designers making the most of leather.
internationalleathermaker.com
June 12, 2025 at 11:27 AM
A great event showing a way forward for leather. No one complained about plastic; it was the artisan that captivated the evening, and their increasing involvement with leather. “It mattered not that the port did not always travel to the left” internationalleathermaker.com/a-captivatin...
Gives you hope: www.theguardian.com/books/2025/j...
‘A-posh-trophe’ joke wins London school pupils a posh trophy
Year 5 children’s punctuation pun scoops top prize in the Beano’s Britain’s Funniest Class competition
www.theguardian.com
June 11, 2025 at 7:22 AM
Gives you hope: www.theguardian.com/books/2025/j...
Forests (+the EUDR problem) will feature at #COP30 in Belem. If Brazil stops Amazon deforestation they can marry livestock & climate positives in degraded areas of the Cerrado. Properly managed livestock work well with longterm grassland & with trees.
internationalleathermaker.com/cop30-climat...
internationalleathermaker.com/cop30-climat...
COP30: Climate change and population adaptation - International Leather Maker
ILM columnist Mike Redwood explores the challenges of climate adaptation, urban design and leather’s role in a shifting world ahead of COP30 in Brazil.
internationalleathermaker.com
June 3, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Forests (+the EUDR problem) will feature at #COP30 in Belem. If Brazil stops Amazon deforestation they can marry livestock & climate positives in degraded areas of the Cerrado. Properly managed livestock work well with longterm grassland & with trees.
internationalleathermaker.com/cop30-climat...
internationalleathermaker.com/cop30-climat...