Asia International Conference on Leather Science and Technology (AICLST)

The Asia International Conference on Leather Science and Technology (AICLST) is one of the most prestigious and scientifically significant regional conferences in the leather industry. It is held biennially under the patronage of the International Union of Leather Technologists and Chemists Societies (IULTCS) and hosted by leading leather organizations across Asia and the Pacific.

🔹 Background and Objectives

Founded in 1992 in Chengdu, China, the AICLST was envisioned as a regional scientific forum to strengthen cooperation among Asian nations in the fields of leather science, chemistry, engineering, and sustainability. As Asia increasingly emerged as a hub for leather manufacturing, the need for a localized, high-level scientific platform became clear.

🎯 Key Objectives of AICLST

• Promote scientific and technological collaboration among Asian leather-producing countries.
• Encourage sustainable practices and clean technology in leather manufacturing.
• Provide a platform for R&D exchange, particularly focusing on the needs of developing countries.
• Facilitate interaction between industry leaders, researchers, policy-makers, and academia.
• Strengthen Asia’s contribution to global leather science and innovations.

📍 Host Countries and Past Editions

Over the years, AICLST has been hosted in several countries, each edition reflecting the dynamic evolution of leather science in the region.

Edition	Year	Location	Host Organizations
1st	1992	Chengdu, China	China Leather Industry Association
8th	2010	Kolkata, India	ILTA, CLRI, CLE, GCELT
9th	Mid-2000s	Taiwan	Taiwan Leather Industry Association (TILA), IULTCS
11th	2018	Xi’an, China	China Leather Industry Association, Shaanxi University
12th	2022	Queenstown, New Zealand	Leather and Footwear Research Association of New Zealand

8th AICLST – Kolkata, India (12–14 November 2010)

The 8th Asia International Conference on Leather Science and Technology was a major scientific milestone for India and the region. It was organized during the Silver Jubilee Year of the Indian Leather Technologists’ Association (ILTA) and marked a new chapter in India’s leadership in leather research and development.

👥 Organizers and Collaborators

The conference was:

• Jointly organized by:
  • Indian Leather Technologists’ Association (ILTA)
  • Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI)
• Technically assisted by:
  • Government College of Engineering and Leather Technology (GCELT), Kolkata
• In active association with:
  • Council for Leather Exports (CLE)

🏨 Venue

Hotel The Stadel, Salt Lake Stadium Complex, Kolkata

📌 Theme of the Conference

“Leather 2020: Challenges & Opportunities”
The conference addressed a forward-looking roadmap for the global leather industry, focusing on technological modernization, sustainable chemistry, emerging product domains, and strategic policy alignment for the decade ahead.

🗓️ Conference Schedule & Key Highlights

📍 11th November 2010

• IUE Commission Meeting held at GCELT, Kolkata.

📍 12th November 2010 – Day 1

• Registration opened at 8:00 AM, welcoming more than 250 delegates, including 41 international participants from:
  • Taiwan, China, Switzerland, Italy, UK, USA, Spain
• Registration kits included:
  • AICLST Conference Proceedings
  • November 2010 issue of JILTA
  • Synopsis of “Treatise on Fatliquors and Fatliquoring of Leather” by Samir Dasgupta
  • Full conference programme
  • Writing materials

🔷 Inaugural Session

• Inaugurated by: Dr. K. Bhattacharya, Director, Indian Association for Cultivation of Science
• Welcome address: Mr. Arnab Jha, President, ILTA
• Guest Addresses:
  • Dr. A. B. Mandal, Director, CLRI
  • Bi Shi, President, IULTCS
  • S. Rajamani, Chairman, IUE Commission
  • Ali Ahmed Khan, Executive Director, CLE
• Vote of thanks: Mr. Susanta Mallick, General Secretary, ILTA

Two major publications were released:

• AICLST Proceedings (2010) – by Bi Shi
• Book Synopsis – “Treatise on Fatliquors” – by Ali Ahmed Khan

🔹 Plenary & Technical Sessions

Date	Session	Topic	Chaired by	No. of Presentations
12 Nov	Plenary I	Leather Research – Role of CLRI	Prof. Dr. A. B. Mandal	–
12 Nov	Plenary II	Leather Industry – March to 2020	Dr. Ali Ahmed Khan	–
12 Nov	Technical I	Process Technologies: Opportunities	Dr. Elton Hurlow & Mr. Arnab Jha	7
12 Nov	Technical II	Chemicals: Challenges & Opportunities	Dr. Campbell Page & Dr. A. B. Mandal	8
13 Nov	Plenary	Seen Beyond the Horizon: A Challenge	Dr. T. Ramasami	–
13 Nov	Technical III	Collagen Stabilization: New Leads	Dr. T. Ramasami & Dr. T. Amos	8
13 Nov	Technical IV	Environmental Challenges: New Developments	Dr. Bi Shi & Mr. S. Ravi Kumar	8
13 Nov	Technical V	Leather Products: New Avenues	Dr. S. Rajamani & Mr. Ivan Kral	6
14 Nov	Technical VI	Human Resources & Management	Mr. Li Yu Zhong & Dr. Buddhadeb Chattopadhyay	5

A total of 80 poster presentations were displayed.

🎭 Evening Cultural Programme

• “Drums of India” by Bickram Ghosh and troupe
• Musical performance by DOHAR
• Followed by grand outdoor dinner at The Stadel Lawn

📍 13th November 2010 – Day 2

🔷 Plenary Session

• “Seen Beyond the Horizon: A Challenge” by T. Ramasami, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India

🔷 Technical Sessions

• Technical Session III – Collagen Stabilization: New Leads
  Chaired by Dr. T. Ramasami & Dr. T. Amos (Managing Director, Stahl India)
  → 8 presentations
• Technical Session IV – Environmental Challenges: New Developments
  Chaired by Dr. Bi Shi & Mr. S. Ravi Kumar (Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd.)
  → 8 presentations
• Technical Session V – Leather Products: New Avenues
  Chaired by Dr. S. Rajamani & Mr. Ivan Kral (UNIDO)
  → 6 presentations

🌊 Evening Dinner

Exclusive dinner for foreign delegates on a floating restaurant on the Ganges — hosted by sponsors.

📍 14th November 2010 – Day 3

🔷 Technical Session VI

• Human Resources and Management Opportunities
  Chaired by Mr. Li Yu Zhong (Vice Chairman, CLIA) and Dr. Buddhadeb Chattopadhyay (Principal, GCELT)
  → 5 presentations

🔷 Poster Pre  sentations

• 80 posters exhibited during the conference across multiple themes.

🏅 Awards Presented

• Best Overall Presentation: Miss Wenhua Zhang
• Best Poster Presentation: Miss A. Gomathi
• Best Young Scientist: Mr. R. Boopathy

🧩 Executive Session & Site Visits

• IULTCS Executive Committee Meeting held on 14th November at ILTA Office
• Post-conference Industry Visit:
  • Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP)
  • Freya Design Studio
  • Select tanneries at Kolkata Leather Complex, Bantala

💬 Conference Outcomes & Acknowledgements

The 8th AICLST successfully fulfilled its mission of connecting industry professionals, researchers, and global experts to shape the future of leather science. Based on feedback received, the event was highly appreciated for:

• Excellent technical content
• Seamless hospitality
• Robust organization
• Rich cultural experience

🙏 ILTA extends its heartfelt gratitude to:

• All Sponsors and Advertisers
• Eminent Speakers and Session Chairs
• Poster Presenters
• Delegates and Collaborators

This historic event stands as a proud milestone in ILTA’s Diamond Jubilee journey and India’s growing prominence in global leather science.