The CTIC, Technology Center for the Leather Industry, and the Stazione Sperimentale per l’Industria delle Pelli e delle Materie Concianti (SSIP), Italy’s leading technological infrastructure supporting the leather industry, have signed a scientific and technological cooperation agreement aimed at developing joint activities in research, innovation, technology transfer, and training for the benefit of the European leather value chain. This agreement consolidates a history of collaboration between two leading European institutions and aims to promote joint initiatives in the fields of standardization, metrology, the development of testing methods, the circular economy, the recovery and valorization of industrial waste, as well as the dissemination of scientific and technological knowledge.
“This agreement strengthens SSIP’s international reach and consolidates our dialogue with one of Europe’s leading technology centers dedicated to the leather value chain. Together with CTIC, we intend to develop applied research projects, technology transfer activities, and training initiatives capable of generating tangible value for companies, while simultaneously contributing to the sustainability and innovation goals that the sector is called upon to pursue,” states Dr. Edoardo Imperiale, Director General of SSIP.
The agreement’s objectives also include joint participation in national and European research programs, the development of specialized training activities, the exchange of expertise, and the shared use of infrastructure and laboratories to accelerate innovation and competitiveness among companies in the sector. The agreement represents another step toward building a European applied research network for the tanning sector, capable of addressing the main challenges related to sustainability, the circularity of production processes, and the development of the technical skills required by the market.
“The collaboration with SSIP represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen European cooperation in the field of research and technological development for the tanning industry. We share a common vision focused on quality, innovation, and sustainability, and we are convinced that this alliance will enable the development of new knowledge and solutions that will benefit companies and the entire value chain,” concludes CTIC’s Director General, Ana Luis, Eng.