The LASRA® Consortium Project aims to construct a new, lightweight footwear, ovine (sheep), leather export platform supported by sustainable production systems for NZ ovine skins that will deliver greater revenues to farmers and skin processors within the country, counter market threats, and help sustain the NZ sheep industry. The goal is to generate additional export returns of $125 million per annum by 2017. The proposition is based on a transition from supplying the global garment leather market to supplying the more lucrative and more stable footwear market.
Our research into processing methods has focused on understanding and retaining the intrinsic strength of ovine skins, to make them competitive with bovine alternatives.
Check out the Manawatu Standard at http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/8872518/Sheepskin-gets-foothold-in-fashion