Organisers of the tannery, footwear and finished leather goods machinery show, which was held February 19-21 at Fiera Milano Rho, said it closed with excellent attendance figures which “exceeded expectations”, despite uncertainty prior to the fair caused by repercussions of the coronavirus outbreak and a lack of representatives from the Far East.

Simac Tanning Tech concluded with positive results, particularly with regard to the quality of attendants and demand, confirming the event’s role as a key platform for production systems in the footwear, leather goods and tanning industries. “We’re very happy with this edition’s results,” said Gabriella Marchioni Bocca, President of the National Association of Italian Manufacturers of Footwear, Leathergoods and Tanning Technologies (Assomac), the organiser of the show, “especially in view of the circumstances and the current economic trends and global medical emergency. We registered good attendance from all markets, with the understandable exception of China. Interest in sustainable innovations and solutions and the fact that the event was held simultaneously with Lineapelle, Micam and Mipel represented a strong draw for the industry”.

A major focus of the latest technological innovations presented at Simac Tanning Tec was on sustainability in all its ethical, social and environmental implications, with 324 exhibitors from 25 countries having showcased their latest product launches at the show. “It has become essential for companies working in our field to commit to sustainability,” said Marchioni Bocca. “This is what the market demands, for companies need sustainable technologies to limit their water and energy consumption and CO2 emissions, and it is part of our social responsibility as entrepreneurs and citizens of the world”.The trade fair also offered an opportunity to sample the future of manufacturing in the Innovation Corner, a project developed by ITA Agency in collaboration with Assomac, showcasing the most innovative proposals for integration of Industry 4.0 solutions.

From ILM