Simac Tanning Tech 2025: technology, internationality and an eye on Africa

Despite the uncertain climate of global markets, Simac Tanning Tech is betting heavily on internationality, technological innovation and, this year, on Africa as a key continent. We talk about this with Agostino Apolito, General Manager of ASSOMAC, the Italian trade association that organises the event.

What will be the highlights of the 2025 edition of Simac Tanning Tech?

“We have chosen to focus on internationality and technological innovation. This year we want to further strengthen STT’s role as a global platform for innovation. We are planning in-depth seminars and targeted technology tracks, with a special focus on the first concrete applications of artificial intelligence. Memberships are already more than positive, despite the fact that the geopolitical climate continues to be complicated.”

How are geopolitical tensions, such as those between India and Pakistan or the Russian – Ukrainian war, affecting the shoe and leather goods technology market?

“The global geopolitical situation unfortunately represents a sword of Damocles for the whole sector. India and Pakistan are two key markets for us, and the recent tensions between these two countries create inevitable uncertainties. Moreover, the war between Ukraine and Russia continues to hold back investment, with direct repercussions for our companies, which produce capital goods. We need stability and visibility on the future in order to be able to invest with confidence.”

What are the most important challenges on which the sector must push?

“Africa has become strategic to beat Chinese competition. It is a tough challenge, but the interest is very strong, especially in the tanning and footwear sector. If we look at the numbers, the balance of production in Europe and Africa has been achieved: about 260 million pairs of shoes for each continent. For this reason, as ASSOMAC and STT, we are developing significant projects not only with Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt, but also with key countries such as Kenya, Senegal and Niger, aiming at the creation of structured and sustainable supply chains, capable of guaranteeing quality raw materials and therefore relying on Italian technologies.”

Are there already concrete activities underway on the continent?

“For sure. In Kenya, for example, we are working with the government to organise the cattle supply chain, which could potentially become one of the most important in the world. The Kenya-Mozambique region, if it were a single country, would be second only to a few countries in global cattle production. However, the quality of the hide is still low and needs major structural intervention. This is where ASSOMAC, UNPAC and UNIC come in, through targeted projects and field missions.”

Are there any other novelties in view for Simac Tanning Tech in September?

“Certainly, an important and interesting one dedicated to the world of metal accessories. In fact, we will integrate at the fair, as a pilot project, technologies for galvanic, gold-plating and bronzing of accessories, accompanied by innovative purification systems. This is a significant step forward that responds to a growing demand from the fashion market, which is increasingly attentive not only to the final quality of the product, but also to the environmental sustainability of the entire supply chain. And it responds to STT’s desire to expand its horizons and involve other production sectors in the offer.”

If he had to identify the main objective to be achieved with this edition of Simac Tanning Tech?

“To further strengthen the exhibition’s central position on the international scene and confirm Italy as a centre of excellence for technological innovation in the sector. We want to offer visitors a complete overview of the latest innovations, encouraging investments that can fuel stable and sustainable growth of the entire production sector.”

An ambitious challenge, therefore, that looks well beyond September, aiming to create an ever-deeper connection between innovation, the global market and sustainable development.