“With LWG Gold certification and an ESG-driven approach, we produce high-quality leather with socio-environmental compliance at every stage of the process, caring for the environment, people, and the planet.”
As Magazine Leather publishing, our interview with Mr. Evandro Durli, CEO of Brazilian tanning company DURLI LEATHER, about “LEATHER INDUSTRY and SUSTAINABILITY”:
Mr. Evandro Durli, first of all, can we get to know you and the Durli Leathers family?
Evandro Durli: In 1960, in the city of Erechim/RS, brothers Jandyr Sady, Olímpio, and Egídio Durli founded Durlicouros. Starting in an artisanal manner, the company faced many challenges, overcome with perseverance and hard work. In 1974, a new masonry pavilion was built, allowing for the production of Crust and Finished leathers. The growth was substantial, and in 1986, after being established as a national reference in Wet Blue leather, we began exporting to Asia and Europe.
With the new generation, Volnei Roberto Durli and Evandro Luís Durli, the company expanded its operations to the Midwest and North of Brazil, gaining an international client base. With around 1,500 employees, we continually invest in training, research, and innovation, as well as in modern and certified plants, combined with responsible environmental and social practices, ensuring production excellence. Today, we are proud that Durlicouros is synonymous with quality in the global leather market, with a presence in seven units within Brazil and two outside the country, in Paraguay and Mexico.
Does Durli Leathers produce in a way to cover all leather types? Does it also include exotic leather tanning?
For us, leather is a unique product that we handle with know-how and technology. We specialize in the production of wet blue, semi-finished, and finished leathers, ensuring high-quality standards from monitored origins to tracked delivery.
Today, we produce leathers from various origins, including South American countries such as Brazil and Uruguay, North American countries such as the United States and Mexico, and also Northern Europe, such as Germany. This diversity of origins allows our clients in the automotive, furniture, and footwear sectors worldwide to select leathers according to their characteristics for each specific purpose.
With the entry into force of the “Ecodesign Regulation for Sustainable Products” (ESPR) in the EU Parliament in Europe, do you have studies as Durli Leathers, as it concerns the entire leather industry? And what do you think about this issue?
Although we do not have anything specifically directed at ecodesign legislation, all of Durlicouros’ ESG and sustainability work is focused on pillars such as the responsible use of natural resources, including water and energy, with an emphasis on reducing consumption and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, thus contributing to addressing climate challenges. Additionally, we have innovative and forward-thinking efforts in terms of responsible sourcing, with full compliance of the leathers we acquire, following strict socio-environmental criteria.
As Durli Leathers, what would you like to say about the leather industry in the Brazilian market?
Brazilian leather is characterized by its strength, durability, sustainability, and competitive price. The history of Brazilian leather in the world is marked by innovation, quality, and sustainability. From its artisanal origins, Brazil has evolved to become one of the leading global players in the leather industry. Companies like ours exemplify this successful trajectory, combining tradition with advanced technology. With responsible practices and a continuous commitment to excellence, Brazilian leather has gained international recognition, which makes us proud.
What we want today is for Brazilian leather to not only enrich products with its durability and beauty but also to promote sustainable consumption, standing out as a reliable and smart choice in a competitive global market.
Do you participate in international fairs?
Absolutely, attending international trade fairs and congresses in our industry is crucial for our company’s relationship with the global market. It not only facilitates product and service sales but also allows us to exchange vital market information and sustainable practices. These events provide a platform for networking, showcasing our innovations, and staying updated on industry trends, which are essential for maintaining a competitive edge and fostering meaningful partnerships worldwide.
Durli Leathers What are your work on sustainability? In recent years, you have touched on a common traceability theme with farmers on the issue of deforestation, and we would like to get your comments on this issue.
We aim to become a reference in traceability within the leather industry, going beyond the individual identification of each piece and achieving traceability of indirect sources. This initiative reflects our pioneering spirit in the sector, demonstrating the company’s commitment to transparency, sustainability, and quality by ensuring responsible leather sourcing throughout our supply chain.
We have initiated a project in the state of Pará, developed in partnership with local slaughterhouses and collaborators, who have helped design a comprehensive protocol. Now, our goal is to expand this initiative to other units in different Brazilian states where we operate. This expansion will further strengthen our efforts to ensure the responsible origin of leather and uphold our commitment to sustainable practices across our operations.
It’s important to note that we hold LWG Gold Rated certification across all our production units, attesting to the quality and sustainability considerations in our operations. This certification underscores our commitment to sustainable practices and ensures that our activities meet rigorous environmental standards set by the Leather Working Group (LWG).
What would you like to say about Artificial Intelligence and technology in your tannery, automation and technologies?
AI has been entering primarily in classification and product sorting issues. We have been investing heavily in technology, research, and development to implement these artificial intelligence programs to obtain production information, indices, controls, and goals. All of this tends to make our workers’ lives easier over time.
This is a one-way path. Just like the ESG part, traceability, despite all the challenges we face, I believe it is a path that the industry has already understood it must take, and everyone has been trying to meet the demand.
As Durli Leathers family, what would you like to say to the leather industry in the face of vegan, petrochemical products and alternatives? (I asked this question to encourage sustainable leather)
At Durli, we are committed to responsible production. We strive to consistently set a standard of excellence in the leather industry. With LWG Gold certification and an ESG-driven approach, we produce high-quality leather with socio-environmental compliance at every stage of the process, caring for the environment, people, and the planet. It is essential that we play a role in building a more ethical, responsible, and environmentally conscious leather sector. The true sustainable leather is what we produce, part of a chain that addresses serious environmental issues, contrasting with the rampant use of plastic we have seen in recent years.
Do you have cooperation and activities with universities for international sector employees? (Regarding trained qualified personnel and qualified personnel)
What we do is send some of our employees for development and improvement in the leather industry, to tannery schools, where they undergo technical training aimed at advancing their skills in the workplace.
Finally, what would you like to say to people who are dedicated to the profession?
Our message is to maintain the perception that our work is highly important and completely aligned with sustainable responsible production trends.
We operate in a naturally recycling sector. Today, there is talk about circular economy and environmental social responsibility, principles that we already embody at our core. Durlicouros is a company committed to valuing and respecting the environment, using raw materials in a responsible manner that would otherwise be discarded and polluting, but now adds significant value throughout the entire supply chain.
Thank you for the information you have provided for Magazine Leather Publishing.
As Durli Leather family, we thank you and wish you success.
