Milan is the official ambassador for Italy’s leather industry. In its capacity as a fashion capital, the city amplifies the visibility of leather manufacturers, designers and fashion houses. For the leather industry in particular, tanneries have the best chances to sell their wares internationally at Lineapelle, which is one of the most significant international trade shows for leather, fabrics, and accessories. Tanneries have no other platform quite as big as this, as the last September edition of Lineapelle hosted over 1,250 exhibitors from 43 countries. Sustainability was a central theme, highlighting the leather industry’s ongoing efforts to minimise its ecological footprint and embrace ethical practices. Italian tanneries, which produce approximately a quarter of the world’s leather by value, are leading the way in implementing eco-friendly practices. Gruppo Dani, a family-owned tannery established in 1950 in Veneto, is one of many Italian companies pursuing sustainability. The tannery processes raw cattle and sheep hides, byproducts of the meat industry, repurposing them for apparel, footwear, automotive interiors, and smart devices. By transforming what would otherwise be waste into valuable materials, Gruppo Dani exemplifies a circular approach to leather production. Sustainability in Italian tanneries hinges on supply chain transparency, which is overseen by certifications like the Institute of Quality Certification for the Leather Sector (ICEC). This certification ensures that tanneries provide full traceability, detailing everything from the country of origin of hides to the specific farms involved. Such measures not only guarantee the ethical sourcing of raw materials but also reinforce Italy’s reputation for quality and accountability in the leather sector. While traditional leather remains a core product, players in Milan’s leather industry experiment with groundbreaking materials. For example, leather made from mushroom roots, also known as mycelium, is gaining traction as a viable substitute for animal-based leather.