The Society was formed to encourage interest in all branches of the leather industry and it covers both the theoretical and practical interests of not only those involved in making leather but also the hide and skin trades, machinery, chemical and dye and finish manufacturers as well as allied industries such as effluent treatment. The interests of the Society cover chemistry of course but also physics, management, microscopy, bacteriology and engineering.

ORIGINS
The origins of the Society go back to 1897 when the first ever international conference of leather chemists was held in London and subsequently The International Association of Leather Trades Chemists (IALTC) was formed. 1902 saw the publication of "Collegium", the journal of the IALTC.

SLTC
The Society survived many changes brought about by the two World Wars and 1947 brought the creation of national societies (but with the creation of a coordinating body the International Union of Leather Trades Chemists Societies - IULTCS) and the Society took the name of The Society of Leather Trades Chemists comprising the main UK section plus the thriving South African and Australian Sections. The home section itself was made up of the Manchester (now northern Group), the Northampton Group and the West of England Group (now no longer active).The final name change to Society of Leather Technologists and Chemists came about in 1972 to reflect the changes in membership interest.

TEST METHODS
The Society is the originator of the "Official Methods of Analysis" which are in accord with ISO and CEN guidelines. These methods, which were the reason for that first meeting in 1897 are updated regularly with international approval and they remain the methods used to settle disputes about specifications. A new loose-leaf edition of the methods is now available, members are eligible to buy a copy at a discount price. Please visit our online shop for details.