Sustainable Leather And Leather Product Research Center

Research Center Profile

Sustainable Leather And Leather Product Research Center Of
Ethiopian Institute Of Textile And Fashion Technology (EiTEX), Bahir Dar University

(Sl2prc-Eitex)

Prepared By:

Sustainable Leather and Leather Product Research Center
EiTEX, Bahir Dar University (SL2PRC-EiTEX),

Bahir Dar Ethiopia

Sustainable Leather and Leather Product Research Center (SL2PRC)

Apparel Faculty, Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology, Bahir Dar University

About Center

The Sustainable Leather and Leather Product Research Center (SL2PRC) is a leading hub for research, innovation, and knowledge transfer in sustainable leather manufacturing and indigenous leather product development. Our mission is to bridge traditional craftsmanship with modern science and eco-friendly technologies, ensuring the leather industry evolves toward environmental responsibility, cultural preservation, and global competitiveness.

We take pride in being the driving force behind innovative research that supports the sustainable growth of Ethiopia’s leather sector, while promoting indigenous knowledge systems and advancing international best practices.

Research Center Structure

Our research center has built two dedicated research teams, each contributing unique expertise:

1. Environmental Sustainability & Waste Management Research Team

¨ Focuses on eco-design, sustainable sourcing, cleaner production technologies, waste minimization, and circular economy practices in leather industry.

¨ Develops advanced testing methods and environmentally friendly materials for the global leather market.

2. Indigenous Leather Product Research Team

¨ Specializes in Ethiopian traditional leather arts, crafts, and heritage-based product innovation.

¨ Integrates indigenous designs with modern product development to create high-value goods for local and export markets.

Facilities & Laboratories

The SL2PRC is equipped with state-of-the-art research and training facilities, including:

¨ Eco-Design & Product Innovation Lab: Develops environmentally friendly leather products using sustainable materials and creative design approaches.

¨ Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Laboratory: Uses specialized software to design and visualize leather products before production.

¨ Leather Product Construction Lab: Focuses on assembling and crafting leather goods, from prototypes to finished products.

¨ Footwear Design Laboratory: Specializes in designing and modeling footwear styles for various markets.

¨ Leather Physical Testing Laboratory: Tests leather quality, strength, flexibility, and durability according to industry standards.

¨ Pattern-Making & Cutting Laboratory: Creates precise product patterns and prepares leather components for production.

¨ Sustainable Leather Materials Unit: Researches and develops eco-friendly leather and alternative sustainable materials.

¨ Ethiopian Indigenous Arts & Handcraft Studio: Preserves and integrates traditional Ethiopian leather artistry into modern products.

¨ Footwear Testing Laboratory: Evaluates footwear performance, comfort, and safety under different conditions.

These facilities serve both academic research and industry collaboration, enabling prototype development, material testing, and skill enhancement training.

Key Achievements

¨ Successfully hosted the 1st National Conference on Sustainable Leather Manufacturing and Innovation (SLMI) on July 29, 2025, in collaboration with African Leather and Leather Product Institute, bringing together researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and international partners.

¨ Developed research projects integrating biotechnology, eco-friendly leather processing agents, and renewable material sources.

¨ Launched collaborations with local artisans to revitalize Ethiopian leather heritage while improving quality and market reach.

Why SL2PRC is Unique

Interdisciplinary Expertise: A team combining leather technology, industrial engineering, fashion design, and indigenous craftsmanship.

¨ Industry-Relevant Research: Direct engagement with Ethiopia’s leather and footwear sector.

¨ Global Perspective: Alignment with international sustainability standards and accreditation frameworks.

¨ Cultural Preservation: Reviving and promoting Ethiopia’s rich indigenous leather heritage for global recognition.

Research team

S/No	Full Name	Research Center
1	Alehegn Atalay	SL2PRC
2	Fetya Hayredin	SL2PRC
3	Lioul Getachewu	SL2PRC
4	Girmawu Yeshambel	SL2PRC
5	Seid Ahmed	SL2PRC
6	Megabi Adane	SL2PRC
7	Shiferawu Asmamawu	SL2PRC
8	Serkalem Abinew	SL2PRC
9	Birhanu Tegegn	SL2PRC
10	Kelemework Admasu	SL2PRC
11	Prof Karthikeyan Rajan	SL2PRC
12	Eldana Bizuneh	SL2PRC
13	Ketema Alemu	SL2PRC
14	Fitsum Etefa	SL2PRC
15	Eldana Bizuneh	SL2PRC
16	Biniyam Solomon	SL2PRC
17	Zerihun Teshome	SL2PRC

Looking Forward

The Sustainable Leather and Leather Product Research Center (SL2PRC) is committed to advancing research capacity through state-of-the-art laboratories, skilled researchers, and innovative projects that address the challenges of eco-friendly leather manufacturing and indigenous product development. By fostering strong national and international partnerships and delivering evidence-based solutions, the center aims to enhance environmental sustainability, improve product quality, and boost Ethiopia’s global competitiveness. At the same time, SL2PRC is dedicated to preserving and modernizing Ethiopia’s rich leather heritage, integrating traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge design and technology. Guide the vision, the center strives to position Ethiopia as a recognized leader in sustainable leather production and heritage-based leather product innovation.

Sustainable Leather and Leather Product Research Center (SL2PRC) Coordinator

Ketema Alemu Babo (Ph.D. Candidate)