Pages 56–62
Abstract
Research summary supplied by the authors
India is one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of processed leather, supported by a large livestock base and geographically concentrated tanning clusters. However, leather processing, particularly tanning and finishing, faces intensifying pressure from environmental regulation, buyer-led governance, and certification-driven market access requirements, most notably those of the Leather Working Group (LWG). These challenges are amplified by sector-specific constraints, including biological variability of raw hides, high water and chemical intensity, reliance on shared effluent treatment infrastructure, uneven technological maturity, and persistent skill gaps. This study develops an integrated Lean–Agile– Resilient–Responsible (LARR) framework tailored to the operational and institutional characteristics of leather processing value chains. Adopting a theorydriven conceptual synthesis supported by secondary industry evidence and certification protocols, the paper makes two contributions. First, it proposes a Digital-Integrated Leather Supply Chain Maturity Model (DIL-SCM) that situates digital adoption within progressive stages of process discipline, workforce capability development, traceability, and environmental control aligned with Industry 4.0 principles. Second, it introduces an Integrated Sustainable Leather Supply Chain Framework (ISLSCF) that links sourcing integrity, green chemistry, resource efficiency, labour welfare, leadership capability, and ESG governance. By synthesizing academic literature, LWG audit protocols, and documented industry practices, the study demonstrates how digitalization, workforce development, and responsible process design jointly reinforce lean efficiency, operational agility, compliance reliability, and systemic resilience. Responsibility is positioned not merely as a compliance cost, but as a dynamic organizational capability rooted in leadership commitment, skills development, and social stewardship, underpinning market access, stakeholder trust, and long-term competitiveness. The convergence of Industry 4.0 and emerging Industry 5.0 principles is thus shown to provide a viable pathway for transforming India’s leather sector toward sustainable global integration.