Advances in Production Engineering & Management
Volume 19 | Number 2 | June 2024 | pp 239–252
https://doi.org/10.14743/apem2024.2.504
Current state and production characteristics of the Polish tanning industry: A case study
Bielak, E.; Zakrzewska, M.
ABSTRACT AND REFERENCES (PDF) |
FULL ARTICLE TEXT (PDF)
A B S T R A C T
This article presents the results of a study on the current state and evaluation of the Polish tanning industry, focusing on its production characteristics. The research sample included 220 companies that were contacted to gather information about their operations. Some of these companies have been suspended, liquidated, or have changed their business profiles. Approximately 30 % confirmed that they are still active in leather manufacturing, indicating that the Polish tanning industry is experiencing a process of deindustrialization. Surveys conducted in 20 companies revealed that Polish tanneries operate on national, European, and global scales. Most of them are micro or small enterprises with annual revenues of up to PLN 5 million. The primary factor defining their competitiveness is the high quality of the products and services they offer. They mainly process calfskin and cowhides sourced from Poland and abroad, primarily for the footwear sector. Polish tanneries are aware of global trends, including the industry's shift towards ecological practices, the adoption of modern technologies, and the introduction of innovations. Given the current challenges facing the Polish tanning industry, it is essential to take action to improve the health of this sector of the economy.
A R T I C L E I N F O
Keywords • Polish tanning industry; Leather manufacturing; Micro and small enterprises; Ecological transformation; Deindustrialization; Competitiveness; Product quality; Survey
Corresponding author • Bielak, E.
Article history • Received 22 May 2024, Revised 5 July 2024, Accepted 13 July 2024
Published on-line • 29 August 2024
E X P O R T C I T A T I O N
» RIS format (EndNote, ProCite, RefWorks, and most other reference management software)
» BibTeX (JabRef, BibDesk, and other BibTeX-specific software)
» Plain text