Born out of the initiatives of the visionary Late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, under the scientific and Industrial Research, CLRI was established in 1953.

Since that time the Indian leather industry has recorded a phenomenal progress with 70% of leather made in the country being exported. There has been more than 60-fold increase in export earnings in the last five decades. In the Nation's march on the leather front, CLRI has played a significant and decisive role by serving as scientific apex body and training center. Many milestones have been crossed by the Indian leather industry and CLRI has remained an enabling force in the eventful journey.

This is the largest leather research laboratory in the world. The strength of its R&D inputs stems from more than 18 research groups comprising of about 640 personnel.

CLRI has achieved significant progress in the leather sector in both applied and basic research fields. It is no exaggeration to state that nearly 55% fat liquor production in the country is based on CLRI process technologies. Similar achievements can be quoted in the other fields explored by CLRI.

CLRI presently is headed by Dr T Ramasami

Research The complex chemical and physical processes involved in tanning continue to intrigue scientist seeking excellence in leather research. The molecular architecture of collagen, Ramachandran's triple helical structure of the protein, the fundamental and molecular level processes involved in tanning, the composition, constitution and structure of numerous tanning materials, the play of microbes as friend and foe and the ability of leather to form composites with synthetics through grafting have formed the basis of research contributions made by CLRI scientists.

Significant achievements of CLRI in the applied areas include a multi-purpose high exhaust chromium aluminum synthetic tanning agent, Alutan, an extraordinary soft binder with high cold cracker resistance, Acryl soft binder and Novotone process for leather upgradation.

CLRI pioneered the grafting of acrylics onto collagen and the technique now found applications ranging from density to tanning.

While leather holds its own as a material for footwear by virtue of its comfort, a bad sizing and design can mar all that leather can offer. CLRI has evolved new sizing systems for children and designed lasts based on scientific load distribution and kinematic studies. The special footwear needs of the physically handicapped are also studied in collaboration with medical specialists.

Design and development of tools and techniques and quality assurance in leather products industry are two major themes of CLRI's research on leather products.

Center for Leather Apparels - Accessories Development (CLAD)

Established with financial and technical support from NLDP and CSIR, CLAD offers following services:

• Fashion forecasting and styling.
• Leather garment and accessories design and development.
• Modular training programmes in leather goods and garments design and production.
• Short-term training programmes for executive & entrepreneurs.
• Technical and accreditation services for setting up new training-cum-production centers.