Save the Date: CICB Sustainability Forum 2026 to Take Place at Fimec, Debating Artificial Intelligence in the Leather Industry

Industry and Transformation with Artificial Intelligence is the central theme of the 2026 edition of the CICB Sustainability Forum. Recognized as the leading debate and knowledge event for Brazil’s leather industry, the Forum will take place on March 4, in the afternoon, during the Fimec trade fair, in Novo Hamburgo (RS), Brazil. Registration will open soon and will be free of charge. Simultaneous English–Portuguese translation will be available.

The Forum is organized by the Brazilian Leather project, a partnership between the Centre for the Brazilian Tanning Industry (CICB) and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil). Gold sponsors include Minerva Leather; Abrameq (with Bremm Peck, NBN, Michelon and BKS); Hidexe with Bauce; GER; and Muno. Silver sponsors include Viposa with Vancouros, Sincurt and Tecnpiel.
 

The Forum’s program will present practical examples of artificial intelligence applications across the leather supply chain, as well as content exploring how different technologies are shaping the transformation of operations and business management. The keynote address will be delivered by Rafael Martins, entitled Artificial Intelligence Taking Over the World. Rafael is an innovation and technology columnist for Grupo RBS and MIT Sloan Review Brasil, CEO of Share, and a guest professor at institutions such as the University of Coimbra (Lisbon), Mackenzie and ESPM.

Providing an update on the evolution of sustainability through new technologies and monitoring tools, Ricardo Andrade, advisor at CICB, will deliver the opening presentation of the Forum. From a specialized tannery-industry perspective, representatives of leading companies will share real-world cases of AI already applied in practice. Confirmed speakers include Ivens Domingos (Durlicouros), Cesare Dal Monte (GER) and Jo Gilet (Hidexe). The Forum will conclude with a final panel discussion addressing the use of artificial intelligence and the future of leather production.

Registration will be limited and announced through CICB’s communication channels. Participation in the Forum also requires registration for the Fimec trade fair, available at www.fimec.com.br.

Event Information

CICB Sustainability Forum 2026
Date: March 4 (Wednesday, second day of Fimec)
Location: Fenac Events Center, Novo Hamburgo (RS), during the Fimec trade fair
Forum registration: Free of charge – opening soon via CICB communication channels
Fimec registration: www.fimec.com.br

Program

Development and Evolution of Sustainability in Brazil’s Leather Supply Chain
Ricardo Andrade – CICB

Artificial Intelligence Taking Over the World
Rafael Martins – Share

AI-Based Digital Solutions for the Leather Industry
Jo Gilet – Hidexe

Impact of Technology Use on Durlicouros’ ESG Advancements
Ivens Teixeira Domingos – Durlicouros

Automation and Efficiency in Tannery Operations
Cesare Dal Monte – GER

About Brazilian Leather
A sectoral internationalization project for Brazilian leather, Brazilian Leather is led by the Centre for the Brazilian Tanning Industry (CICB) in partnership with ApexBrasil. The project encompasses a range of strategies to consolidate Brazilian leather in international markets, including support for tannery participation in major global trade fairs and business missions aimed at strengthening relationships between Brazilian suppliers and international buyers. More information at www.brazilianleather.com.br.

About ApexBrasil
The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) works to promote Brazilian products and services abroad and attract foreign investment to strategic sectors of the Brazilian economy. ApexBrasil carries out a wide range of trade promotion activities, including business and trade missions, business matchmaking rounds, support for Brazilian companies at major international trade fairs, and visits by foreign buyers and opinion leaders to Brazil’s productive sectors. The Agency also works in coordination with public and private stakeholders to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) focused on strategic sectors that enhance the competitiveness of Brazilian companies and the country as a whole.

About CICB
The Centre for the Brazilian Tanning Industry (CICB) represents companies producing leather in Brazil. Founded in 1957, CICB has worked continuously to promote the growth, qualification, strengthening and unity of the sector. Sustainability is the organization’s guiding principle, underpinning its actions in technology projects, professional training, dialogue with government authorities, trade promotion, advocacy, reputation building, image promotion, technical and design qualification, research and market intelligence. CICB also plays an institutional role, fostering dialogue across the production chain and coordinating working groups on Traceability and Communication with member companies nationwide.