![Fig. 3 Territorial location of the tanneries that took part in the study (Source: Own elaboration using Bing © GeoNames, Microsoft, TomTom) When characterising the geographical range of their activities, only 5 % of the tanneries indicated a local range (village/town area), while 15 % a regional range (voivodship area). The companies in question mainly operate nationally and internationally within Europe (45 % and 35 % respectively), with a select few (about 1/3) also indicating a global reach. Seven of the 20 (35 %) tanneries that participated in the study are micro-enterprises with less than 10 employees. The largest number, i.e. 9 (45 %), are small enterprises employing between 10 and 49 people. 15 % of those surveyed (3 companies), with a workforce of 50-249, are classified as medium-sized enterprises. One of the tanneries surveyed is a large company with more than 250 employees. This confirms the information contained in the Social & Environmental Report 2020: The European Leather Industry [1], according to which European tanneries are mainly small and medium-sized enterprises, but also large companies with an international reach. Taking into consideration the average annual net turnover of the last 10 years, in the case of 6 (30 %) tanneries it was up to PLN 1 million, while 8 companies (40 %) admitted that it was in the range of PLN 1-5 million. A revenue structure of 5-10 million PLN was achieved by 2 (10 %) tanneries, while large profits, exceeding an annual average of 10 million PLN, were indicated by 4 (20 %) of the companies participating in the study. When asked about their market position, about 2/3 (65 %) of the tanneries considered themselves to be one of the many leather production companies in Poland. The remaining 7 companies (35 %) position themselves as a leader in the tanning sector on the domestic market. The vast majority, i.e. 14 (70 %) of the surveyed companies claim that the most important factor defining their competitiveness is the high quality of the products and/or services they offer (Fig. 4). According to a few (20 %) tanneries, their advantage is mainly determined by the price of products and/or services. One of the companies indicated an option related to technological innovation, and one also admitted that it relies on modern product design (5 % of the respondents respectively). A lot of interesting information was obtained in the answers to an open question, in which the companies surveyed were asked to identify the most important global business trends in the tanning industry. To clarify and ensure the correct interpretation of the question, the questionnaire included an explanation that business trends are understood as, among other things, activ-](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/385290728/figure/fig1/AS:11431281286513670@1730074162477/Territorial-location-of-the-tanneries-that-took-part-in-the-study-Source-Own_Q320.jpg)
August 2024
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Advances in Production Engineering & Management
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.