The All China Leather Exhibition (ACLE), held annually in Shanghai, is widely recognized as the most influential leather trade fair in China and a key event on the global leather industry calendar. With hundreds of bag exhibitors and tens of thousands of professional visitors from more than 30 countries, ACLE serves as a vital hub where raw material suppliers, tanneries, chemical producers, and leather product manufacturers gather to explore the latest developments in the field.
For custom bag manufacturers, this exhibition is far more than a showcase — it’s a strategic opportunity to discover new bag materials, spot emerging design trends, and build critical B2B connections. Whether you’re sourcing premium leather for a new tote bag line or looking to upgrade your sustainable bag offerings with eco-friendly materials, ACLE offers unmatched access to the resources and partnerships that define success in this industry.
So, why should every professional bag manufacturer pay attention to this event? Because staying competitive in today’s fast-evolving market requires more than just production capacity — it demands insight, innovation, and a global perspective. And ACLE delivers all of that under one roof.
At Sunteam, we attend ACLE to stay ahead of materials innovation and connect with partners who value quality and customization. Let’s explore how the right leather choices can elevate your next bag collection.
1. Material Discovery: Finding the Right Leather for Custom Bags
One of the biggest advantages of attending ACLE is the chance to explore a wide variety of premium leather bag suppliers from around the world. From traditional Italian vegetable-tanned leather to cutting-edge bio-based alternatives and eco-friendly PU, the exhibition brings together the latest innovations in leather and synthetic materials — all in one place.
For custom bag manufacturers, this is an invaluable opportunity to touch, compare, and evaluate materials in person. Whether you’re creating a new luxury handbag collection or developing a sustainable line of backpacks, selecting the right material is critical to both aesthetics and performance.
The exhibition also features leading chemical companies and synthetic leather manufacturers, offering insights into the newest coatings, treatments, and durability-enhancing technologies. If your brand is exploring vegan leather for bags, ACLE showcases a range of certified cruelty-free and recyclable options designed for modern consumers who care about sustainability.
Ultimately, effective custom leather bag sourcing starts with understanding what’s possible — and at ACLE, the possibilities are constantly expanding.
At Sunteam, material selection is at the heart of our product development process. Whether we’re sourcing premium leather for high-end collections or exploring sustainable leather materials to meet evolving market demands, our team uses ACLE to connect directly with trusted suppliers and uncover innovative textures, finishes, and eco-conscious alternatives. This hands-on approach ensures that every custom bag we manufacture not only meets our clients’ expectations—but also aligns with the values of today’s conscious consumers.
2. Trend Spotting: Staying Ahead of Leather Bag Trends
What drives innovation in the leather bag industry — materials, functionality, or changing consumer values?
At ACLE, you quickly realize it’s all three. The exhibition isn’t just about sourcing — it’s a window into the evolving world of leather bag trends, where eco-conscious bag design, lightweight construction, and multifunctional features dominate the conversation. From booths showcasing biodegradable linings to displays of featherweight yet durable structures, the message is clear: today’s consumers want more than just style — they demand responsibility and performance.
According to ACLE’s official post-show report, over 65% of visitors in 2024 showed direct interest in sustainable bag solutions, while nearly half of all material-related inquiries centered around lightweight and functional applications for bags, shoes, and accessories.
“Functionality is no longer optional—it’s expected,” says a Milan-based trend analyst at the show. “Brands that combine smart use of space with sustainable storytelling are leading the charge.”
For custom bag design, this means more than just choosing colors or shapes — it’s about integrating intelligent compartments, adjustable structures, and future-friendly materials. As fashion evolves, fashion leather bag trends are increasingly defined by purpose-driven innovation and tactile, minimal aesthetics.
At Sunteam, we track these shifts closely to ensure every product we manufacture is not only beautiful, but built for the demands of modern life. Whether it’s commuter-ready crossbodies or travel-smart totes, our team uses each trend insight to inform real-world, sellable design.
3. B2B Networking: Building Stronger Supply Chain Partnerships
Even more importantly, ACLE offers unmatched opportunities for B2B networking — a critical advantage in today’s fast-moving, globalized market.
The exhibition brings together a diverse mix of material developers, component bag suppliers, brand owners, and OEM clients, all under one roof. For a custom bag manufacturer in China, this concentrated access to industry players enables faster decision-making, deeper technical collaboration, and smoother project execution. Instead of weeks of online back-and-forth, ACLE enables face-to-face discussions that can shorten development cycles and strengthen trust in your supply chain.
For international brands and sourcing managers, the exhibition is also one of the most efficient ways to identify a reliable bag OEM supplier or experienced leather bag factory. You can evaluate product quality firsthand, ask detailed production questions, and compare capabilities across regions — all in a single visit.
At Sunteam, our participation in ACLE has been a key driver of continuous improvement and innovation. For example, during last year’s exhibition, we connected with a leading European supplier of biodegradable PU leather — a material that was not yet widely available in China. This early access enabled us to develop an exclusive eco-friendly bag collection for one of our major clients, helping them launch ahead of competitors.
One client shared their experience:
“Working with Sunteam has always been smooth, but after they introduced the new biodegradable PU material sourced at ACLE, our latest collection received great feedback for both design and sustainability. It really set us apart in a crowded market. We appreciate how Sunteam stays on the cutting edge and keeps us informed with the newest materials.” — Anna L., Product Manager, GreenPath Bags
Whether you’re a startup looking for a private label bag partner or an established brand expanding into new product categories, ACLE serves as a real-time matchmaking hub. It’s not just about “who you know,” but “who you meet” — and ACLE is where real business begins.
4. Manufacturing Insights: Optimizing Production and Craftsmanship
Beyond materials and networking, ACLE also provides invaluable insights into the latest bag manufacturing solutions that can elevate production efficiency and product quality. Exhibitors include suppliers of advanced leather processing machines, precision hardware components, and innovative bag customization technology designed to streamline workflows and enhance craftsmanship.
At the exhibition, we paid special attention to the wide variety of bag hardware on display — from lightweight but durable metal zippers and buckles to corrosion-resistant rivets and magnetic closures. We learned about new coating techniques that improve scratch resistance and color retention, which are essential for maintaining a premium appearance throughout a bag’s lifespan. Moreover, the integration of modular hardware systems was highlighted, enabling easier repairs and customization without compromising structural integrity.
For custom bag manufacturers like us, understanding these subtle but crucial hardware innovations means we can advise clients on the best fittings to match both style and function, while ensuring manufacturability at scale. Cutting-edge equipment on display—from automated cutting systems to intelligent sewing solutions—can transform traditional factories into hubs of smart bag production.
Last but not least, learning about these manufacturing innovations at ACLE empowers us to develop new product lines that balance aesthetic appeal with functional excellence, ensuring we stay competitive in a demanding market.
Conclusion
Why You Can’t Miss the All-China Leather Exhibition? The All China Leather Exhibition offers unparalleled opportunities for custom bag manufacturers to access the latest premium materials, stay ahead of leather bag trends, build meaningful B2B partnerships, and explore cutting-edge manufacturing solutions. These elements combined are essential for any factory or brand aiming to maintain a competitive edge in today’s dynamic market.
As a professional China leather factory specializing in leather bag OEM and custom bag production, we understand the importance of continuous learning and innovation. Participating in ACLE allows us to not only enhance our own capabilities but also to bring the most current industry knowledge and materials directly to our clients.
Couldn’t attend ACLE this year? No problem. At Sunteam, we’re eager to share our insights and help you leverage new leather innovations that can elevate your product line. Whether you’re looking for material bag samples, expert product development advice, or reliable OEM collaboration, we’re here to support your growth.
Contact us today to start a conversation about your next custom bag project and discover how we can work together to create exceptional products that stand out in the market.