Ivan Juřena: We are the only artificial leather manufacturer in the Czech Republic 

Mr. Juřena, can you introduce the Chropyně plant and your production program?

We specialize in the production of synthetic leather based on PVC, PAK, and PUR, as well as textile coating, including polyester, polyamide, and cotton. Our product range includes 150 types of materials with weights ranging from 50 to 6,800 g/m² and widths from 94 to 200 cm. Our products are used in upholstery, healthcare, the automotive and construction industries, and in fashion accessories and footwear.

Your plant is the only one in the Czech Republic. What is your competition like in Europe? Who are your main customers?

That’s correct; we are the only manufacturer of artificial leather in the Czech Republic. However, the European market has a higher concentration of competitors—Poland has six plants, Germany and Italy each have four, Belgium has two, and Turkey is also a competitor with six plants. Additional competitors can be found in Eastern Europe. We export our artificial leather to 14 European countries.

What is currently affecting your production the most?

Right now, we are facing several challenges, primarily rising energy costs, increasing prices of raw materials, and a shortage of qualified workers. Around 95% of our raw materials are imported from abroad, mainly from Europe, where prices fluctuate constantly. Environmental legislation is also a challenge, as well as the unstable geopolitical situation worldwide, all of which have a significant impact on our plant’s operations.

Which market segments are the most important for you, and where do you plan to expand?

In terms of volume, the clothing and mining industries are significant for us, and we also supply artificial leather for upholstery. However, healthcare is key for us when it comes to added value. In the future, we would like to expand particularly in the field of technical products and strengthen our presence in traditional markets.

Can you describe your production process? Are you planning any technological innovations?

Our production technology is clearly defined and determined by the manufacturing equipment we own. SVITAP has a closed production cycle, from semi-finished product manufacturing using direct and reverse coating to the final stages of varnishing, printing, and texturing.

How are customer requirements changing and how do you respond to them?

Customer demands are constantly evolving, especially in design and material properties. Design is dictated by embossing and printing rollers as well as embossing papers, but in general, printed materials are declining in popularity. Today, solid-colored, matte materials are more in vogue. As for material properties, customers now demand better resistance to chemicals, abrasion, and wear, improved conductivity, lower flammability, breathability, and, of course, a longer lifespan even under extreme conditions.

That’s why we are continuously innovating our technologies and materials. However, we can only innovate within the production process, by changing textiles, embossing patterns, colors, polymer coatings, incorporating additives, and adjusting production speed and temperature settings. Developing entirely new products from scratch is not feasible under our current conditions.

Your company has a long tradition of artificial leather production. How do you maintain quality?

We maintain an active and functional ISO 9001 quality management system. We purchase only high-quality raw materials from trusted suppliers. These materials are tested in SVITAP’s internal laboratory, where we also verify the correctness of the proposed production technology. When it comes to quality issues, approximately 85% of them are caused by human factors. That’s why we focus on continuous employee training and closely monitor precise production procedures.

How do you minimize the environmental impact of your production?

We incinerate emissions generated during production in furnaces connected to individual production units, which reduces the amount of harmful substances released into the air. We also strive to minimize the use of raw materials that negatively impact health and adhere to strict technological standards.

How do you perceive competition from natural leather and eco-friendly alternatives?

Each of these materials has its advantages and disadvantages and is influenced by factors such as fashion trends, pricing, trade policies, and regional demand. Natural leather requires careful maintenance but is very durable. Synthetic leather, which we produce, offers more color variations and prints, but its lifespan is shorter. New eco-friendly materials, such as vegan leather, also have a place in the market, but their success depends on demand and fashion trends.

Do you plan to expand production in the future?

Yes, in the future, we would like to transition to a three-shift operation, particularly on the Renapa production line, which is the heart of our plant. We also see great potential in technical products, which are useful across various industrial sectors. Another interesting area for us is expanding into new European markets. Entering new markets requires patience, extensive knowledge of the local business environment and strong relationships.

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