The decline of traditional tanneries in the West post-World War II can be attributed to the rise of synthetic materials and shifting economic conditions. As cheaper and more efficient alternatives became available, many traditional tanneries faced closure. This transition not only impacted the leather industry but also reflected broader trends in manufacturing and consumer preferences in the mid-20th century.

The decline of traditional tanneries post-WWII mirrored literary shifts toward existential and environmental themes. Poets began to reflect on lost crafts and industrial change, exploring the impact of modernization on culture and identity, and the nostalgia for a simpler, more sustainable way of life.