Is leather eco-friendly?

Absolutely, it transforms by products from the food sector that would typically be discarded, into items we use in our daily lives.

• Leather prevents approximately 10 million tonnes from entering landfills annually
• Leather is durable
• Leather goods can be mended
• Leather has the potential to be reclaimed
• When it reaches the end of its life, leather breaks down through both chemical and biological processes
• The leather sector generates jobs and expertise for millions globally, a crucial aspect of sustainability and the circular economy

Does leather production involve chemicals?

YES – Everything you consume, grasp, feel, or scent is a product of chemistry. In every domain, if chemicals are mismanaged, they can pose risks. Chemicals are intricate. For instance, sodium demands careful handling when in sodium hydroxide, which is highly alkaline and corrosive, in contrast to sodium chloride, the ordinary salt we use in our cooking.

However, if table salt contaminates our aquifers, it can jeopardize drinking water. Leather crafting is among the oldest trades and has consistently employed chemicals, from the smoke of fires to the tannins found in vegetable materials. Leather boasts an ancient tradition of wise use of biomaterials, some of which might seem rather unpleasant yet were actually advanced science.

Nowadays, the leather sector is exceptionally cautious regarding the chemicals it employs, and these have been rapidly evolving over recent decades. Numerous traditional biochemical methods have been supplanted by contemporary chemistries, and there is a notable trend in the leather sector towards modern biochemical approaches to minimize overall chemical usage and eliminate substances derived from fossil fuels.

Crucially, in leather production, as in all sectors, it’s vital to ensure that all personnel receive proper training and are provided with the appropriate facilities and protective gear to manage chemicals safely, and that all waste solid, liquid, and gaseous is treated to be safe and compliant with legal limits.

Tanneries must adhere to regulations such as the EU REACH guidelines for chemicals, and most collaborate with their clients on even stricter restricted substances lists. Many leather firms have also joined ZDHC (zero discharge of hazardous chemicals) or developed similar standards that exceed national or regional laws. Leather Naturally firmly believes that the highest possible standards in chemical management and usage are essential for the conscientious production of leather.

Ethically produced leather avoids hazardous materials. The most advanced leather technologies do not require toxic chemicals and are utilized in all major global tannery operations.

Is leather decomposable?

YES – The concept of biodegradability encompasses various definitions, and leather undergoes a tanning process that renders it decay-resistant, implying it doesn’t decompose swiftly. One of the significant ecological benefits of leather is its durability and potential for restoration. Well-crafted leather products can generally be mended, often multiple times, as it’s seldom the leather itself that deteriorates.

When maintained in a dry and relatively clean state, leather items such as books, furniture, wall decor, automotive upholstery, and similar goods can endure indefinitely. This longevity is a key reason why numerous remarkable artifacts from our cultural heritage found in museums prominently feature leather, either in whole or in part.

Nonetheless, leather is abundant in carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen; three elements that microorganisms like bacteria and fungi thrive on. In a typical landfill, leather tends to decompose over a span of 10 to 50 years, which is considerably faster than synthetic materials plastic can take anywhere from 100 to 500 years (such as polyethylene) or even longer (like PVC and polypropylene). Unlike plastic, leather poses no threat in oceans, and there is no risk of microplastic formation.

Is it possible to recycle leather?

ABSOLUTELY – For over 70 years, leather fibre board has served as a valuable resource in the production of footwear and sound panels. Leather composites have existed since the early 2000s, and significant efforts are underway to create an increasingly diverse range of recycled leathers.

In general, we advocate for the repair and restoration of leather goods, or if they reach the end of their useful life, we encourage their transformation into new leather products. Beyond the usual small leather items, innovative companies are crafting products like wall coverings and carpets made from tiny remnants, giving many years or even decades of leather a fresh lease on life.

Even scraps and diminutive pieces of leather frequently find utility in stuffing items such as Boxing Punch Bags. Although less common today, for decades, tannin was extracted from small remnants and shavings at leather factories and recycled, while the protein was processed into gelatin. This practice continues with chromium shavings and some finished pieces of leather from shoe factories; the chromium is repurposed for the chemical industry, while the protein content is utilized as fertilizer.

Historically, used leather and tiny scraps have also been transformed into leatherboard, where the leather is pulverized, and the fibers are employed to create a versatile board suitable for various applications, such as insoles and heel inserts, preserving some leather-like properties. New applications are rapidly emerging, including a highly sought-after version that encases ground fibers around a plastic framework. When marketed transparently, these materials provide excellent alternatives for specific purposes, although they lack the durability of leather, cannot be mended, and present challenges for disposal at the end of their lifespan.

This field is anticipated to undergo swift advancements.

Is it possible to produce leather from non-animal sources?

NO – Global standards and definitions, along with numerous national regulations, forbid the use of the term leather UNLESS it originates from an animal. Labelling a product as leather when it isn’t derived from an animal is illegal in a variety of countries. Terms like ‘Vegan Leather’, ‘Synthetic Leather’, or ‘Faux Leather’ are promotional phrases used to describe artificially created materials, suggesting they mimic the same natural look, durability, and longevity as genuine leather.

Is leather exclusively produced in developing nations?
NO – The leather sector is international, and the finest tanneries can be located in both advanced and developing countries. The top manufacturers, irrespective of their geographic location, exhibit a high degree of skill and dedication to investing in cutting-edge production facilities while adhering to robust environmental standards. This feature of leather aids numerous nations in their development, as nearly every country possesses some livestock resources that can be enhanced locally for the hides and skins. The primary issue is that any such advancement must encompass adequate training and fair treatment of workers, safe management of chemicals, and comprehensive waste management. Often, this necessitates clustering leather factories together to utilize a single Central Effluent Treatment Plant.

Is it possible to verify the ethical production of leather?

ABSOLUTELY – The Leather Working Group (LWG) consists of leading brands, retailers, product creators, leather vendors, chemical providers, and industry specialists. They have established an environmental evaluation standard that enables product developers, brands, and consumers to comprehend the process behind leather production.

Brazil upholds the Brazilian Leather Certificate of Sustainability (CSCB) while Italy boasts The Institute of Quality Certification for the Leather Sector (I.C.E.C.).

Certain brands conduct their own manufacturing evaluations and are open about their leather sourcing – choose to buy from brands that disclose this information.

Does leather contribute to deforestation?

NO – Meat and dairy demand is increasingly being met by more efficient farming practices that necessitate fewer animals rather than a significant increase in herds. In cases where forest land is allegedly utilized for livestock, the common factors are avarice and corruption, with profits driven by timber, mining, or the cultivation of crops such as soya. Initially placing cattle is often a tactic used to establish or feign ownership, as it’s the quickest method available. The leather sector firmly and vigorously opposes deforestation. In Brazil, for instance, research conducted by the University of Edinburgh indicates a requirement for more cattle on the existing savannah, or long-term grasslands, to enhance Brazil’s future emission statistics. Brazil’s grasslands rank among the best worldwide in terms of CO2 sequestration but require proper grazing levels for optimal improvement and maintenance. There is absolutely no necessity to obliterate forests for livestock – quite the opposite.

Is leather associated with a significant carbon footprint?

NO – After a thorough assessment of Product Environmental Footprint by the European Commission for bovine leather, the environmental impact attributed to the animal’s life cycle has been limited to just 0.42%.