Leather is often open to debate when talking about sustainability and ethics.
Many believe that leather is an unsustainable option because of worries about animal welfare and the environmental impact, but recognising that the responsible use of leather is, instead, a sustainable choice is important.
Leather is a material that derives from a renewable source: farm animals destined for the food industry. When an animal is slaughtered for its meat, using the hide means that all parts of the animal are used, which reduces waste and maximises the available resources. This contrasts with the use of petroleum-based synthetic materials, which require a large amount of non-renewable resources for their production.
The tanning industry has taken important steps forward during the past years to improve in terms of sustainability. Today, tanning techniques that reduce the use of harmful chemical substances and environmental impact are being applied. In addition, many sector companies have implemented standards and certification that guarantee leather traceability, as well as respect of environmental and social regulations. This means that the leather used comes from controlled sources, and that the production processes are managed responsibly.
The physical characteristics of leather are the first things for determining sustainability: it is organic, biodegradable, long-lasting and resistant. Differently from many synthetic materials, which can be of lower quality and deteriorate more quickly, leather can last for years if taken care of correctly. This means lower resource consumption and a shorter product work cycle.
In addition, the longevity of leather can lead to a reduction in the request for fast-moving consumer goods, which would lead to a more knowledgeable consumer mentality.
Finally, the cultural and traditional aspects tied to leather processing, an ancient art that has followed man’s progress step by step, have to be considered.
