Leather is Essential for the Circular Economy: 13 Reasons
Leather is essential to the circular economy mainly because it recycles and enriches the green skins that come from the meat and dairy industries.
From the producer, or livestock farmer, a value chain begins that involves slaughterhouses, tanneries, industries such as fashion, furniture, automotive, footwear and artifacts, and extends to retail, use and repair, new recycling and composting.
"Leather is a by-product. And the more we use it, the more waste we avoid, demonstrating the essential role of leather in the circular economy."
The volume of the leather market in the world
On the other hand, according to the GlobeNewsWire website, in the article Analysis of the leather goods market size and share - Growth trends and forecasts, "the leather goods market is expected to grow from US$ 292.23 billion in 2023 to US$ 360.70 billion by 2028, with a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 4.30% during the forecast period - 2023-2028).
So we have two sets of factors - the sustainability of the leather industry expressed in its circularity and the exponential volume of this industry on a global scale.
The meeting point between these two poles is the growing demand for compliance with ESG criteria and the SDGs on the part of the players in the leather production chain, as a result of the influence of broad sectors of the consumer public who are increasingly aware of their responsibilities in preserving the environment.
It is precisely the essential role of leather for the circular economy that enables both reflection and the concrete mobilization of means to minimize environmental impact.
Leather is Essential for the Circular Economy: Durli and the 13 reasons why leather is an eco-friendly choice
Durli Leathers 's commitment to sustainability, the circular economy and ESG principles is unquestionable and recognized through certifications such as LWG Gold and ISO 9001.
The 13 reasons why leather is an eco-friendly choice are an expression of this commitment. They are based on the circular economy and sustainability and are present in all Durli's actions, from contact with suppliers to every delivery made to customers.
13 reasons why leather is essential for the circular economy
1 - Use of renewable raw materials
First of all, why is livestock considered a renewable raw material? A number of factors answer this question:
- Management and breeding - modern livestock techniques for management and breeding aim to optimize the reproduction and growth of livestock, as well as contributing to the health and well-being of the animals;
- Full use - practically everything in cattle can be reused, allowing the livestock industry to generate several valuable products from a single animal, optimizing the use of resources and minimizing waste.
So the leather industry, by its very nature, is based on a renewable asset and this is the starting point for all 13 reasons.
2 - Use of green hides, a natural, organic raw material from the meat and dairy sectors, which, if not used by tanneries to produce value-added leather, would become harmful waste causing health and environmental problems.
This factor is therefore related to the first of the 13 reasons.
According to the Real Leather website, in the article Is leather really a by-product? "300 million hides come from the meat and dairy industries around the world every year."
Thus, modern leather manufacturing saves landfills more than 7.5 million tons of waste every year, turning it into usable and durable goods instead of decomposing and producing methane gas. This avoids 2.7 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
The use of green hides in the production of value-added leather generates benefits for everyone involved in the leather production chain.
On the other hand, leather, produced from recycled animal skin, is a natural material with a biogenic carbon count of over 80% and has numerous advantages, as we'll see throughout this article.
3 - Leather is a durable material for generations.
Fortunately, more and more people are adhering to the "buy once, buy well" principle.
Undoubtedly, leather meets this demand because it stands out as an exceptionally durable material. With proper care, leather products are passed down from generation to generation, retaining their quality, functionality and noble appearance.
What's more, with their durability, leather goods don't need to be replaced. This advantage translates into saving resources and reducing waste.
Leather is known to be resistant to wear and tear and its longevity is proven:
- It is highly resistant to abrasion, tears and cuts and can withstand intense use over long periods;
- Its natural weather resistance makes it ideal for products exposed to the sun, rain and other elements.
Of course, some precautions are very useful for preserving leather goods:
Cleaning - clean the leather regularly with a damp, soft cloth, use a neutral soap or a specific leather cleaning product if necessary; avoid using abrasive products such as detergents and bleaches; dry the leather completely after cleaning with a dry, soft cloth;
Moisturizing - moisturize the leather periodically with a leather-specific moisturizer. This will help keep it soft and supple, preventing cracking and peeling;
Storage - store your leather goods in a cool, dry and airy place, prioritizing fabric packaging to make them easier to breathe; hang clothes on wide wooden hangers, preferably padded;
Handling - avoid carrying heavy objects in leather bags and backpacks and be careful with sharp objects that can scratch the leather.
4 - Leather products are biodegradable; when discarded, they decompose in 25 to 45 years in the environment and in 10 to 15 years in landfills.
Wrongly, leather is often considered an environmentally harmful material. However, it is much more sustainable than you might think.
For example, one of its main advantages is that it is biodegradable. At the end of its useful life, it decomposes naturally, returning to the environment in various forms.
- Leather is made up of proteins and other organic molecules that are easily broken down by microorganisms present in soil and water.
- This natural process of decomposition releases nutrients back into the soil, contributing to the fertility and health of the environment.
- Finally, when composted, it can become fertilizer for the land, feeding the growing grass to livestock.
5 - Leather products are highly repairable, can be reused and even recycled.
In fact, this characteristic can be added to durability, as leather products are easily repaired and restored, avoiding premature disposal and the probable purchase of new ones.
What's more, these products can be recycled to create new items. Sofas and car seats can be transformed into stools, tables and jewelry, stimulating the creativity of artisans and designers who exploit all the versatility of this material.
In short, the fact that leather products are repairable, reusable and recyclable reinforces how essential leather is to the circular economy:
- Sustainability - reduces consumption of natural resources, waste generation and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Economy - repair and recycling are cheaper alternatives than buying new products.
- Creativity - stimulates the creativity of artisans and designers to create innovative products.
- Awareness: Promotes conscious consumption and environmental responsibility.
6 - Brands and tanneries have the option of more environmentally friendly chemicals in the manufacturing process.
The use of more environmentally friendly chemicals in the leather goods manufacturing process contributes to the preservation of the environment, provides greater safety for workers and builds loyalty among consumers who are concerned about sustainability.
Similarly, this is a growing trend in the leather industry. Brands and tanneries committed to sustainability are seeking greener alternatives for every stage of production.
Although chrome remains the main tanner, the industry is developing new technologies to reduce the amount of chemical products used and is even investing in reuse and repurposing in closed systems.
To the same end, modern effluent treatment plants are being adopted.
This is the case at Durli Leathers. Of all the chrome used in its tanning processes, only 5% is left over, which is correctly disposed of in hazardous industrial waste landfills - ARIPs - in accordance with national legislation, which are regulated and audited.
7 - Leather is aligned with responsible consumption and production, thus supporting the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The leather industry is committed to sustainability and is working ever harder to reduce its environmental impact and improve working conditions for its employees.
However, this is not an isolated movement. The UN itself is coordinating the global effort to get all sectors and countries to commit to defending the environment and a sustainable future for the entire population of the planet.
In this way, the Sustainable Development Goals - SDGs - were developed, which complement the principles known as ESG - Environmental, Social and Governance.
In order to encourage the application of these objectives and principles, there are seals and certifications awarded to companies that are proven to put them into practice. For the leather industry, the internationally recognized certification is the LWG Gold Rate.
As an example, we have Durli Leathers, whose commitment to sustainability was mentioned earlier. Let's see what objectives the certification obtained by Durli corresponds to:
Goal 3 - Good health and well-being
Goal 6 - Drinking water and sanitation
Goal 8 - Decent work and economic growth
Goal 12 - Responsible consumption and production
Goal 14 - Life in the water
Objective 15 - Terrestrial life
Objective 17 - Partnerships and means of implementation
The article ESG in the Leather Industry: How we are aligned with the Sustainable Goals deals with this topic in depth.
8 - The use of leather contributes to the fight against marine pollution, also part of the SDGs.
Marine pollution is currently one of the most serious global problems, with serious consequences for the environment and human health.
As a result of the improper disposal of waste, especially plastics, we are seeing the degradation of the oceans and the death of marine animals. As a result of the decomposition of plastic components, microplastics appear that cause so much harm to animals and end up entering the food chain, reaching the human diet.
"6 shocking facts about plastic in the environment" is the title of an article by SEBRAE that addresses fundamental questions about the effects of plastic on the environment:
- These materials proliferate in open dumps, contaminating river water and groundwater, which compromises our health;
- By 2050 there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish;
- Plastic is responsible for the death of 100,000 marine animals every year.
In this context, the leather industry has a great contribution to make. As we saw earlier, it is a biodegradable, durable, recyclable material and thus contributes to reducing plastic waste in the oceans.
The main SDG related to this item is:
SDG 14 - Life in Water: Conserve and promote sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
9 - The leather industry paves the way for the circular economy for companies of all sizes, including thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Here we see how leather is essential to the circular economy. From the origin of its raw material to its return to nature at the end of its useful life, leather completes a virtuous circle.
It is the hub of a production chain that starts with the producers and involves tanneries, slaughterhouses, various industries such as gelatine, brushes, brooms, clothing, furniture, footwear and leather goods.
But recycling extends this network, as we saw earlier, and includes thousands of small and medium-sized businesses, artisans and various artists. It creates jobs and promotes sustainable development.
10 - Responsibly sourced leather meets the desire of manufacturers to use biodegradable raw materials and transform them into a noble, long-lasting product.
Today, responsibly sourced leather is a growing demand among manufacturers of finished products who want sustainable materials for their productions.
This trend is driven by several factors, such as:
Environmental awareness
- Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of producing consumer goods and are looking for products that are environmentally friendly.
- The use of responsibly sourced leather demonstrates companies' commitment to sustainability and contributes to building a positive image with the public.
Regulations and legislation
- Governments around the world are implementing regulations and legislation aimed at reducing the environmental impact of companies.
- Responsibly sourced leather can help companies comply with these regulations and avoid fines and sanctions.
How Durli Leathers guarantees the responsible origin of the leather it produces
Durli Leathers is a pioneer in the individual traceability of its raw materials, monitoring each piece from its origin.
More than 10 years ago, Durli implemented a geomonitoring system with the aim of monitoring and verifying compliance with socio-environmental criteria on a daily basis using satellite images. slaughterhouses suppliers and direct and indirect farms.
By combining the geomonitoring system with the traceability of individual hides, Durli Leathers guarantees that its customers really are buying hides from socially and environmentally legal areas.
11 - Finished products made from socio-environmentally compliant leather will meet the criteria for sustainable and responsible purchasing exercises.
In order to meet the criteria for sustainable purchasing, the company needs to know the origin of its raw materials and how they are produced, but this can also apply to consumers.
Responsible purchasing is carried out by companies that seek to:
- Reducing its social and environmental impact;
- Contributing to a more sustainable and ethical future;
- Support other companies that are committed to responsible practices.
The growing demand for sustainable and ethical products drives the need for socio-environmental compliance throughout the production chain.
As far as finished products are concerned, this compliance means ensuring that the products..:
- Meet social and environmental criteria during production, from the origin of raw materials to final distribution.
- Are compatible with the principles of responsible purchasing, carried out by conscious companies and consumers.
Socio-environmental criteria:
The socio-environmental criteria cover various aspects, such as:
Materials - use of recycled, biodegradable, responsibly sourced materials with sustainability certifications; elimination of hazardous and harmful substances to human health and the environment;
Production process - energy and water efficiency; minimization of emissions and waste; safe and dignified working conditions, with respect for workers' rights.
Distribution and logistics - minimizing the carbon footprint and optimizing transport routes; ecological and biodegradable packaging.
12 - Leather manufacturing supports employment commitments in responsible companies linked to ESG principles, aimed at preserving environmental quality.
Leather product manufacturers, committed to ESG principles, are innovating and transforming the sector.
Unquestionably, adopting ESG principles in leather production ensures benefits for everyone involved in the production chain and in all three dimensions of the acronym.
In other words, preserving the environment, offering better working conditions for employees and exercising good governance must be put into practice in conjunction with each other and not in isolation.
The future of the leather industry lies in its ability to balance economic viability with the application of ESG principles. As the industry continues to innovate and evolve, sustainability will remain a key focus, shaping both the production and consumption of leather.
In conclusion, leather manufacturing, when carried out responsibly and committed to ESG principles, can be an agent of social and environmental transformation.
According to the WWF, given leather's status as a luxury good and its association with quality, consumer pressure and awareness of sustainable practices are high.
To this end, leather companies and their customers have a unique lever that can be used to promote the protection of both the environment and human beings.
13 - Leather prevents tons of petroleum products from being disposed of in nature.
According to the essay Leather: a material of natural origin with Inimitable characteristics, "leather is a material of natural origin that has always been tried to be imitated, above all because of its versatility, durability and comfort in use".
And the same source adds that "imitation materials, on the basis of research carried out, have in many cases been characterized by artificial substances of the same chemical nature; in many other cases, however, they are made up of multiple layers of synthetic materials glued together and also coupled with leather fibres".
In fact, imitation leather may even contain natural substances such as cotton, mushrooms, pineapple or natural rubber, but it is based on the use of petrochemical products with their negative effects on the environment - carbon footprint and release of toxic chemicals.
The term "greenwashing" refers to the practice of companies or organizations trying to present an image of an environmentally friendly or responsible product, often exaggerating or distorting the real environmental characteristics. Although it is widely publicized in the media, imitation leather actually contains PU or PVC, which come from fossil fuels. Their production contributes to the climate crisis and the pollution generated damages our ecosystems. There is currently no system in place to recycle them. So they end up in landfill sites where they take up to 400 years to start decomposing in nature, releasing harmful microplastics and toxic chemicals that are harmful to the environment and to humans as they break down.
Specifically in relation to natural leather, however, it is imperative to return to all the sustainability inherent in it, which has been present for thousands of years in the history of the most diverse cultures around the world, in the face of misunderstandings about the true non-ecological nature of the so-called alternatives to leather, "vegan leather" or "synthetic leather", which have occurred due to grenwhashing. These materials do not have the longevity, durability or natural compostability of real leather.
Notably, greenwashing is still gaining a lot of ground. According to the website Is it leather? there is a lack of clarity when it comes to disclosing the true composition of these alternatives to real leather. To back up their claims, they cite the Leather and Hide Council of America and argue that the word "leather" should not be used to confusingly promote a synthetic product.
It should also be noted that plastic in the environment can also hinder the decomposition of other waste, further reinforcing the overcrowding of landfills.
Durli Leathers, the 13 reasons and how leather is essential for the circular economy - Conclusion
For Durli, leather is more than just a noble material.
With this in mind, it delivers leather produced with geomonitoring and individual traceability to the market, knowing that the responsible origin of its raw materials will have a direct influence on the production chain because leather is essential for the circular economy. The quality of other articles and products depends on its quality.
For this reason, it is always looking for new technologies to make the tanning process increasingly responsible and socio-environmentally compliant.
At the same time, it invests in the research and development of new products such as Bio-Leather, which can be returned to nature in 6 months to a year, thanks to the biodegradable products used in its pre-tanning, tanning and retanning process.
Contact Durli Leathers and find out how your company can also benefit from the 13 reasons why leather is an eco-friendly choice.
Sources and references used
2 - https://chooserealleather.com/sustainability/fact-check-is-leather-really-a-by-product/
3 - https://isitleather.com/blog/sustainable-eco-friendly-leather-industry-future/
5 - https://isitleather.com/blog/sustainable-eco-friendly-leather-industry-future/
7 - https://abqtic.com.br/biblioteca-virtual/
8 - https://www.sp.senac.br/blog/artigo/plastico-no-meio-ambiente