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Leather Naturally is proud to be a signatory of this year’s COP30 Manifesto led by The International Council of Tanners. See the full text of the manifesto below:

In August of this year, UN negotiations once again failed to develop a landmark treaty to end plastic pollution. Insurmountable differences of opinion between those nations seeking reductions in plastic production and those in favour of increasing recycling resulted in yet another deadlock in discussions that have been taking place since 2022. As we see every year with the COP negotiations, resolving differences of opinion and achieving global consensus on how best to protect the planet and people is a huge challenge. A significant factor is the often opposing views of the negotiating parties and their presentation of the evidence given to support those views. The failure of the plastics treaty and the challenges of COP show us the same truth: sustainability debates are skewed by narratives and numbers that obscure reality. 

This obfuscation has also blighted perceptions of leather. Leather, durable, repairable, and deeply woven into our cultural identity, is one of humanity’s oldest materials. For millennia it has clothed, sheltered, and protected us. And yet, in today’s sustainability discourse, leather is largely misunderstood—sometimes vilified, often mismeasured, and rarely recognised for what it truly is: a renewable, circular byproduct of livestock farming. This manifesto seeks to correct that imbalance and to position leather as a positive, renewable biomaterial within a circular economy 

The story that is told about leather is distorted. It is often assumed that cattle exist only to produce hides, ignoring their status as a byproduct of the meat and dairy industries. In this sleight of hand, leather’s role in creating value from what would otherwise be waste is erased. Leather is often conflated with industrial animal agriculture’s impacts—deforestation, methane emissions, water use. Reports and headlines frame leather as a driver of environmental harm, but this is a distortion born of flawed accounting.  

Cattle are not raised for hides. They are raised primarily for meat and milk. Hides represent only a small fraction of the animal’s economic value; on average, only 1.5%. However, current Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) typically assign disproportionate emissions to hides and the resulting leather. This flawed methodology makes leather appear environmentally costly when, in fact, it is part of a circular system that valorises what would otherwise be waste. Each year millions of hides go unused—discarded into landfills or incinerated—precisely because of reduced demand for leather. To abandon leather is not to save a cow. It is to squander a durable, repairable material and replace it with synthetics derived entirely from fossil fuels. 

The reality is that leather, when responsibly tanned, is a natural, renewable biomaterial with an unparalleled lifespan. A well-made leather product lasts decades, is repairable and biodegradable in ways other materials cannot emulate. Leather bridges utility and heritage: a boot that wears in, not out; a bag that can be passed down, not thrown away. 

To treat leather as a sustainable material is not to deny its origin in livestock farming, but to recognise that, as long as meat and dairy are produced, hides will exist. The choice is not between leather and no leather but between using hides responsibly or wasting them and replacing them with fossil-based substitutes. 

Leather embodies the principles of circularity. Leather extends the value of existing resources, prevents waste, stores carbon and offers durability that reduces consumption over time. Unlike synthetics, it develops character through age, repair, and reuse. Unlike plastics, it returns to the earth when its life is done. 

Moreover, the value of leather is cultural as much as material. It carries histories of craft, artistry, and longevity. It resists the throwaway culture that plastics fuel. In a world awash with fast fashion and disposable products, leather reminds us that quality, function, beauty and respect for resources are still all an option. 

Therefore, we, the undersigned organisations, again request the COP to endorse our call to: 

• Recognise the cyclical, climate efficient nature of leather and its potential for a positive contribution to reducing the climate impacts of consumer products. In particular, a full and proper impact assessment of the unevidenced claim that leather is a driver of deforestation and the development of reliable measures of the lifespan of materials and products and their impact on consumption are required. 

• Support LCA methodologies that accurately account for the environmental impact of all materials, in particular when by-products are compared to determining products, including end of life properties and the consequences of use and substitution.  

• In keeping with the aspiration for reduced consumption, greater circularity and reduced waste, to promote ‘slow fashion’, durable bio-based materials and products, and items that can be used many times, repaired and refurbished, and last for years. 

• Wherever feasible to encourage the use of natural renewable fibres like leather and reduce unnecessary reliance on fossil-fuel-based materials.

Signatories to the Leather Manifesto 

• Alliance France du Cuir (AFC)  

• American Leather Chemists Association (ALCA) 

• Associação Portuguesa dos Industriais de Curtumes (APIC) 

• Association pour l’Assurance Qualité des Fabricants de Bracelets Cuir (AQC) 

• Australian Hide Skin and Leather Exporters’ Association Inc (ASHLEA) 

• Centre for the Brazilian Tanning Industry (CICB) 

• Centro Tecnológico das Indústrias do Couro (CTIC) 

• Confederation of National Associations of Tanners and Dressers of the European Community (COTANCE) 

• Chamber of the Tannery Industry of the State of Guanajuato (CICUR) 

• China Leather Industry Association (CLIA) 

• Fédération Française des Cuirs et Peaux (FFCP) 

• Fédération Française Tannerie Megisserie (FFTM)  

• International Council of Hides, Skins and Leather Traders Association (ICSHLTA) 

• International Council of Tanners (ICT) 

• Is It Leather? (IIL)  

• International Union of Leather Technologists and Chemists Societies (IULTCS) 

• Leather & Hide Council of America (LHCA) 

• Leather Naturally (LN) 

• Leather UK (LUK) 

• One 4 Leather (O4L) 

• Sustainable Leather Foundation (SLF) 

• Türkiye Deri Sanayicileri Derneği (TDSD) 

• Verband der Deutschen Lederindustrie e.V. (VDL)  

• Wirtschaftsverband Häute/Leder (WHL)  

• Zimbabwe Leather Development Council (ZLDC) 

Welcome to our latest ‘Meet our Member’ profile: Deborah Taylor (DT), Managing Director of the Sustainable Leather Foundation and President of the Society of Leather Technologists & Chemists (SLTC). Deborah is also a Consultant at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.

What led you to the leather industry and what do you love about your work?

DT: I fell into the industry by chance in 2015.  Having run my own business for 10 years while the children were growing up, I had decided to test the waters going back out to the corporate world.  A recruitment agency approached me to consider a position with a local company and it turned out to be working for BLC Leather Technology, managing the Leather Working Group (LWG). I took the job, quickly became absorbed in the leather industry and the passionate people I came into contact with.  That turned into a deeper appreciation of the sustainable attributes and risks that are associated with leather…and here we are a decade later. 

What inspired you to launch the Sustainable Leather Foundation and what are you most proud of over the past 5 years?

DT: Colleagues who I had worked with during my time at LWG inspired me to launch the Foundation. Knowing that I had the support of industry who believed that I could create a framework for inclusive improvement, spurred me on to put into action everything I knew was missing in terms of a support organisation for the industry.

It hasn’t been easy, but I am most proud of the reputation SLF has earned as an enabling partner to many of the industry associations and NGOs, having worked on significant projects together with Leather & Hide Council of America, African Leather and Leather Products Institute, COTANCE, WWF Pakistan, UNIDO, GIZ, SMEP, UNECE and others. It makes me proud to know that we are providing valuable training and support that really makes a difference.

The other achievement is the SLF Transparency Dashboard – the first and only tool of its kind in the industry – it provides an accessible way to demonstrate sustainable improvement at whatever stage of development a company is at.  I don’t believe the Dashboard has reached it’s true potential yet but I know it is a powerful tool that could transform the industry with wider adoption.

What challenges are the leather industry facing and what do we need to do more of and less of?

DT: The biggest challenge is the incoming regulations, particularly EUDR but also others such as the EU Waste Directive and EU Green Claims Directive.  Everything hinges upon the ability to trace material and our industry is still not up to that task.  

Losing market share to other material types will only increase if the industry cannot demonstrate enough robust due diligence and we are starting to see signs of that already.

Industry has always risen to the challenge but traceability seems to remain the biggest hurdle we face and it is the foundation upon which all other sustainability claims rest.

Who are the people you most admire in our industry and why?

DT: Most of the people I admire in the industry are the ones who are the changemakers – people like Gusatvo Defeo for his work on evaluating the bio based content of leather against its alternative materials; also his study on other property comparisons such as durability, waterproofing, etc.  

Another Gustavo I admire is Gustavo Quijano, Secretary General of COTANCE for his unwavering championing of leather at governmental level – but also his statesman-like way of conducting himself in the industry.  I have a huge respect for him.

As we reflect on the past year, we’re proud to share the Leather Naturally 2024 Annual Report, which captures our key achievements and steadfast commitment to promoting sustainable leather.

2024 was a year of meaningful progress and collaboration. With the support of our global network of members, we’ve continued to elevate the conversation around leather—educating consumers, supporting the industry, and reinforcing leather’s place as a durable, natural, and responsible material.

Here’s what we achieved together:

Growing Our Global Community

In 2024, our membership expanded to 172 organisations. This is a testament to the trust and shared values across the leather industry. From tanneries and chemical suppliers to fashion brands and educational institutions, our members form the foundation of everything we do.

Expanding Our Digital Reach

Our paid awareness campaigns received nearly 600,000 views, helping us reach a broader audience with accurate, engaging content about leather. Our growing online community is a sign that the message is resonating, demonstrated by the fact that our social media followers increased by 11% this year alone.

Strengthening Industry Engagement

We hosted our annual member breakfast at APLF, one of the key moments in our calendar. It was an invaluable opportunity to connect in person, share updates, and foster collaboration across the supply chain.

Launching Educational Tools

We published the Guide to Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) for the leather industry. The Guide is a practical, accessible document designed to help stakeholders in the leather industry better understand best practices when conducting LCAs for leather. 

Contributing to the Higg Index

In a collaborative effort with the Leather Working Group and SPIN 360, we submitted a combined dataset for bovine leather to be considered as the new industry average in the Higg Materials Sustainability Index (MSI). This is a significant step in ensuring accurate, science-based representation of leather’s environmental footprint.

Looking Ahead 

As we build on the progress of 2024, we remain focused on transparency, education, and collective action. We invite you to dive into the full report to explore the numbers, stories, and strategies shaping the future of the leather industry.

Read the full 2024 Annual Report here

Thank you for being part of the Leather Naturally community. We look forward to another year of progress together!

20th August 2025: Leather Naturally, a membership organization for the leather industry focused on promoting leather education to consumers, confirms today that Dietrich Tegtmeyer has been confirmed as a member of the Leather Naturally Supervisory Council. This is Dietrich’s second and final term on the Council. 

About Dietrich Tegtmeyer

Dietrich joined the Leather Naturally Supervisory Council in 2021, whilst working as the Global Head of Business Development and Industry Relations TFL Ledertechnik GmbH.

He left TFL in 2025 to focus on consulting work in the leather industry. Dietrich is a chemist who has held roles for Bayer, LANXESS, and TFL for the past 30 years.

Dietrich served as the President of the International Union for Leather Technologists and Chemists Societies (IULTCS) over 2016-2017; was a member of the Leather Working Group Executive Committee over 2009-2013 and again in 2020-2025; and has been an advisory board member for Oeko-Tex since 2021. 

About the LN Supervisory Council

The Leather Naturally Supervisory Council is one of the two governing bodies leading the organization. The Supervisory Council is responsible for the supervision of the Management Board and serves an advisory function. The current Council is composed of the following members:

• Arnaud Backbier
• Carl Flach, ISA TanTec
• Dietrich Tegtmeyer
• James Lang, Scottish Leather Group (Chair)
• Thomas Yu, Jollity Enterprise

The next election for the LN Supervisory Council will happen in 2027, or earlier if a current member chooses to step down.

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About Leather Naturally

Leather Naturally promotes the use of responsibly made, certified leather. Its website www.leathernaturally.org is a key resource for information about modern leather manufacturing and the part it plays in a more sustainable society.

Hoofddorp, THE NETHERLANDS; 15 August 2025: Leather Naturally, a membership organization dedicated to representing the global leather industry and promoting information about leather to consumers, is seeking a new candidate to join its Management Board.

The new Management Board member will become Leather Naturally’s Communications Lead, responsible for driving engagement with the vision and mission of the organization.

Role overview:

This position is voluntary and requires someone who has the capacity and commitment for the role.

Key responsibilities include:

To act as a liaison between the Communications Team and the Management Board
Define and implement Leather Naturally’s communications strategy and budget
Drive Leather Naturally’s strategy for World Leather Day
Project manage the creation of the Leather Naturally Annual Report
Manage and lead our team of marketing communications experts
Attend semi-regular team meetings (30 minutes) and monthly Management Board meetings (1 hour 30 minutes)
Act as a public spokesperson for Leather Naturally on an ad hoc basis
Person specification:
5 years experience as a communications or marketing leader in the leather industry
Experience in leading remote teams and devising organizational strategy
Expertise in managing websites, social media and digital marketing
Fluency in written and spoken English
Skilled in public speaking
How to apply:

To put yourself forward as the new Communications Lead for Leather Naturally, please email the LN admin team with your CV, a short cover letter explaining your motivation for applying and suitability for the role (outlining your communications marketing experience.)

The deadline to apply for this position is Friday 26th September 2025.

Sara Battiston is the Co-Founder and Director of The London Leather Workshop, an artisan studio and training centre dedicated to bag-making and leather crafts. Our Meet the Maker series spotlights members of the global leather industry, showcasing the people working with leather on the day-to-day.

Tell us more about The London Leather Workshop

“We work closely with accessory brands and designers, offering tailored support at every stage, from design and development to prototyping and manufacturing. Whether someone is starting or already established, we help turn ideas into finished products.

But it is not just about industry services for us. We love sharing what we know and helping new makers find their feet. Through professional courses, beginner workshops, and bespoke training, we give creatives the skills and confidence to bring their ideas to life or launch their own brand. Seeing people grow in this field is what drives us.”

Tell us about your career and study background

“I studied accessory design and pattern development in Rome, and I also have a degree in fashion marketing and economics. Alongside my formal education, I have had professional training in bag making in Milan, traditional leathercraft skills in Florence, and traditional-style leatherwork in the UK.

Before opening my studio, I spent over ten years working in the fashion and accessory industry as a machinist, pattern maker and designer of clothing and accessories.  This combination of hands-on experience and formal training, along with my love for this craft, shapes everything I do today.”

What inspired you to set up your business?

“I wanted to create something of my own where I could draw on all the skills and experience I had built up over the years working in different roles in the industry. I also noticed there weren’t many places where startups and emerging designers could get the tailored support they needed, so I set out to fill that gap.

Initially, I focused exclusively on providing services for brands, but after receiving numerous requests, I decided to begin offering training as well. I wanted to empower others to develop their skills, gain the confidence to bring their ideas to life, and help them embark on their own journey in this industry.”

Tell us who buys your products and services

“Our clients vary widely, both in terms of products and business size. For our services, we work with everything from established brands to startups. What they all share is a real appreciation for high-quality, sustainable UK craftsmanship.

In our training, we work with individuals at all levels, from professionals looking to refine their skills to beginners just starting out in the craft. Wherever they are in their journey, we are here to help them grow and learn.”

What is it about leather that you love?

“Leather is a material that offers endless potential. It’s not just beautiful and durable; it actually can improve with age and use. I also love that it’s a byproduct and completely circular: if something wears out, it can be repaired, repurposed or recycled, making it highly sustainable. There is a perfect balance of performance and aesthetics, and it just feels amazing to touch and work with.”

What are some challenges facing the leather industry? How can we address them?

“There are definitely challenges in the leather industry, especially when it comes to misconceptions about its sustainability. Many people still believe that cows are killed solely for leather or that the tannery industry is as polluting as it once was. While there is still much to be done, significant progress has already been made. Additionally, there is a shortage of skilled professionals who can share their expertise and knowledge with the wider public in a clear and understandable way.

One way to tackle these issues is through education, such as the work you are doing at Leather Naturally. I think you are doing a fantastic job of creating accessible and informative materials that help everyone better understand the material and the industry.”

How are you developing your business this year?

“As our business grows, we are bringing on more staff, which means we can now take on larger production orders while maintaining the same high-quality standards. We have also been listening closely to feedback from our clients, and as a result, we are expanding our training offerings. We are rolling out longer courses and masterclasses to provide even more in-depth learning opportunities.

In addition, we have been focusing on growing our supply shop. Now that we have been open for a year, we are expanding our stock based on client feedback, ensuring we offer exactly what makers and designers need.”

What’s your top-selling product?

“We don’t have just one top-selling product, as we see equal demand for both our services and our training. We focus on maintaining a balance, ensuring that both the services we provide for brands and our educational offerings are key to our business.

The two sides are equally important because education helps to develop skilled professionals who will sustain and innovate within the industry, while our services for brands support businesses in creating quality products. By nurturing both, we are proud to play a part in the growth of our industry.”

Who do you admire in the leather industry?

“From the material point of view, I greatly admire the work of British Pasture Leather. It is the first company in the UK to produce leather exclusively from cattle raised on certified regenerative farms. Their leather is tanned in traditional vegetable-tanned tanneries in the UK, further enhancing its sustainability credentials.
This approach supports the environment, animals and local communities, and through their traceable supply chain, designers and consumers can fully understand the origins and journey of the leather.

British Pasture Leather is a perfect example of how traditional craftsmanship can align with modern sustainability goals, inspiring a renewed appreciation for leather in design and fashion. From a craft perspective, I admire leather craftsman Nigel Armitage, not only for his exceptional skills but also for his commitment and dedication to the craft. He carries tradition forward while maintaining an innovative mindset, and is eager to share his knowledge out of a great passion for the craft.”

What is one misconception about leather you want to challenge?

“If I had to pick just one, it would be the idea that leather is an unsustainable or unethical material. Leather is a byproduct of the meat and dairy industries, if we did not use it, it would likely end up as waste. In contrast, many alternative materials are made with plastic-based coatings that are neither biodegradable nor truly sustainable. I’m not against alternative materials per se, but the idea of sustainability is still too surface-level for many, and that mindset really needs to change.

There is also a lack of awareness around responsible leather production. Not all leather is the same, there is a huge difference between mass-produced leather with little traceability and responsibly sourced leather from tanneries that meet high environmental standards. More people need to understand this distinction to make choices based on the full picture rather than misleading marketing claims.

Promoting traceability, highlighting sustainable practices, and educating people about the full lifecycle of leather are all crucial steps in changing perceptions. Sustainability is not just about materials; it is about longevity, repairability and responsible sourcing, and leather, when done right, ticks all those boxes.”

4 JULY 2025: Leather Naturally is pleased to announce the appointment of Thomas Yu and Arnaud Backbier to its Supervisory Council, with James Lang elected for a final term as Chair. 

The Leather Naturally Supervisory Council acts as a governing body, supervising the Management Board, which is responsible for the day-to-day running of the organization. The Council acts in an advisory manner and is composed of five experts from the global leather industry. 

About Arnaud Backbier
Also appointed for a first term on the Council, Arnaud replaces outgoing member Chad Jensen. Arnaud is a strategic business leader with 20+ years’ experience driving growth, innovation, and operational excellence across sectors like life sciences, chemicals, leather and the circular economy. He is skilled in general management, commercial leadership, M&A, and board governance, with a passion for sustainability and building businesses toward long-term success. He has previously held roles at leather chemical manufacturer Royal Smit & Zoon lastly as Global Commercial Director.

About James Lang

Remaining on the Council for a third and final term, James is the Chair of the Leather Naturally Supervisory Council. James is a 6th generation leather manufacturer and a director of Scottish Leather Group Limited. He joined the Group in 1978 and has held a number of senior posts across the group. Working toward retirement, James is now a non-executive director of Scottish Leather Group Limited. He is also Chair of Leather UK, and Chair of the charity Providing for People in Paisley(P3). James serves as a Court Assistant at the Worshipful Company of Leathersellers’ in London.

About Thomas Yu

Appointed for a first term on the Council, Thomas replaces outgoing member, David Peters. Thomas has over 25 years of experience working in the leather industry and currently holds the position of General Manager of Jollity Enterprise, based in Taiwan. He has also held the position of President of the Taiwan International Leather Association (TILA) since 2021. Thomas previously served as the President of the International Union of Leather Technologists and Chemists Societies (IULTCS). 

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About Leather Naturally

Leather Naturally promotes the use of responsibly made, certified leather. Its website www.leathernaturally.org is a key resource for information about modern leather manufacturing and the part it plays in a more sustainable society.

Media enquiries

For all media enquiries, please contact info@leathernaturally.org