Release Date: October 29, 2024
29th October 2024 – Leather Working Group (LWG) and Leather Naturally announce that a combined data submission done by SPIN360 from their respective Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies has been adopted as a new average for bovine leather by the Higg Materials Sustainability Index (Higg MSI).
The new dataset, included in the October 2024 update of the Higg MSI, results in the environmental impacts of bovine leather being between 55% and 67% lower than the previous MSI value for leather. The Global Warming Potential, which previously showed an impact of 36.8 points on the Higg MSI scale, is reduced by 60% to 14.6 points. This significant shift advances real change, promoting a more nuanced understanding of bovine leather as a sustainable material choice.
This comprehensive effort was conducted by SPIN360, utilising data collected from 45 manufacturing facilities across 18 countries and evaluated 92 leather products with the intention of providing a global representation of bovine leather. It encompassed key leather end-use sectors, including footwear, automotive, leather goods, and upholstery.
“At Leather Working Group, we regard transparency as fundamental to fostering meaningful progress in the leather industry. Our collaboration with Leather Naturally reflects this commitment, and we are proud to see our combined Life Cycle Assessment data integrated into the Higg MSI update. This milestone underscores the significant advancements in sustainable leather production and reaffirms our dedication to responsible industry practices” said Christina Trautmann, Director of Sustainability, LWG.
Kim Sena, from Leather Naturally’s Impact Team, added, “Leather Naturally undertook this initiative on behalf of the industry to provide an updated perspective on leather manufacturing. We thank the Leather Working Group for their partnership and celebrate this positive result, which is now recognized in the updated Higg MSI.”
Federico Brugnoli, CEO of SPIN360, added, “Environmental characteristic of materials are becoming a key intangible value in the international market scene. SPIN360 reaffirms its commitment towards high data quality in Life Cycle Assessment. It is only through the elaboration of primary data that brands, and industry players can take proper data-driven decisions and tanneries can define mid- and long-term strategies for the environmental improvement of leather.”
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Leather Working Group (LWG) is a global non-profit, multi-stakeholder initiative committed to building a world where leather is sourced, produced, and used sustainably, protecting people and the planet. LWG supports and encourages the use of responsibly made leather as a sustainable material by inspiring, educating, and challenging those that produce and use leather. Through collaboration, convening, and standard setting, we are collectively creating a transparent leather value chain that achieves positive impacts aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at www.leatherworkinggroup.com
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.
Spin 360 Srl is a consulting firm specialising in sustainable innovation and development across multiple industries. Founded in 2009 the company supports businesses achieve sustainable growth by providing data-driven tools, processes, and strategies that enhance environmental and social responsibility. Learn more at www.spin360.biz