Leather Naturally is pleased to share a new educational resource exploring sustainable water management practices across the global leather industry.
Water plays a critical role in leather production—from processing raw hides to achieving the performance and quality characteristics the material is known for. As a natural material rooted in the circular economy, leather depends on responsible resource use.
Why water management matters
While water is fundamental to leather production, it is also a finite and increasingly scrutinised resource. The industry has a responsibility to improve how water is measured, managed, and conserved.
Using water more sustainably helps reduce environmental impact, supports compliance with evolving regulations, and strengthens trust with customers, communities, and stakeholders. It also drives innovation, encouraging more efficient processes and technologies across the value chain.
About the new report
The report, Sustainable Water Management in the Leather Industry, aims to highlight water’s essential role in leather making and its link to environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
It also seeks to clarify the topic and equip stakeholders throughout the leather value chain with the knowledge and tools to understand, interpret, and work together on sustainable water management.
The report is now available to download from the Leather Naturally website. It was developed using insights gathered through a public consultation in late 2025, and draws on insights from a Life Cycle Assessment study conducted by Leather Naturally, supported technically by SPIN360.
The report explores:
- Why water remains a strategic priority for the leather industry
- The basis of sustainable water management
- How sustainable water management is implemented
- Limitations and challenges in water management
- Case studies and success stories
Supporting real-world progress
This publication is intended for industry professionals, sustainability leaders, suppliers, brands, and policymakers, to help them make real-world progress. It aims to deepen their understanding of water’s role in leather production and how it can be managed more sustainably for long-term impact.
The report highlights practical examples from across the leather value chain, showcasing how tanneries and industry stakeholders are adopting new technologies, improving processes, and implementing innovative approaches to reduce water use and enhance efficiency.
Inside this report, you’ll find case studies and examples from: the Confederation of National Associations of Tanners and Dressers of the European Community (COTANCE), Igualadina de Depuració i Recuperació, ISA TanTec, JBS Couros, and PrimeAsia Leather Company.