For this year’s World Leather Day, we want to create a conversation. An opportunity to challenge misperceptions about the way leather is made and its role in a planet positive environment.
Too many people are confused about leather, how it’s sourced, made and its impact on the health of our planet.
And perhaps that’s because of myths and half-truths shared and re-shared across multiple social and media platforms.
As an organization representing the leather industry, we have a responsibility to counter the myths, share the truth and present the facts about leather with transparency and data.
‘Beneath The Surface’ is our prevailing theme for 2025. A way to encourage consideration about the truths beyond a surface understanding. Our conversation is about leather, its provenance and its impact on our world.
For 2025, we are focusing on 3 fundamental pillars:
1. Transparency
Transparent and compliant leather production relies on audited tanneries that process animal hides using strictly regulated chemicals.
- These facilities also adhere to rigorous hygiene and environmental standards.
- As a result, final leather products meet brand and NGO requirements by complying with Restricted Substances Lists (RSLs).
Our mini website ‘Leather Truthfully’ is a useful resource for everyone seeking transparency about leather. Despite being launched over 2 years ago, it is still well visited and loved for its design and accessibility.
Whether you want to know the answers to basic questions such as “are cows killed for leather (they are not)” or “what is vegan leather” – we endeavour to share all the answers.
2. Sustainability
Modern leather production prioritizes sustainability, with many tanneries certified by organizations like the Leather Working Group and the Sustainable Leather Foundation.
- These certifications ensure adherence to strict environmental standards, including responsible water and energy use, waste management, and chemical control.
- Additionally, many tanneries and leather industry organizations are conducting Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) to evaluate and reduce leather’s environmental impact from raw material to finished product.
Leather and sustainability – according to the Higg Index
The Higg Materials Sustainability Index (MSI) is a tool that assesses the environmental impacts of materials used in the apparel and consumer goods industries, helping designers and developers make more sustainable choices during product development by providing a dataset to evaluate material impacts.
In 2024, we published a new and important set of data included in the October 2024 update of the Higg MSI. It confirmed the environmental impacts of bovine leather were over 60% lower than the previous MSI value for leather.
What’s more, the Global Warming Potential, which previously showed the impact of leather at 36.8 points on the Higg MSI scale, has also been re-calculated and reduced by 60% to 14.6 points. This significant shift advances real change, promoting a more nuanced and honest understanding of bovine leather as a sustainable material choice.
This transparent insight was conducted by SPIN 360, utilizing 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.
3. Longevity
Leather has unique properties that make it a long-lasting material.
Leather’s exceptional durability allows it to be repaired, reused, and repurposed, making it a long-lasting material. Its unique combination of strength, breathability, and comfort sets it apart from synthetic alternatives. These qualities make leather a naturally resilient and sustainable choice.
In 2024, we published the Leather Repair Directory. It was an opportunity to celebrate the longevity of leather, leather repair experts worldwide and their services. From a vintage leather jacket, a well-loved pair of leather shoes, or a luxury leather handbag, the Leather Repair Directory helps connect consumers with the right repair professional nearby.
As an organization, we encourage consumers to understand the facts about leather by going deeper, exploring more about leather materials and being open to truths.
If you love leather, or even if you don’t, we think knowing how leather is made and its true impact on the planet, helps consumers make the best purchase decisions.