This guide has been developed to provide fundamental knowledge to all stakeholders in the sector on how to conduct, interpret and collaborate on life cycle assessment (LCA) studies. In addition, the guide has been written in intuitive and simplified language, making LCAs accessible to all audiences.
What are Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs)?
LCAs can be used to analyze and understand the environmental impact of a product across its whole life cycle, from origin, processing, usage, and disposal. In the context of leather production, an LCA might consider factors like cattle farming, tanning, manufacturing, product use, and how to deal with products at the end of their life.
What is in the guide?
- The importance of LCAs: How they help companies make more sustainable decisions about materials, processes, technologies and suppliers.
- Methodologies and approaches: Different ways of conducting an LCA, their advantages and challenges.
- Data sources: How to collect and use primary and secondary data for a more accurate assessment.
- Results and applications: How to interpret the results of an LCA and apply them to business strategies.
- Challenges and limitations: Critical issues for companies wishing to conduct their own studies.
- Findings from Leather Naturally’s aggregated LCA study: A detailed analysis of the data collected and the sector’s contribution to Higg, in partnership with the Leather Working Group.
