Brett Mathews writes on LinkedIn:

NEW STUDY FINDS LEATHER’S ENVIRONMENT IMPACT HAS BEEN OVERSTATED: A groundbreaking new study offers the most comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the modern cow leather industry to date.

Researchers analysed data from 56 LCA studies across 16 facilities in 11 countries, revealing key insights into leather production’s environmental impact.

The study highlights that the farming stage is the biggest contributor to leather’s global warming potential, water use, and resource depletion.

However, it also found that previous estimates overstate leather’s environmental footprint, particularly in how raw material impacts are allocated.

The issue of allocation is a contentious one. The hashtag#wool industry has had similar challenges in tackling misleading data around this topic.

Using LCA methodologies, the researchers also identified opportunities for improvement, including better raw material allocation, chemical process refinements, and increased sustainability in tannery operations.

Sensitivity analysis showed that switching to renewable energy and reducing chemical use could significantly lower environmental impacts.

Read more: https://lnkd.in/ePYfhfun