IULTCS explains the value of leather LCA study

The latest scientific newsletter released by IULTCS turns the spotlight on the LCA study conducted by Italian specialist company SPIN360, co-authored by Luis Zugno and Kim Sena, Secretary and Sustainability Committee Chair of IULTCS, respectively.

“The leather industry has long needed comprehensive and up-to-date studies on the environmental impact of leather production. Different studies have been published in the past, but mainly due to the lack of comprehensiveness failed to represent the entire leather segment” the authors explain. The new paper addresses these gaps by conducting an extensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) using modern methodologies and data from 56 studies across 16 facilities in 11 countries.

The study covers various types of leather, such as automotive, shoe, upholstery, and goods, providing a global perspective. Key findings highlight that the farming stage significantly impacts most environmental categories, and there’s a need for better data on raw materials and processing. On the other hand, some environmental impacts were lower than previously thought, providing some important insights.  “This research is crucial for leather manufacturers, as it identifies areas for improvement and highlights data gaps that, if addressed, could lead to more reliable and useful LCA results. The insights gained can guide the industry towards more environmentally friendly production methods, continuously positioning leather as a responsible material alternative for the future” Kim Sena concludes.

The paper can be downloaded HERE