LWG presents its first LCA study

Leather Working Group (LWG) has recently published its Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study aimed at providing accurate and updated insights into the environmental impact of leather production, supporting stakeholders in reducing environmental footprints and making informed decisions. “Our primary goal is to help stakeholders reduce environmental footprints and make informed, sustainable decisions” explain from the British organization that today presents itself as “a global multi-stakeholder community, working to create meaningful change across the global leather supply chain”.
The analysis evaluates the environmental impact of producing one square meter (1m²) of finished leather, with additional metrics available per kilogram. It examines key impact categories, including Global Warming Potential, Eutrophication, Abiotic Depletion, Water Use, Freshwater Ecotoxicity, and Water Consumption. Conducted by Spin 360, the LWG LCA delivers a comprehensive assessment of leather production, spanning 50 distinct products across six product families. These include chrome-tanned and glutaraldehyde-tanned leathers used in footwear, furniture, leather goods, and automotive upholstery. The analysis covers the entire production process—from raw material sourcing to finished leather manufacturing— and incorporates globally sourced data. The LWG LCA outlines actionable measures to improve the environmental credentials of leather production, emphasising a holistic approach to mitigating adverse impacts. It is expected that LWG-certified leather manufacturers will utilise this data to minimise their environmental footprint. “Meanwhile, brands and retailers can use these insights to make informed sourcing decisions and advance their sustainability goals”.