The Global Warming Potential (GWP) of bovine leather has been reduced by a whopping 60% to 14.6 points on the just updated HIGG MSI, according to two apex leather organisations.
- The Global Warming Potential previously showed an impact of 36.8 points on the Higg Materials Sustainability Index (Higg MSI).
- This new LCA on the environmental impact of bovine leather is between 55% and 67% lower than the previous value for leather.
- This advances real change, promoting a more nuanced understanding of bovine leather as a sustainable material choice.
THE STUDY: This comprehensive effort was conducted by Spin360 on behalf of Leather Working Group and Leather Naturally, by utilising data collected from 45 manufacturing facilities across 18 countries.
- The research 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.
THE HIGG MSI is a cradle-to-gate material assessment tool that calculates environmental impacts from the extraction or production of raw materials, through manufacturing and finishing to the point where the material, trim/component, or packaging is ready to be assembled into a final product.
- Leather Working Group (LWG) is a global non-profit, multi-stakeholder initiative committed to building a world where leather is sourced, produced, and used sustainably, protecting people and the planet. LWG supports and encourages the use of responsibly made leather as a sustainable material by inspiring, educating, and challenging those that produce and use leather.
- Leather Naturally promotes the use of responsibly made certified leather. Its website www.leathernaturally.org is a key resource for information about modern leather manufacturing and the part it plays in a more sustainable society.
- Spin 360 Srl is a consulting firm specialising in sustainable innovation and development across multiple industries. The company supports businesses achieve sustainable growth by providing data-driven tools, processes, and strategies that enhance environmental and social responsibility.
WHAT THEY SAID
At Leather Working Group, we regard transparency as fundamental to fostering meaningful progress in the leather industry. Our collaboration with Leather Naturally reflects this commitment, and we are proud to see our combined Life Cycle Assessment data integrated into the Higg MSI update. This milestone underscores the significant advancements in sustainable leather production and reaffirms our dedication to responsible industry practices.
— Christina Trautmann
Director, Sustainability
Leather Working Group
Leather Naturally undertook this initiative on behalf of the industry to provide an updated perspective on leather manufacturing. We thank the Leather Working Group for their partnership and celebrate this positive result, which is now recognized in the updated Higg MSI.
— Kim Sena
Impact Team
Leather Naturally
Environmental characteristic of materials are becoming a key intangible value in the international market scene. SPIN360 reaffirms its commitment towards high data quality in Life Cycle Assessment. It is only through the elaboration of primary data that brands, and industry players can take proper data-driven decisions and tanneries can define mid- and long-term strategies for the environmental improvement of leather.
— Federico Brugnoli
Chief Executive Officer
Spin 360
