Animal-derived leather is prized for its durability and aesthetic appeal. Whilst the traditional leather industry is not going away, its current production comes at a steep environmental cost:
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions: According to a 2013 report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), livestock farming accounts for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with methane from cattle being a significant contributor.
- Water Pollution: The tanning process generates large amounts of heavily polluted wastewater. Only a small percentage of leather is vegetable-tanned, leaving the majority reliant on chemical-heavy processes.
- Deforestation and Biodiversity Loss: Cattle farming is a leading cause of deforestation, particularly in the Amazon, where, according to the WWF, 17% out of a recommended upper limit of 20% has already been deforested.