As interest in vegan leather reaches an all-time high, the leather industry is improving its production processes and marketing itself as the sustainable alternative.
Key takeaways:
- The leather industry is working to create a transparent supply chain so that best practices are rewarded by customers. Efforts are also underway to market leather as a lasting, eco-friendly material.
- Tanneries are adopting tighter safety protocols that keep chemicals and more benign forms of chrome from polluting the environment. Companies like Nisolo are experimenting with more natural inputs, such as tree bark, to produce some of their skins.
- Leather is facing competition from vegan alternatives. Net-a-Porter bought over 300 faux leather pieces for the Autumn/Winter 2019 season.
With leather back in fashion, a growing contingent of brands and retailers — and the leather industry itself — is working to change the negative narrative that surrounds this durable classic. Stronger environmental standards, innovation and sharper pro-leather marketing are gaining traction and leather could be on the cusp of a conscious revolution.
“[Brands now] really want to get into the nitty-gritty and do a deep dive into the environmental impact of what they're getting,” says Alex Bass, chief executive of District Leathers, a leather wholesaler in Manhattan that has seen an uptick in customers asking for responsibly sourced leather in recent months.
By Elizabeth L. Cline.
Full story at Vogue Business.
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