Leather has held an extraordinary presence providing protection, comfort, and utility over thousands of years. Today, leather faces the pressure of competing synthetics and bio-fashion materials that often misappropriate its name, promoting a deceptive sustainability profile.
Leather is indeed a by-product of the cattle and beef industry. Beef is an integral and essential source of protein for the world, so the question is not about the role of cattle farming going forward, but rather the choice we make as a society whether to responsibly use the hundreds of cattle processing by-products - such as making leather - or passively and knowingly allowing them to become a massive waste generator, be dumped in landfills and provide no benefits to society.
Roger Pinto, Director of Sustainability & Innovation at Pangea, says “This marks the dissection for a business decision of the automotive industry seeking carbon neutrality. Should they look more broadly? How should data drive their decision?” Under the current principles and framework of life cycle assessment for leathers, data available display a heavy (and perhaps unfair) contribution from the upstream processes allocated from farming to the cattle hide, should leather be produced. Little debate circulates when comparing the use of renewable animal resources and the depleting consumption of petroleum derivatives for synthetics or the common waste streams to landfill and incineration. Every race must have a clear starting line and a defined endpoint, so the results of all competitors are judged on the same merits.
The full synopsis of Roger Pinto’s discussion intends to promote a conscious decision via facts and data that could help correct misconceptions and facilitate a greater marketplace for natural materials. Originally proposed at the 117th American Leather Chemists Association (ALCA) Annual Conference in conjunction with the Leather & Hide Council of America, Pinto plans to take this discussion on the road to our European and Asian customers. Roger has been an active member of industry groups and was recently appointed Councilor to the ALCA.
About Pangea
Pangea is a global leather supplier to the world’s leading automotive brands, providing sustainable solutions that drive the future of interiors. Headquartered in Rochester Hills, Michigan, Pangea serves its customers on four continents with nearly 3,500 team members. For more information, visit www.pangeamade.com, and follow us on LinkedIn.
Media Contact
Jacquelyn Smith, Pangea
248-436-2200
jsmith@pangeamade.com
