Leatherbiz reports that Acque del Chiampo, the company that runs the wastewater treatment plant that serves the Arzignano tanning cluster in northern Italy, and partner company Medio Chiampo, which treats domestic wastewater in the area, have extended the deadline for bids to work with them on a new plant to treat dried sludge.

Sourcing Journal’s Christopher Hall writes that Nike's Atsuma sneaker uses intelligent pattern design to prevent material waste by designing around fabric cutouts.

Footwear News’ Erin E. Clack writes that as 2020 kicks off, the movement to eliminate the use of plastic bags is getting a boost. A spate of new laws and ordinances in states, cities and towns across the U.S. will bring a ban on plastic bags at checkouts.

Emma Foster-Geering, who is Head of Sustainability at Vivobarefoot writes that there is a growing awareness of environmental and ethical issues surrounding the meat industry and this has seen the vegan community rapidly expand almost overnight. Whilst it might seem as simple as eliminating any animal products from your life, it is actually far more complicated than it seems.

Sourcing Journal’s Kate Nishimura writes that as anxieties about climate change mount exponentially with each passing month, sustainability has become the focus of a sector that has often relied on fleeting trends and manufactured hype to push product.