ILM content Editor, Martin Ricker, writes in detail on the vegan agenda and its impact on the environment. Veganism is often presented as the solution to our environmental, health and animal welfare problems. But is it? Although, the majority of vegans believe any material that is not derived from animals is fine, many miss the fact that globally thousands of perfectly useable hides and skins (for making leather) are currently thrown away on a daily basis (estimates suggest 15-25%), while many of the alternatives that are marketed as ‘vegan’ use up natural resources and many are fossil-fuel derived from non-renewable carbon sources.

In a context of ecological awareness, the leather industry becomes the target of individuals criticizing its lack of consideration for the environment. More and more brands are turning to synthetic materials, also called vegan. To counter this growing bad image, the designer of leather goods Jérôme Dreyfuss has chosen to express himself by means of a press release.

Despite the global Covid-19 crisis, fashion remains a consumption driver for shoppers in Europe, with a focus on eco-responsibility and local production. But, ‘revenge shopping’ remains high among the public which may threaten this sustainable objective.

A project to supply an online tool for measuring product environmental footprint (PEF), promised to the leather industry by the European Commission, will not go ahead.

A report by global environmental non-profit organisation CDP has revealed that only one in ten fashion companies show awareness of water pollution across the whole value chain, reports ILM.