14 September 2023

Leather and the Environment - Leather goods could help combat the environmental effects of 'fast fashion'

While one part of the fashion industry tries to adjust its way of production to make it more environmentally friendly, another sector encourages the consumer to buy extra clothes and throw them away after a short time. On the other hand, items made of leather, in addition to being beautiful, are durable, noble, repairable and biodegradable. That is, the opposite side of “fast fashion”. Report by CueroAmérica.


Recently, the European Commission launched a strong campaign against fast fashion. The objective was to raise awareness among young people about the consequences of this type of consumption and encourage the purchase of durable clothing. The EU has made a serious commitment to its ‘2030 Vision for Textiles’ project dedicated to ensuring that fashion has a positive impact on the planet.


In this context, leather and its products have a lot to contribute. In addition to being a byproduct that would end up in landfills if not used, items made with this material are durable, repairable and contribute to the circular economy.


Consumers are increasingly attentive to purchasing products with less environmental impact and it is important that they know the benefits of buying leather goods.


Good quality clothing and footwear made from leather is very durable which reduces the need to buy more clothing. Additionally, they are superior to products made with misleading alternatives like “eco-leather” or “vegan” that are made with petroleum derivatives, harm the environment, and do not have the same durability as real leather.


Leather products are repairable and there are already brands such as Hermes, Chanel and Loewe that offer their customers the possibility of repairing garments to extend their useful life and reduce consumption and waste.


Being durable, these products acquire a vintage look over time that can be offered in second-hand clothing markets. Others were designed in a classic style that does not go out of style and always looks elegant.


By adding all these advantages, leather is clearly presented as a suitable alternative to reduce consumption, promote the circular economy and reduce the carbon footprint generated by the fashion industry.

About APLF

We bring leather, material and fashion businesses together: an opportunity to meet and greet face to face. We bring them from all parts of the world so that they can find fresh partners, discover new customers or suppliers and keep ahead of industry developments.

 

We organise a number of trade exhibitions which focus on fashion and lifestyle: sectors that are constantly in flux, so visitors and exhibitors alike need to be constantly aware both of the changes around them and those forecast for coming seasons.

 

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