On July 4, 2025, the Higher Regional Court of Cologne ruled that plastic collars sold as “apple leather” must no longer mislead consumers. The case involved TV personality Martin Rütter’s brand, Mina Merchandising GmbH, which falsely marketed synthetic products using the term “leather.”

The case, led by 🇩🇪 VDL – Verband der Deutschen Lederindustrie e. V, – a COTANCE member, confirmed:

“Leather” must only refer to materials made from animal hides—not fruit waste, not plastic. Prefixes like “apple,” “cactus,” or “vegan” don’t make leather.

“A victory for leather is also a victory for consumers—and a strong signal to all companies profiting from the reputation and unmatched quality of genuine leather: the era of greenwashing is coming to an end,” – said Gustavo Gonzalez-Quijano, Secretary General of COTANCE.

✅ This ruling sets a powerful legal precedent in the EU largest consumer market—protecting authenticity, transparency, and the legacy of real leather craftsmanship.

More info at: https://lnkd.in/eSCMp_RK