United Kingdom, 19^th October 2023 – The Sustainable Leather Foundation, along with 27 other international leather industry organizations, again called on the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) to recognise the positive impact of natural materials such as leather on people, lives, and livelihoods and as a means of directly mitigating climate impact. Expanding on previous messages sent to COP meeting, The “Leather Manifesto,” highlights to the COP28 delegates capacity for leather and other natural materials, to make the best use of the resources available and to do so without diminishing them or causing harm to the environment.

“Leather manufacture can create opportunities for employment, wealth generation and security in deprived regions, both directly and in associated industries.” the Leather Manifesto states. “Greater use of natural materials would create jobs, reduce waste and could be a direct driver of more sustainable agricultural practice.”

The Manifesto further notes that leather is an ideal choice for a sustainable future, encouraging re-use and slow-fashion. The leather industry once again calls for appropriate measures of environmental impact such as LCA, taking full account of all aspects of the production of any material and the promotion of durable products, and items that can be used many times, repaired and refurbished.

“Here at Sustainable Leather Foundation we are committed to a sustainable future within which leather in an intrinsic material. We fully endorse this Leather Manifesto and will continue to work with the whole leather value chain to demonstrate best practice across all areas of  Environmental, Social and Governance responsibility in line with the UN Guiding Principles and SDGs”, Deborah Taylor, Managing Director.

About Sustainable Leather Foundation:

Established in 2020, The Sustainable Leather Foundation’s vision is to enable collective improvement and education globally, for more sustainable practices in leather manufacture and production. SLF is concerned with all aspects of sustainability – Environmental, Social and Governance. As a not-for-profit organisation, the Foundation provides a transparent and inclusive approach to demonstrating sustainable good practice throughout the value chain.

Coupled with this, the Foundation is committed to ensuring that consumers have a clear mechanism to see and understand the sustainable attributes of leather as a material, and the work that the industry does to ensure good practice.

The Foundation’s objective is to unite all leather value chain stakeholders in ensuring a sustainable future for the leather industry by shining a spotlight on innovation and best practice, providing a mechanism for improvement and education, while also preserving the social and economic wellbeing of communities in less advanced regions.

Working together is key to ensure that we can accelerate the action required for our society’s future needs.