Ananya Sharma
For centuries, humans have adorned themselves with the skins of other creatures, a practice ingrained in our history since time immemorial. The utilization of leather as clothing traces back to our primal ancestors, who fashioned garments from untreated bear hides out of sheer necessity. However, what initially served as a fundamental need has, over time, transformed into an insatiable greed. The intimate alliance between leather and humanity, once born of survival, has now evolved into a hazardous entanglement. It is now imperative that we sever ties with this toxic relationship. As custodians of the Earth, we find ourselves at a critical juncture, compelled to redefine our association with the animal kingdom. Let our choices henceforth reflect a commitment to ethical coexistence, steering away from the shadows of exploitation that have marred this longstanding connection.
Leather, a resilient and pliable material renowned for its durability, undergoes formation through the tanning process applied to animal hides, primarily sourced from diverse species including cattle, sheep, goats, equines, buffalo, pigs, hogs, and aquatic fauna such as seals and alligators. Distinct characteristics are exhibited by various leather types, such as deer, ostrich, buffalo, and eel.
Despite its utilitarian attributes, leather significantly contributes to eutrophication, a critical ecological phenomenon marked by runoff waste inducing excessive plant proliferation in aquatic ecosystems. This process results in oxygen depletion and the formation of hypoxic zones, adversely impacting aquatic life. The utilization of animals for high-quality leather raises pertinent concerns, encompassing both biodiversity and ethical considerations.
The biodegradability of leather, while presenting an environmental concern, prompts contrasting perspectives, with some contending that artificial fabrics might entail harmful chemicals and non-biodegradable risks. In this context, Piñatex, derived from pineapple leaf fibers, emerges as a sustainable and plant-based alternative, concurrently fostering support for local communities.
Furthering the spectrum of alternatives, apple leather, a by-product of apple harvesting, emulates genuine leather in appearance, featuring a paper-like texture conducive to versatile garment customization. In the realm of leather treatment, chrome tanning, a prevalent method, is environmentally deleterious due to chemical involvement. Conversely, chrome-free leather, utilizing vegetable tannins, represents a more ecologically benign alternative.
In pursuit of eco-conscious practices, certain companies embrace sustainability by repurposing antiquated leather items, thereby curbing waste and ameliorating the environmental impact associated with leather production. The primary consumers of finished leather goods span globally, encompassing the USA, Hong Kong, Japan, France, Germany, the UK, Italy, South Korea, China, Spain, Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, the Russian Federation, Australia, and Singapore.
As elucidated by a recent report, the global leather goods market, valued at US$414 billion in 2017, is poised to achieve a noteworthy escalation to US$629.65 billion by 2025, manifesting a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 5.4%. Notably, India, positioned as the fifth-largest leather producer, manifests a unique equilibrium in the production of bovine, sheep, and goat leather, substantively contributing to the overarching dynamics of the global leather industry. Particularly noteworthy is India’s annual production of 670 million square feet of light leather from sheep and goat hides, positioning it as the second-largest producer in this specific category, trailing only the foremost leather-producing nation globally.
The use of animals for high-quality leather presents a significant challenge, not only in terms of biodiversity but also in conflict with human values. While leather is biodegradable and considered environmentally sustainable, its impact on biodiversity remains a pressing concern.
My perspective aligns with the belief that the ethical implications of using animals for leather production outweigh its biodegradable nature. The threat to biodiversity, coupled with the ethical concerns, underscores the need to explore alternative, cruelty-free materials.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the opposing viewpoint. Some argue that opting for artificial fabrics may involve the use of chemicals and non-biodegradable materials. Additionally, the painful consequences animals face when exposed to harmful substances, such as plastic and DDT, raise questions about the overall environmental impact of alternative materials.
In this complex debate, opinions may vary. What are your thoughts on striking a balance between environmental sustainability, ethical considerations, and biodiversity preservation in the choices we make regarding materials like leather?