Now exempt from EU deforestation rules, leather industry moves to repair reputation
PARIS — The prestigious Maison de la Chimie in central Paris hummed with confidence as leather representatives gathered to discuss the industry’s next steps to tackle what they call an unfair “negative perception” attributed to the material. On Sept. 7, around 400 international tanners, luxury-brand representatives and meatpacking executives gathered for the eighth Sustainable Leather […]
In Paris, leather industry stakeholders convened to address the material's "negative perception" at the eighth Sustainable Leather Forum held on September 7. Around 400 participants, including tanners, luxury-brand representatives, and meatpacking executives, debated the industry's future amid growing criticism. The prestigious Maison de la Chimie served as the venue for the discussions.
The EU has recently exempted leather from its deforestation law, while maintaining strict regulations for beef, leading to a regulatory contradiction. This has sparked a heated debate about the logical inconsistency of allowing products from the same cow to enter Europe under two distinct sets of rules. Critics argue that the exemption creates a loophole, weakening the law and weakening environmental efforts.
Leather industry representatives contend that the EUDR (European Union Deforestation Regulation) has negatively impacted the sector, which could have otherwise benefited from recycling cowhide byproducts. According to the Leather and Hide Council of America, approximately 40% of global cowhides are produced.
Written by urgent.news from Mongabay's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
