Ethical Use of Leather in Fashion: Balancing Style and Morality
By Anastasia Babarika
In the dynamic world of fashion, the ethical use of leather is gaining prominence, prompting a delicate balance between style and ethics. Leather, a long-standing symbol of luxury and craftsmanship, now faces ethical and environmental scrutiny. This article delves into the intricacies of ethical leather usage in fashion, exploring sustainable approaches, innovative materials, and shifting consumer preferences.
As consumer awareness regarding environmental and ethical concerns surges, the fashion industry is experiencing a transformation in purchasing behaviour. Recent Deloitte reports reveal a 6% increase, reaching 40% of UK adults favouring eco-friendly brands since 2020. Furthermore, 38% of consumers are willing to pay more for durable products, and 34% abstain from purchasing certain brands due to ethical and environmental considerations, signifying a growing demand for ethical fashion.
Leather has traditionally been a staple in the fashion world, used for clothing, footwear, and accessories. However, leather production often involves animal sacrifice, raising ethical questions. The process encompasses animal slaughter, processing, and environmentally harmful chemical treatments.
The fashion industry is at a crossroads, with ethics and sustainability taking centre stage. Numerous brands actively address these concerns by embracing sustainable leather production, enhancing animal welfare and minimizing environmental impact.
For instance, sustainability is paramount in the leather handbag and accessories sector. Brands are adopting chrome-free leather, recycled leather, vegetable-tanned leather, and alternative materials to reduce reliance on traditional leather. Chrome-free leather minimizes its environmental impact by eliminating the chromium salts traditionally used in processing. Vegetable-tanned leather, which uses natural tannins, provides an eco-friendlier option.
Supply chain transparency is another notable trend in the leather handbag industry. Brands are forging ethical partnerships with suppliers and implementing tracking and auditing systems to enhance transparency. The industry also promotes a circular economy approach, extending product lifecycles through high-quality manufacturing, repair, restoration programs, and sustainable design.
Despite encouraging initiatives, the leather industry confronts formidable challenges, such as the cost of sustainable practices, the need for technological advancements, and shifting consumer attitudes toward sustainable consumption. Nonetheless, certain brands are setting the bar high in sustainability, exemplified by Stella McCartney and Vivienne Westwood. Stella McCartney's eco-friendly production incorporates alternative materials like vegan leather Alter Mat, plant based MIRUM, and AppleSkin for a crocodile effect.
Vivienne Westwood is renowned for its eco-friendly values. It adheres to the "buy less, buy better" mantra and offers products crafted from traditional and alternative materials. Its leather adheres to LWG Environmental Auditing standards, ensuring compliance and sustainability.
The ethical use of leather in fashion is a multifaceted issue encompassing animal welfare, the environment, and social responsibility. As consumers increasingly demand ethical and sustainable practices, designers and consumers must make responsible choices in the fashion industry. Exploring alternative leathers and supporting brands that uphold ethical and environmental principles are steps toward achieving a harmonious balance between style and conscience in fashion.
References:
How consumers are embracing sustainability, 2022 – Deloitte - Available at: https://www2.deloitte.com/uk/en/pages/consumer-business/articles/sustainable-consumer.html