4th Sustainable Leather Forum : focus on leather in the automotive industry
The 4th edition of the Sustainable Leather Forum was punctuated by the speeches of 29 speakers on several subjects, such as the place of leather in the automobile. Here’s a look back at this round table presented by four qualified speakers.
The topics discussed at the show focused on current issues of social and environmental responsibility such as innovation, traceability and carbon footprint.
During the second session of the day, your magazine Luxus plus attended a keynote on the use of leather in the automotive market.
The speakers from the automotive leather industry
Andreas Kindermann, a consultant to the automotive industry, described the work of One4leather. This association aims to change the way consumers view the sourcing, production and use of leather in automotive interiors.
Warren Bowden, head of sustainability and innovation at the Scottish Leather Group, spoke about the 2021 report of the group, which is the largest leather producer in the UK. This report revealed a carbon footprint of 1.1 kg of CO2 per hide. This is a 90% reduction compared to the year 2000.
Juliette Barré, commercial director at Sourcemap, explained the tool called Responsible Leather Platform developed by her company. This tool ensures that responsible practices comply with standards.
Finally, Florian Schrey, Key Account Manager at Royal Smit&Zoon, closed this first round table. He presented all the sustainable solutions of his company, such as a product passport. He said: “We recommend our customers to use leather, whether in the automotive, aviation or any other type of transport, for the comfort of their customers“.
“Nous avons besoin d’utiliser un matériau durable, le cuir, et non d’un matériau qui doit être changé dans 2 ans pour une voiture”. Florian Schrey, Royan Smit and Zoon #SLFParis2022 pic.twitter.com/MA12PCkZ9q
— Conseil National du Cuir (@CNC_France) September 12, 2022
Leather and the automobile, a partnership that works
The leather market has a special place in the automotive industry. It represents 10% of the leather market. However, certain characteristics differentiate its value chain from those of other markets. Among them, the use of hides from special breeding farms, the presence of tanners with dedicated techniques as well as customers with specific requirements.
However, the same societal concerns are at stake as all other leather companies.
Read also>Sustainable Leather Forum welcomes exhibitors
Featured picture : © Press
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