Difference between revisions of "Bio leather"
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The term bio leather is usually used in connection with [[vegetable-tanned leather]]. This is because "vegetable" sounds ecologically. However, the conflict in the comparison of the dominant chrome tanning with the plant tanning must consider the entire production process. | The term bio leather is usually used in connection with [[vegetable-tanned leather]]. This is because "vegetable" sounds ecologically. However, the conflict in the comparison of the dominant chrome tanning with the plant tanning must consider the entire production process. | ||
| − | A scientific investigation comparing these [[Tanning leather|tanning methods]] came to the conclusion that both tanning methodes are more or less identical resource-conserving and / or resource-sparing. The disadvantage of the chemical content of [[Chrome tanned|chrome tannin]] must be compared with the disadvantages of [[vegetable-tanned vegetable tanning]]. The disadvantages of vegetable tanning are: | + | A scientific investigation comparing these [[Tanning leather|tanning methods]] came to the conclusion that both tanning methodes are more or less identical resource-conserving and / or resource-sparing. The disadvantage of the chemical content of [[Chrome tanned|chrome tannin]] must be compared with the disadvantages of [[vegetable-tanned vegetable tanning|vegetable tanning]]. The disadvantages of vegetable tanning are: |
* The vegetable [[tannins|tanning agents]] must be extracted in distant countries (cutting trees, tannin production). | * The vegetable [[tannins|tanning agents]] must be extracted in distant countries (cutting trees, tannin production). | ||
* The [[tannins]] must be brought to the [[tannery|tanneries]] by long transport routes by sea with high fuel consumption. | * The [[tannins]] must be brought to the [[tannery|tanneries]] by long transport routes by sea with high fuel consumption. | ||
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'''[[Leather production]]''': <br /> | '''[[Leather production]]''': <br /> | ||
| − | * Types and quantities of chemicals with complete traceability of the production chains ([[ | + | * Types and quantities of chemicals with complete traceability of the production chains ([[tannins]], [[leather colour|dyes, binders, pigments]], [[Oils & fats in the leather industry|oils]] and much more). |
* For vegetable tanning: Sustainable? Renewable resources? Transport routes? Often bio leather is advertised with "vegetable tanned". This does not mean that vegetable tanning itself was biologically carried out (it can be worked with great environmental damage) and it does not say that the leather could not be contaminated with chromium or with other pollutant chemicals. | * For vegetable tanning: Sustainable? Renewable resources? Transport routes? Often bio leather is advertised with "vegetable tanned". This does not mean that vegetable tanning itself was biologically carried out (it can be worked with great environmental damage) and it does not say that the leather could not be contaminated with chromium or with other pollutant chemicals. | ||
* Minimum wages, social standards etc. in the [[tannery]]. | * Minimum wages, social standards etc. in the [[tannery]]. | ||
Revision as of 17:39, 12 November 2016
Contents
Bio leather - Organic leather
"Bio" is not a clearly defined term. It is the approach to an ideal image of a product, which is produced as environmentally friendly as possible over all production stages, does not harm the consumer and does not cause problems in the disposal of the environment. An exact definition of when a product can be called "bio", "biological" or "organic" is not available.
Bio-Leather - Tanning methods
Sometimes chrome- and metal-free tanned leathers are referred to as bio leather. But this is misleading because chrome-tanned leathers cannot be considered to be health-threatening as a matter of fact.
The term bio leather is usually used in connection with vegetable-tanned leather. This is because "vegetable" sounds ecologically. However, the conflict in the comparison of the dominant chrome tanning with the plant tanning must consider the entire production process.
A scientific investigation comparing these tanning methods came to the conclusion that both tanning methodes are more or less identical resource-conserving and / or resource-sparing. The disadvantage of the chemical content of chrome tannin must be compared with the disadvantages of vegetable tanning. The disadvantages of vegetable tanning are:
- The vegetable tanning agents must be extracted in distant countries (cutting trees, tannin production).
- The tannins must be brought to the tanneries by long transport routes by sea with high fuel consumption.
- The consumption weight of plant tannins per tanned skin is significantly higher than with chrome tanning agents.
- The sewage water contamination due to the considerably higher number of tanning baths, which the leather has to go through, is much higher when vegetable tanning than with the chrome tanning.
Criteria for bio leather
Leather production is the conversion of a waste product by the tannery into a durable, natural material. During this conversion, various production stages are passed through. Depending on environmental requirements and their controls, the tanneries are subject to more or less strict rules. In the developed countries, it can be assumed that the leather production requirements are much more stringent. But most of world production does not take place in developed countries with strict regulations. It can be assumed that leather production in developed countries will be more beneficial to the environment. Accordingly, leather prices are higher. Anyhow, these requirements do not yet suffice for labelling as "bio-leather".
The following aspects play a role in the naming of a leather as "bio leather":
Complete traceability of the animal skin:
- Where was the animal kept throughout the life cycle? In the free nature? Barn or cage? Other living conditions?
- What drugs have been administered? Permanent vaccinations and preventive antibiotic care etc.?
- How was the animal fed? Fresh food? Recycled wastes from other productions? Pesticide-containing? Genetic manipulation? Sustainable?
- How was the animal slaughtered?
- Types and quantities of chemicals with complete traceability of the production chains (tannins, dyes, binders, pigments, oils and much more).
- For vegetable tanning: Sustainable? Renewable resources? Transport routes? Often bio leather is advertised with "vegetable tanned". This does not mean that vegetable tanning itself was biologically carried out (it can be worked with great environmental damage) and it does not say that the leather could not be contaminated with chromium or with other pollutant chemicals.
- Minimum wages, social standards etc. in the tannery.
- Handling of production waste including re-use.
- Treatment of polluted sewage.
Leather processing:
- Resource conservation, sustainability
- Work safety
- Social standards and remuneration
The sum of the factors to consider is very long and whether a "bio-leather" actually deserves this title at all points, the conscientious customer must determine himself. Since the term is not protected and the seals and certificates established by the industry do not always consider all points, distrust is appropriate. The perfect organic leather is also not available in mass production. But there are plants that pay more attention to the environment than others.
Additional information
- Vegan leather
- Leather quality
- Vegetable-tanned leather
- Chrome tanned
- Chrome-free leather - FOC = Free of Chrome
- PeTA - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
- Ecological leather care - Eco leather care
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