The European leather industry recently took center stage at the European Parliament to make one thing clear that leather is not to blame for deforestation.
In a key workshop hosted by Italian MEP Salvatore De Meo and supported by COTANCE and UNIC, more than 50 stakeholders from around the world gathered to hear the facts.
Attendees included representatives from countries like the United States, Argentina, and Turkey, as well as officials from the EU, major tanneries, and industry experts.
The session, titled “EUDR: Is Leather a Driver of Deforestation? – Bringing facts to the European Parliament,” focused on pushing back against the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which the leather industry believes is unfairly targeting them.
One major highlight was a study by the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, which analyzed millions of records and data sets.
The study found no direct link between leather and deforestation. While leather comes from cattle, the animals are primarily raised for meat and dairy not for hides. Leather is simply a by-product.
“We are grateful to Italian MEP Salvatore De Meo (EPP), who listened to our concerns and gave us this opportunity to bring to the European Institutions the facts of the impact of a piece of EU legislation which is totally disconnected from the realities of the leather industry.”
Luca Boltri, Vice-Director, UNIC
Economic risks were another major concern. The EU relies heavily on leather raw materials from outside the union. If these sources can’t meet the EUDR’s traceability rules, the entire European leather supply chain could be at risk, potentially leading to major job losses.
The study also warned about the environmental cost of switching to leather alternatives like synthetic polyurethane materials.
These substitutes could actually be more damaging due to higher emissions and more intensive resource use. Diverting hides to landfills or countries with weaker environmental protections would go against the EU Green Deal’s objectives.
“The Pisa study and recent public consultation on the review of EUDR Annex 1 sent a powerful message to the European Commission. Stakeholders across Europe and from third countries SMEs and citizens alike emphasise that complying with the EUDR is not in their hands. Extra-EU supply chains will not set up costly cattle traceability systems just for a residue of meat production. Is the EU really expecting that a handful of EU tanners drive EUDR-type cattle traceability at global scale? Will EU policymakers acknowledge the evidence and listen to the voice of the leather industry?”
Gustavo Gonzalez-Quijano, Secretary General, COTANCE
As the EU prepares to review the regulation, leather industry leaders are urging lawmakers to leave hides, skins, and leather out of the law’s scope. They believe it’s the only way to protect jobs, the environment, and the future of an industry deeply rooted in European heritage.
Source – COTANCE
