A recent report, “Fabricating the Truth,” by Collective Fashion Justice has exposed significant disinformation and lobbying practices by the leather industry. While the leather sector portrays itself as a sustainable ally for ethical fashion, the report uncovers that this image is systematic greenwashing and lobbying against regulatory measures aimed at promoting sustainability.
Key Findings from the Report
- Disinformation Campaigns:
- Social Media Myths: The leather industry disseminates myths such as leather being a harmless by-product of the meat industry, ethical production claims, and assertions that leather is plastic-free. These claims are refuted by evidence linking leather to environmental degradation, unethical animal practices, and frequent plastic coatings.
- Eight Myths Identified: Examples include misleading statements about leather’s impact on deforestation, methane emissions, and its role as a sustainable alternative to synthetic materials.
- Lobbying Against Regulations:
- EU Deforestation Law: Leather industry groups have lobbied to exclude leather from regulations targeting deforestation-linked products, arguing impracticality in supply chain transparency.
- COP Participation: The industry leveraged events like COP28 to promote “biogenic methane” myths and advocate against emissions regulation, mirroring tactics used by the oil industry.
- Impact on Sustainability:
- Animal-derived leather contributes to biodiversity loss, greenhouse gas emissions, and unethical labor conditions.
- Alternative materials like bio-based and recycled options are systematically disadvantaged due to the disproportionate subsidies and lobbying power held by the leather sector.
Recommendations for Progress
The report advocates for urgent action from all stakeholders:
- Industry: Transition from animal-derived leather to innovative materials, while avoiding misleading marketing practices.
- Governments: Strengthen transparency, curb lobbying influence, and reallocate subsidies to support sustainable alternatives.
- Citizens: Demand accountability from brands and policymakers, and support shifts toward ethical material choices.