LWG, Leather Naturally & SPIN360 set new standard for bovine leather in Higg MSI
The Leather Working Group (LWG), Leather Naturally, and SPIN360 have launched a pioneering dataset in the Higg Materials Sustainability Index (MSI) that dramatically reduces the calculated environmental impacts of bovine leather. This breakthrough, based on extensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data, decreases the ecological footprint of bovine leather by up to 67% compared to previous estimates.
The October 2024 Higg MSI update incorporating SPIN360’s findings indicates a significant 60% reduction in Global Warming Potential (GWP) for bovine leather. The GWP impact score dropped from 36.8 to 14.6 points on the Higg MSI scale, underscoring a monumental step forward for leather as a sustainable material choice.
SPIN360 analyzed data from 45 manufacturing facilities in 18 countries to establish this dataset, examining 92 leather products across major sectors, including footwear, automotive, leather goods, and upholstery. This global dataset was specifically designed to represent real-world leather production and offer accurate, comprehensive impact figures that reflect current industry practices.
The reduction in environmental impact underscores the leather industry’s commitment to transparency and environmental stewardship. “At Leather Working Group, we regard transparency as fundamental to fostering meaningful progress in the leather industry. Our collaboration with Leather Naturally reflects this commitment, and we are proud to see our combined Life Cycle Assessment data integrated into the Higg MSI update,” an LWG spokesperson said.
As sustainability becomes central to material sourcing, this updated dataset in the Higg MSI provides a critical, verified resource for brands and manufacturers, enabling them to make better-informed, environmentally-conscious decisions about leather usage.
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