Leather associations from around the world have signed a manifesto calling on delegates at the UN Climate Change Conference COP28 to recognize the positive role natural materials such as leather play in people's lives and livelihoods, writes Worldfootwear.com.
The UN Climate Change Conference will be held from November 30 to December 12 in the UAE. The global leather industry, led by the International Council of Tanners (ICT), has released a manifesto to “call for a better understanding and integration of natural materials,” especially leather, “in addressing the challenges of man-made climate change.”
According to the document, natural materials are a viable alternative to the use of fuel-derived synthetic materials in fashion and other industries, meeting the requirements of new circular policies. The document states that there are "vast volumes" of "readily available, unused, all-purpose hides and hides that can be converted into sustainable leather." In addition to the positive impact on the environment, it will also provide footwear to 33% of the world's population, while creating new jobs and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
The organizations are calling on COP28 delegates to recognize the circular and climate-efficient nature of natural fibers “and their potential to make a positive contribution to reducing the climate impact of consumer products” where possible, and to encourage the use of these resources to reduce dependence on fossil fuel-based materials and promote the adoption of methodologies LCA to accurately measure the environmental impact of all materials.
The manifesto also emphasizes the practice of slow fashion, especially choosing durable products that can be "repaired, refurbished, and can last for years to come."
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