The EU is a significant player in the global leather market, with a diverse range of products and industrial processes within its leather industry, but how are Europe’s tanneries improving safety while focusing on sustainability?

This industry primarily utilises hides and skins, which are by-products from the meat and dairy industry, preventing them from being disposed of in landfills or incinerated.

Tanneries in the European Union are typically family-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with a regional concentration. Therefore, these tanneries often play a crucial role in the local economy by generating wealth and employment opportunities.

On 16 May, the Green Deal Leather project will conclude with a final conference in Brussels. The conference will feature two panels: one on safety in tannery workplaces and another on the carbon footprint of bovine leather.

This Special Report delves into the future of the leather industry, with a particular focus on safety and sustainability.