Sustainability and the Rise of Vegan Alternatives to Leather Discussed at the ASBCI Spring 2019 Conference
Peter Hughes, Sustainability Lead at Eurofins | BLC presented ‘Sustainability and the Rise of Vegan Alternatives to Leather’ at the ASBCI Spring 2019 Conference which took place on 8th May 2019.
Veganism is one of the fastest growing emerging lifestyle choices in recent years, influencing consumer buying habits and placing pressure on retailers and subsequently their suppliers and manufacturers to produce fashion products, such as vegan alternatives to leather.
In his presentation, Peter emphasised that while brands and retailers are looking to stock more products which are made from alternatives to leather, designing and using alternative materials in manufacturing has many complexities. Brands and retailers need to consider their raw material choice for fashion items; have knowledge of the origins and make-up of chemicals used in different processes and finishes; and finally, they need to consider end of life issues. It is also important to verify all of these components so that consumers can be provided with assurance that a product or material is classed as ‘suitable for vegans’.
In the discussion panel, brands and retailers were keen to hear about the biodegradability of leather and leather alternatives.
Eurofins | BLC Sustainability Services
Our sustainability team can provide your business with a number of support services ranging from supply chain mapping to vegan certification for materials. Our range of services includes:
- LWG audits
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- Supply chain mapping
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- DNA traceability
- Modern slavery support
- Chemical veri?cation
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- Lifecycle of materials
- Circular economy
- ZDHC support
- RSL/MRSL testing
- Material innovation
- Sustainability policy and strategy
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If your business needs support with any of the above services or would like to discuss vegan alternatives to leather, contact our experts today on +44 (0)1604 679 999, email [email protected] or complete the web contact form.
14 May 2019