Businesses across all industries are under increasing pressure from consumers, staff and stakeholders to provide more planet-friendly solutions in the face of climate change that shows no signs of slowing down. Better for the environment and better for humanity. Caring for the planet is ranked by consumers as the most important value they look for from a brand¹.

Sustainability uncovered

At its core, sustainability is about making sure that one positive impact doesn’t create more problems. There are four key overlapping areas to consider:

  • Economic sustainability: a business or product has the resilience to have a positive impact for a long time.
  • Social awareness: safeguarding people’s mental, physical and emotional well-being for generations.
  • Cultural sustainability: respecting the customs and values of customers and suppliers – not negatively impacting one community for the benefit of another.
  • Environmental impact: reducing pollution and waste, protecting diversity and nature, and mitigating climate damage.

All four areas are vital for sustainability. Satisfied employees and communities support businesses to thrive. And a cleaner, healthier planet benefits both businesses and people.

How do sustainable materials help?

Sustainability goes beyond day-to-day operations. Every manufactured item or material has an impact on the planet. From sourcing of raw materials, through supply chain and manufacturing process, its in-use phase right down to end-of-life, those impacts have to be considered and evaluated.

Being kinder to the planet, manufacturers of sustainable materials ought to consider things like whether or not any of their raw ingredients are fossil-fuel reliant. What source of energy is in use (oil, gas, coal vs renewable) throughout the process. How much carbon a material in question generates in production. Plus many more, hugely complicated variants.

ELeather production for example, uses 100% renewable electricity. Manufacturing process is centred around hydroentanglement, which not only doesn’t require any harmful chemicals of adhesives, it also recycles 95% of the water used (the other 5% is evaporated).

Then again, how much waste is generated (both in manufacturing and in-use) i.e. producing garments, furniture, and what happens to the materials once it’s served its purpose requires further consideration and evaluation.

ELeather not only reduces waste (using leather offcuts otherwise destined for landfill), but also allows seat manufacturers to utilise up to 90% of the material in production. As for transport operators, the material’s longevity means seat covers don’t need to be replaced as often and require less maintenance. Helping them be more efficient whilst taking better care of our planet.

Why should businesses switch to sustainable materials?

Environmental benefits are important in themselves. But economic sustainability means alternative materials need to deliver on two fronts: saving money and increasing sales, both directly and indirectly. Here’s how.

  1. Using durable, long-lasting materials to save cost
    1. ELeather doesn’t show signs of bagging or creasing after years of service. This means less requent  refurbishment for public transport and airport operators.
  2. Saving resources with lighter weight
    1. Every gram of weight saved reduces emissions for aircrafts and increases range in both electric and combustion engine cars. For example, ELeather can save, on average 4kg per car interior (compared to traditional leather).
  3. Creating safer, healthier spaces
    1. With wipe-clean surfaces that don’t require harsh chemicals or labour-intensive cleaning processes, operators can save cost, time and give their passengers peace of mind.
  4. Simple swap with a big impact
    1. Some sustainability improvements require complicated, time consuming strategies. Others – a simple swap. Find out what impact you can have by swapping your upholstery to ELeather.
  5. Increasing customer loyalty
    1. Give your customers a feeling of an upgrade with a premium material that looks and feels just like traditional leather.Deliver the true meaning of luxury for the climate-conscious.

What is sustainable leather?

Leather is widely known for its durability and quality, luxury finish. For some, its beauty lies in the uniqueness of each hide. Sadly, the same inconsistency is the reason why for every tonne of leather, up to three quarters, is destined for landfill.. The land, water and carbon used to make it are effectively wasted. 

ELeather limits this waste by recycling thousands of tonnes each year into new material. Scraps are transformed using 100% renewable electricity and resource-efficient manufacturing. Our game-changing, clean manufacturing process creates the best alternative to traditional leather. ELeather combines leather fibres with a high-performance core into a durable, uniform material produced on a roll. It’s easy to use and stands up to everyday use, without taking it out on the planet.

Saving over 55% of the land and water used by traditional leather, and producing over 60% less CO2 emissions: learn more about our revolutionary material.

It's time for a change

Sustainability is crucial for the survival of commerce as well as the planet. Consumers demand change, yet still expect luxury. ELeather delivers on both. And it outperforms traditional leather in every sense.

[1]What’s working in sustainability 2021, WARC Category Intelligence, October 2021