THE UNSPOKEN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT FROM LEATHER PRODUCTION AND THE EMERGENCE OF SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVES
By: Zibah Olabode
The leather industry is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 8 to 10 percent of the fashion industry’s total emissions. Despite this, the adverse effects of leather production on the environment are often overlooked.
Leather pollutes the environment at every stage of production, from tanning to waste disposal. A European Commission-backed report revealed that tanning just one kilogram of leather requires up to 2.5 kilograms of chemical substances and up to 250 liters of water, generating a staggering 6.1 kilograms of solid waste. This waste includes chemicals, heavy metals and other pollutants that pose severe risks to both the environment and human health.
One of the most pressing concerns is water pollution caused by the toxic substances released during the tanning process. Additionally, greenhouse gas emissions from leather production using cow skin further exacerbate the environmental toll.
Amidst these challenges, innovators within the fashion industry are seeking sustainable alternatives. IKON Sweden, a Stockholm-based luxury brand, is Scandinavia’s first plant-based leather company, specializing in eco-friendly, vegan leather wallets crafted from transformed plant waste.
Source: IKON Sweden website
Kamal Singh, IKON Sweden’s founder, drew inspiration from his family’s legacy in leather-making and exporting. Recognizing the inherent problems of traditional leather production, including its detrimental impact on animal welfare, environmental health, and worker safety, Singh embarked on a journey to revolutionize the industry.
After months of dedicated research, trial and error, Singh discovered a manufacturer capable of producing high-quality vegan leather from plant waste, marking a significant turning point in his quest for sustainable alternatives.
IKON Sweden is setting new standards in the realm of sustainable fashion, transforming coconut waste into luxurious and durable wallets. At the heart of their innovation lies a unique, 100% plastic-free and biodegradable coconut-based leather. This ecological plant-based leather is paired with a 100% cotton lining to create elegant, functional, and long-lasting wallets. Even the packaging is sustainable, utilizing 100% biodegradable cotton canvas pouches that encourage reuse instead of ending up in landfills.
Source: IKON Sweden website
To ensure that the production process aligns with their eco-conscious philosophy, IKON Sweden collaborates with a small family-owned production house in India, where they closely monitor both the working conditions and environmental impact. By partnering with small artisans, the brand also contributes to the financial well-being of local communities, providing fair wages that adhere to India’s legal requirements.
The company’s commitment to sustainability extends to their logistics as well. By partnering with Green DHL, a sustainable shipping solution, IKON Sweden significantly reduces the carbon emissions associated with transportation and deliveries.
Singh, the visionary behind IKON Sweden emphasizes the importance of transparency in the fashion industry, particularly regarding materials, production processes and environmental impact. Educating consumers about these aspects is crucial for fostering a more sustainable fashion landscape.
Source: IKON Sweden website
While IKON Sweden’s innovations are ground-breaking, they do face unique challenges. Working with new materials requires adapting to different production techniques and the predominantly manual and handmade nature of the process can be demanding. Additionally, the brand must overcome obstacles in raising awareness about the environmental hazards of traditional leather production and justifying the price differences between their sustainable offerings and conventional products.
IKON Sweden’s dedication to sustainability is further exemplified by their upcoming ‘Buy a Wallet, Plant a Tree’ initiative, aimed at nurturing the environment and promoting eco-conscious practices.
According to Singh, “Sustainability should not limit or refrain people from enjoying fashion, but rather motivate them to do it consciously.” IKON Sweden’s commitment to ethical practices serves as an inspiration for other brands and individuals to embrace and celebrate fashion in a responsible and sustainable manner.
As the fashion world continues to grapple with the harsh realities of its environmental impact, pioneers like IKON Sweden are at the forefront of transformative change, fostering a more sustainable future for generations to come.