In the letter (copy of letter is available here), the GLCC notes that animal hides and skins are an inevitable by-product of global meat and dairy consumption, disputing allegations by the animal rights group that cattle, pigs and other food-producing animals are harvested purely for leather production. The recycling of hides and skins into leather articles represents the highest value utilisation of these by-products.
“In a world where meat or dairy products continue to be consumed,” the letter notes, “there is a moral obligation by consumers to utilise all parts of the animal.”
Leather is a sustainable material based on natural, renewable resources. It has been produced by humans for thousands of years and continues to serve an important function in everything from fashion and footwear to auto manufacturing and upholstery.
The GLCC is a coalition of the three leading international leather industry professional organisations formed to work on projects of common interest for the industry. The Committee represents the entire leather manufacturing value chain, from hides and skins producers and processors, to leather tanners, suppliers of chemicals, machinery, and services, researchers and scientists. Its mission is to maintain and enhance the position of leather as a valued sustainable component material for the benefit of consumers.
