New label can measure carbon emissions in tanneries
09/05/2012
Developed by the Frankfurt-based Forschungsgemeinschaft Leder (Leather Research Foundation), the criteria required to achieve the ECO2L label will help highlight the contribution of a responsible leather industry towards climate protection. The qualification process involves gathering reliable information about greenhouse gas emissions and comparing performance to energy benchmark Best Energy Efficiency for Tanning (BEET) to determine a tannery-specific corporate carbon footpring (CCF).
With the help of BEET, a tannery can compare its own energy data to the benchmark and find potential for energy efficiency in the various production processes. All internally and externally used energy sources are taken into account. A direct comparison with other tanneries is possible at any time for the pure production process of all tanneries by means of the percentage deviation of the BEET values. For a successful ECO2L audit a leather factory may exceed the corresponding strict BEET standard by a maximum of 20% to take differences in climate into account.
ECO2L was developed primarily for the production of upholstery leather from cowhide, but can also be used for shoe upper leather with no restrictions. The model cannot be used for tanning small skins at the moment because of the lack of benchmark data.
The CCF will take into account the raw materials and chemicals used, as well as the tannery’s treatment of waste.
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