Leather's value is more than financial
13/03/2026
Dr Senior acknowledged that the latest data reflect a market still normalising after the pandemic, with inventories being reduced following overstocking. He added that continued cost-cutting from brands has contributed to substitution with lower-priced alternatives. However, he also noted that the situation presents an opportunity for the industry to reassert leather’s value, and that value must be considered in broader terms and not only financial.
On criteria such as contribution to the bio-economy, technical performance and clear provenance, leather performs well. He noted that within the EU’s circular bio-economy strategy, whilst not explicitly mentioned, leather stands as a strong example of how secondary raw materials can be fully utilised.
While new and novel materials are attracting attention, Dr Senior urged policymakers and brands not to overlook established circular materials already delivering results. Leather, he said, fits squarely into this category and deserves recognition accordingly. He encouraged the sector to communicate these strengths more proactively to customers and partners.
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