Is Chinese demand for luxury leather goods the source of global shortages in quality hides?
High-end fashion brands buy tanneries to safeguard supplies as worldwide market in leather accessories continues to surge – hitting US$46 billion in 2015
This article was written by Sam Gaskin and originally published in Jing Daily
China’s economic rise has helped drive an unprecedented boom in luxury leather goods.
That is leaving many fashion and accessories brands scrambling – either for products to meet the seemingly insatiable demand, or for ethical alternatives to leather.
Hermès, the French high-end, luxury goods maker, is just one of the brands that is having trouble sourcing quality hides.
While animals continue to be farmed, whether for food or their fibre, their welfare must be addressed, including cattle for leather and sheep for wool
There are few animals coddled enough to produce the high-quality leather that luxury brands require, according to a Bloomberg report.
The shortage raises questions about whether luxury brands can maintain their standards, and at what cost to the environment and to animal welfare.
In 2016, Chinese imports of finished leather products – driven by increased consumption of luxury brands – surpassed imports of raw leather materials in value for the first time.
Leather, which is used in high-end handbags, watch straps, wallets, shoes and apparel, is widely regarded as a luxury material.