About Leather: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the leather industry slaughter animals to obtain leather?
A: Not really. Raw hides and skins mainly come from animals raised for food, such as cattle, sheep, pigs, etc. The leather from these animals accounts for 99% of the world's total leather production. The main sources include cowhide (69%), sheepskin (13%), goatskin (11%) and pigskin (6%). The leather is carefully processed and transformed into a valuable, multifunctional material, preventing a large amount of potential waste from entering landfills. Cowhide alone can save about 7.3 million tons of waste, and the overall total can reach 10 million tons per year.
Q: Leather is widely used
A: Leather manufacturers have upgraded and transformed this multi-functional raw material to bring a new experience to fashion lovers and improve their lifestyle. Depending on its origin and treatment, leather can be made into gorgeous and durable footwear, handbags, and apparel, as well as high-quality automotive and airline seats and furniture. Leather can be hard enough for shoe soles or soft enough for high-quality gloves.
Q: Longevity properties of leather
A: With careful care, leather products can be used for decades without losing their original style. Consider those classic vintage leather jackets, shoes and bags, as well as durable leather-bound books and saddles that have been passed down for generations, and you'll see the value of durability and quality that leather brings.
Q: Leather is biodegradable
A: Unlike plastic, leather can decompose into the natural environment within 25 to 45 years and will not produce microplastics that are harmful to the environment.
Q: The sustainability of leather
A: Sustainable development is a significant advantage of the leather industry. The leather industry not only upcycles raw materials from the food industry, but the leather itself is renewable and recyclable, with a low carbon and low water footprint throughout its life cycle.
Q: Leather promotes global economic development
A: The leather industry provides important support to local economies around the world, especially in some economically developing countries. Tannery and related industries are important sources of employment opportunities, helping millions of people escape poverty.
Q: The leather is produced under responsible management
A: The vast majority of countries in the world produce leather in a transparent and responsible manner. The chemicals used in the tanning process are strictly regulated, and FOBO ensures compliance with each country's environmental audit standards, striving to protect the natural environment and provide high-quality products.