About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Biosustainable Materials for a Circular Economy
|
| Presentation Title |
Water and Carbon Footprint Analysis of Conventional and Sustainable Leathers: Toward a Circular Materials Economy |
| Author(s) |
Ana Emilia Navas Ulloa, Delia Angelica Tirado Lozada, Dario Javier Robayo Jácome, Diego Fernando Venegas Vásconez |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Diego Fernando Venegas Vásconez |
| Abstract Scope |
The leather industry has long been linked to environmental harm due to high water, energy, and chemical use. This study conducts a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) comparing traditional bovine leather with two plant-based alternatives: cactus leather (Desserto) and pineapple leaf fiber leather (PALF). The analysis focuses on water and carbon footprints, following ISO 14040 and 14044 standards for LCA and using a cradle-to-grave approach. Results show bovine leather has the highest environmental burden, with water use up to 17 m³/kg and emissions of 60 kg CO₂e/kg. In contrast, Desserto and PALF require less than 0.7 m³/kg of water and emit only 13–14 kg CO₂e/kg. These leathers rely on agricultural waste or drought-resistant crops and are up to 90% biodegradable under industrial composting. The study also evaluates innovative tanning techniques—vegetable, aldehyde, synthetic, and biotechnological—that reduce environmental impact. Plant-based leathers thus emerge as sustainable alternatives aligned with circular economy principles and global sustainability goals. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Other, Other, Other |