This paper explores the environmental and ethical challenges associated with traditional leather goods production and investigates sustainable alternatives through material innovation and circular design. The study begins with a critical assessment of the environmental footprint of conventional leather—highlighting issues such as greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, chemical pollution, and animal welfare concerns. It then presents a comparative analysis of next-generation biomaterials derived from plants and agricultural waste, including cactus leather (Desserto®), pineapple fiber (Piñatex®), mushroom mycelium (Mylo™), and apple waste (AppleSkin®). These alternatives demonstrate significant potential in reducing carbon emissions, water usage, and chemical toxicity. The core of the paper is EcoModular project: a modular, customizable bag designed with circular principles and constructed from eco-innovative materials. The study evaluates EcoModular’s sustainability performance through key indicators, highlighting its potential as a replicable model for ethical luxury fashion. This research contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable fashion by offering concrete design strategies and business insights for reducing the industry's ecological impact.
TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE LEATHER GOODS. INNOVATION IN MATERIALS
gallico
2025-01-01
Abstract
This paper explores the environmental and ethical challenges associated with traditional leather goods production and investigates sustainable alternatives through material innovation and circular design. The study begins with a critical assessment of the environmental footprint of conventional leather—highlighting issues such as greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, chemical pollution, and animal welfare concerns. It then presents a comparative analysis of next-generation biomaterials derived from plants and agricultural waste, including cactus leather (Desserto®), pineapple fiber (Piñatex®), mushroom mycelium (Mylo™), and apple waste (AppleSkin®). These alternatives demonstrate significant potential in reducing carbon emissions, water usage, and chemical toxicity. The core of the paper is EcoModular project: a modular, customizable bag designed with circular principles and constructed from eco-innovative materials. The study evaluates EcoModular’s sustainability performance through key indicators, highlighting its potential as a replicable model for ethical luxury fashion. This research contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable fashion by offering concrete design strategies and business insights for reducing the industry's ecological impact.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
