Sustainability of Australian Hides, Skins and Leather
Australia’s hide and leather industry turns a by-product of meat production into a durable and valuable material which can be repaired and recycled over time, making leather a sustainable, ethical and intelligent material choice within a circular economy. The Australian hide, skin and leather industry has developed a Sustainability Framework which provides a roadmap of the industry’s commitment to improved economic, social and environmental sustainability.
- Environmental impact: Addressing GHG emissions, chemical management, water usage, and waste.
- People and community: Prioritising health and safety, talent development, labour rights, and community contributions.
- Economic resilience: Ensuring market access, profitability, and climate resilience.
- Value chain innovation: Enhancing traceability, animal welfare, biodiversity, reducing deforestation and increasing collaboration across the value chain.
Sustainability at Southern Hides
At Southern Hides, our focus is on those products and processes which optimise water, waste management, chemicals and energy use, whilst at the same time ensuring our supply chain operates under the highest animal-welfare and production standards. By closing loops in water, waste, energy, and emissions management, while prioritising green-hide processing and ethical sourcing, we are making leather more sustainable – without compromising its long-life advantage over alternatives.
