Fabric
Leather
Kanpur and Chennai tanneries
Impact score
38/ 100
High Impact
A blended indicator of water, carbon, chemical load, durability and recyclability.
Measured impact per kg of fibre
Water footprint17,000 L / kg
Carbon footprint42 kg CO₂e / kg
Process energy145 MJ / kg
Microfibre sheddingNo shedding
BiodegradableYes
Durability25 years typical wear
Recyclability20 / 100
Data confidence
mediumMedium confidence — published ranges vary by region and process
Sources: Leather Working Group 2023 · CPCB 2021
Figures are cradle-to-gate averages per kilogram of fibre or fabric, not measurements of your specific garment. A typical adult shirt weighs roughly 0.2 kg.
Qualitative ratings
Water useHigh
Carbon footprintHigh
Chemical loadHigh
DurabilityVery high
RecyclabilityPoor once blended
What is it
Animal hide preserved by tanning, usually with chromium salts.
Why it matters
Extremely long-lived, but chrome tanning has polluted the Ganga basin and hides carry livestock emissions.
Water Carbon Chemicals End of life
What you can do
Buy vegetable-tanned or second-hand, and resole and recondition rather than replace.