SIST EN 17900:2023

Overview

SIST EN 17900:2023 is a European Standard developed by CEN that provides standardized data for calculating the density of leather. This standard specifies average leather density values based on animal origin-bovine, caprine, and ovine-and the thickness of finished leather. The data is essential for performing Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and calculating environmental footprints, particularly when primary data is not available. Notably, this document excludes vegetable sole leather, which is typically traded by weight rather than area.

This standard supports accurate and consistent calculation of leather weight from surface area measurements, facilitating eco-design and environmental impact assessments within the leather industry.

Key Topics

• Leather Density Values
  SIST EN 17900:2023 details default density values (kg/m²) for bovine, caprine, and ovine leather, segmented by thickness ranges (from below 0.6 mm to above 1.8 mm). These values reflect variations in animal species, leather structure, fat content, and compactness between grain and bottom leather layers.

• Scope and Applicability
  The standard applies exclusively to finished leather types commonly traded by area, specifically excluding vegetable sole leather. It is intended for use in carbon footprint measurement and broader environmental footprint analyses.

• Environmental Footprints and LCA
  The standard underpins the calculation of environmental metrics such as carbon footprints by offering reliable default data for leather density. This enables manufacturers, suppliers, and stakeholders to convert area measurements into mass for LCA modeling efficiently, promoting sustainable product development.

• Normalization for Trade and Assessment
  By harmonizing density data across European countries, SIST EN 17900:2023 ensures that conflicting national standards are replaced, enhancing trade consistency and environmental reporting accuracy.

Applications

• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Leather Products
  Converts leather surface area into mass to estimate raw material usage, energy consumption, and emissions across the product lifecycle.

• Carbon Footprint Calculation
  Provides standardized data for determining greenhouse gas emissions related to leather goods, aligned with EN 16887 and ISO 14067 guidelines.

• Material Sourcing and Eco-Design
  Assists leather manufacturers and designers in selecting materials based on quantified environmental data, optimizing sustainable product portfolios.

• Regulatory Compliance and Reporting
  Supports compliance with European environmental regulations by standardizing data used in product environmental footprint declarations (PEF).

• Supply Chain Transparency
  Enables suppliers and buyers to speak a common technical language regarding leather mass and environmental impact, facilitating transparent trade.

Related Standards

• EN 16887 - Leather Environmental Footprint and PCR
  Provides Product Category Rules essential for carbon footprint calculation in leather products.

• EN ISO 14067:2018 - Greenhouse Gases and Carbon Footprint of Products
  Defines requirements and guidelines for measuring and communicating product carbon footprints.

• EN 15987 - Leather Terminology
  Defines key leather trade terms referenced within SIST EN 17900:2023 to ensure consistency.

• Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) Guide
  Published by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, this guide supports multi-criteria environmental performance assessment including carbon and environmental footprints.

Summary

SIST EN 17900:2023 is a vital standard designed to streamline the calculation of leather density for bovine, caprine, and ovine leathers based on thickness, enabling accurate environmental footprint analysis and compliance with European regulations. By providing uniform default density values, it supports sustainable leather production and trade while enhancing precision in life cycle assessments and carbon footprint calculations. Manufacturers, designers, environmental consultants, and regulators will find this standard an indispensable resource for improving leather product sustainability and market transparency.