Carbon footprint of a tanning company in Turkey

Carbon footprint analysis is gaining a role of primary interest within leather production regarding sustainability issues. The knowledge of carbon emissions and the environmental impact of production is indispensable for improving the performance to achieve a sustainable industrial production. In this study standardized life cycle assessment methodology (ISO 14040) is applied in Turkish leather industry. Corporative carbon footprint of a representative Turkish tanning company in year 2013 was analyzed through the global warming potential impact category defined by CML 2009, which enables quantification of the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions from tanning processes measured in kg of CO2 equivalent emissions. The most significant environmental impact sources responsible for creating more greenhouse gas emmissions in production processes are also identified. The results obtained from this study may provide a useful decision framework for incorporating sustainability concerns, follow-up of the most cost-effective carbon mitigation strategies and tackle with future carbon pollution regulations in leather industry. Additionally, carbon footprint calculation provides information to consumers in terms of product carbon labels or guides enabling more carbon efficient products. Potential reductions in greenhouse gases by promoting sustainable production and achieving the transition to a low carbon sustainable economy will provide new opportunities in the green market for leather industry.