A landmark ruling from Germany’s Higher Regional Court of Cologne has confirmed what we’ve long advocated: leather means leather – not plastic, not fruit waste, not synthetic alternatives.
The court ruled that Mina Merchandising GmbH can no longer market synthetic products as “apple leather,” following legal action by the German Leather Industry Association (VDL). This decision reinforces that consumer protection requires honest labelling.
From an Australian perspective, the ruling supports our industry’s commitment to transparency. AHSLEA members save around 8 million hides and over 26 million skins from landfill every year, creating genuine leather through established, sustainable processes.
Dennis King, AHSLEA Executive Officer, commented: “This decision validates our stance that authentic materials deserve authentic names. Australian leather is a natural, recycled by-product that shouldn’t be confused with synthetic alternatives marketed under misleading terms.”
“When consumers choose leather, they deserve to know exactly what they’re purchasing – whether it’s genuine Australian leather or a synthetic alternative.”
