SIST EN 17900:2023
(Main)Leather - Standard data for the calculation of leather density
Leather - Standard data for the calculation of leather density
This document specifies average values of leather density, depending on animal origin and thickness of finished leather, to be used for the calculation of LCA. This document is applicable to bovine, caprine and ovine types of leather.
This document does not apply to vegetable sole leather which is traded by weight.
Leder - Standardwerte für die Berechnung der Lederdichte
In diesem Dokument werden die Durchschnittswerte für die Lederdichte festgelegt, in Abhängigkeit von der Herkunft des Tieres und der Dicke des fertigen Leders, die für die Berechnung der Ökobilanz verwendet werden. Dieses Dokument ist auf Rinder , Ziegen und Schafsleder anwendbar.
Dieses Dokument ist nicht auf pflanzliches Sohlenleder anwendbar, das nach Masse gehandelt wird.
Cuir - Données par défaut pour calculer la masse volumique du cuir
Le présent document spécifie les valeurs moyennes de la masse volumique du cuir, en fonction de l'origine animale et de l'épaisseur du cuir fini, à utiliser pour le calcul de l'ACV. Le présent document est applicable aux types de cuirs bovin, caprin et ovin.
Le présent document n‘est pas applicable au cuir de semelle végétal, qui est commercialisé sur la base du poids.
Usnje - Standardni podatki za izračun gostote usnja
Ta dokument določa povprečne vrednosti gostote usnja, odvisno od živalskega izvora in debeline obdelanega usnja, ki se uporabljajo za izračun ocene življenjskega cikla. Ta dokument se uporablja za vrste govejega, kozjega in ovčjega usnja, razen za rastlinsko usnje za podplate, ki se trguje po teži.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Public Enquiry End Date
- 15-Nov-2022
- Publication Date
- 18-Sep-2023
- Technical Committee
- IUSN - Leather
- Current Stage
- 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 18-Sep-2023
- Due Date
- 23-Nov-2023
- Completion Date
- 19-Sep-2023
Relations
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
Overview
SIST EN 17900:2023 Leather - Standard Data for the Calculation of Leather Density is a European Standard published by CEN that specifies average density values for different types of leather based on animal origin and the thickness of the finished leather. This standard is designed primarily to support Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in the leather supply chain, providing a sound basis for calculating environmental footprints, such as the carbon footprint, for bovine, ovine, and caprine leathers. SIST EN 17900:2023 does not apply to vegetable-tanned sole leather, which is typically traded by weight rather than surface area.
Key Topics
- Leather Density Determination: The standard establishes default density values for finished leather (grain), considering animal type (bovine, caprine, ovine) and specific thickness ranges.
- LCA Support: By providing standardized density data, SIST EN 17900:2023 facilitates the conversion of leather surface area (m²) into weight (kg), a crucial step for accurate environmental impact calculations.
- Scope of Application:
- Bovine leather (commonly used for upholstery, footwear, automotive interiors)
- Caprine leather (goat - favored for gloves and luxury goods)
- Ovine leather (sheep - often used in fashion apparel)
- Exclusions: Vegetable sole leather, which is traded and assessed by weight, is outside the scope of this document.
Applications
SIST EN 17900:2023 serves several key practical purposes in the leather industry:
Environmental Footprint Analysis: Ensures consistency and reliability in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies by providing reference values for leather density, which are essential when calculating the carbon footprint of leather products and for eco-design.
Supply Chain Data Standardization: Enables tanneries, manufacturers, and downstream users to use the same default data in their sustainability reporting and internal product calculations, reducing variability and enhancing comparability between companies and products.
Product Development and Eco-Design: Assists manufacturers in estimating material inputs based on leather origin and thickness, improving design for recycling, minimization of environmental impact, and compliance with European environmental labeling requirements.
Regulatory Compliance and Communication: Supports accurate disclosure of product composition and environmental impact in line with European policies and regulations, especially for those exporting or selling in the EU market.
Related Standards
- EN 15987: Leather - Terminology - Key definitions for the leather trade. Provides the necessary glossary to interpret SIST EN 17900:2023.
- EN 16887: Leather - Environmental footprint - Product Category Rules (PCR) - Carbon footprints. Offers specific guidance for environmental and carbon footprinting in the leather sector.
- EN ISO 14067:2018: Greenhouse gases - Carbon footprint of products - Requirements and guidelines for quantification. Global reference for carbon footprint calculation methodologies.
- Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) Guide: EU Commission document supporting common environmental performance criteria.
SIST EN 17900:2023 is an essential standard for all stakeholders in the leather supply chain concerned with sustainability, traceability, and the reliability of environmental data. By aligning on standard leather density reference values, the entire sector benefits from enhanced accuracy and comparability in environmental assessments, fulfilling both regulatory and market-driven demands for sustainable products.
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Frequently Asked Questions
SIST EN 17900:2023 is a standard published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Leather - Standard data for the calculation of leather density". This standard covers: This document specifies average values of leather density, depending on animal origin and thickness of finished leather, to be used for the calculation of LCA. This document is applicable to bovine, caprine and ovine types of leather. This document does not apply to vegetable sole leather which is traded by weight.
This document specifies average values of leather density, depending on animal origin and thickness of finished leather, to be used for the calculation of LCA. This document is applicable to bovine, caprine and ovine types of leather. This document does not apply to vegetable sole leather which is traded by weight.
SIST EN 17900:2023 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 59.140.30 - Leather and furs. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
SIST EN 17900:2023 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to SIST EN 15987:2022. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
SIST EN 17900:2023 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-november-2023
Usnje - Standardni podatki za izračun gostote usnja
Leather - Standard data for the calculation of leather density
Leder - Standardwerte für die Berechnung der Lederdichte
Cuir - Données par défaut pour calculer la masse volumique du cuir
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 17900:2023
ICS:
59.140.30 Usnje in krzno Leather and furs
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EN 17900
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
August 2023
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 59.140.30
English Version
Leather - Standard data for the calculation of leather
density
Cuir - Données normalisées pour le calcul de la masse Leder - Standardwerte für die Berechnung der
volumique du cuir Lederdichte
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 2 July 2023.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2023 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 17900:2023 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Table of leather default densities . 6
Bibliography . 7
European foreword
This document (EN 17900:2023) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 289 “Leather”,
the secretariat of which is held by UNI.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by February 2024, and conflicting national standards
shall be withdrawn at the latest by February 2024.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedoni
...




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