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Environmental sustainability

Sustainability Challenges in the Indian Leather Supply Chain

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research conducted by the Department of Commerce has highlighted the significant environmental and social challenges faced by the Indian leather supply chain due to fragmented sustainability practices. The study aims to identify key practices of Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) within the leather sector and evaluate their relative importance and causal interdependencies. The research gathered expert input from 75 stakeholders, representing government, industry, and civil society, and applied a stakeholder-inclusive Fuzzy DEMATEL approach to analyze the leather supply chain ecosystem.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Indian leather supply chain faces mounting environmental and social challenges due to fragmented sustainability practices.
  • The study identified 'Supply Chain Orientation' and 'SSCM Commitment' as the most influential drivers of sustainability in the leather supply chain.
  • 'Standards and Certification,' 'Worker Safety,' and 'Environmental Training' emerged as key dependent practices that require attention.
  • The research concluded that the findings offer insights aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8, 9, and 13.
  • The study provides a structured framework to help stakeholders prioritize sustainability interventions more effectively.
  • The Fuzzy DEMATEL method was used to analyze 20 SSCM practices and identify their relative importance and causal interdependencies.
  • Input from 75 stakeholders, equally representing government, industry, and civil society, was gathered to ensure inclusivity and relevance.
  • The study extends prior research by applying a stakeholder-inclusive Fuzzy DEMATEL approach in the leather industry.

Statistics:

  • 20 SSCM practices were analyzed using the Fuzzy DEMATEL method.
  • 75 stakeholders, equally representing government, industry, and civil society, provided expert input.
  • The study identified 2 key drivers of sustainability: 'Supply Chain Orientation' and 'SSCM Commitment.'
  • 3 key dependent practices were identified: 'Standards and Certification,' 'Worker Safety,' and 'Environmental Training.'
  • The research provides a framework to prioritize sustainability interventions and target the most impactful levers for sustainable transformation.

Sources:

  • What fuels stakeholder impact on sustainability: a fuzzy DEMATEL analysis of the leather supply chain ecosystem. Discover Sustainability, 2025,6(1):1-37. (Springer)
  • NewsRx. Department of Commerce Researchers Report Research in Sustainability Research (What fuels stakeholder impact on sustainability: a fuzzy DEMATEL analysis of the leather supply chain ecosystem). Ecology, Environment & Conservation. September 5, 2025; p 101.

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