Beyond leather: Exploring 12 surprising everyday products derived from the meat industry
Leather craft is over 7000 years old. When humans started hunting animals for food, they saw an opportunity to use the hides and skins for their other necessities (clothing , holsters for weapons etc..). It was an optimum solution back in the day. Good process.
Today we don’t hunt. We slaughter around 290 million cows / year which is projected to rise 430 million cows / year by 2025. Leather is not the only co-product of the meat industry, in fact its a very small fraction. The industry utilizes various parts of animals to minimize waste and maximize the use of available resources. Let’s see a dozen of other applications (apart from leather below). We will start with the obvious ones.
Processed Meats:
The meat industry is responsible for producing processed meat products, such as sausages, hot dogs, bacon, ham, salami, and various deli meats. They are made by combining meat with seasonings, additives, and preservatives.
Gelatin:
Gelatin is derived from animal collagen, which is obtained from the bones, skin, and connective tissues of animals. It is commonly used in food products like desserts, marshmallows, and gummy candies, as well as in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
Animal Fats:
Animal fats, such as lard and tallow, are derived from the fatty tissues of animals. These fats find applications in cooking, baking, and the production of various food products. They are also used in the manufacturing of soaps, candles, cosmetics, and bio-fuels.
Pet Food:
Parts of animals that are not suitable for human consumption, such as certain organs, trimmings, and meat by-products, are often used in the production of pet food.
Bone Meal and Fertilizers:
Animal bones are processed to produce bone meal, a finely ground product rich in nutrients like calcium and phosphorus. Bone meal is used as a fertilizer in agriculture and gardening to enhance soil fertility.
Bone China and Bone Ash:
Animal bones, particularly cattle bones, are used in the production of bone china. The bones are processed and transformed into bone ash, which is then mixed with other materials to create fine china dishes, ceramic tiles, and porcelain.
Pharmaceutical Ingredients:
Some components derived from animals, such as hormones and enzymes, are used in the pharmaceutical industry. For instance, heparin, an anticoagulant, is extracted from the mucous tissues of pig intestines. Insulin, used to treat diabetes, was historically derived from pig or cow pancreases, although now most insulin is produced using recombinant DNA technology.
Collagen-based Sutures and Medical Devices:
Collagen derived from animal sources, such as pig or cow collagen, is used in the production of surgical sutures and medical devices. Collagen's biocompatibility and ability to promote tissue regeneration make it a valuable material in the medical field.
Glue and Adhesives:
Animal collagen is a key component in the production of glue and adhesives. It is used in industries such as woodworking, paper manufacturing, and bookbinding.
Bone Char and Activated Carbon:
Animal bones are processed to create bone char, which is then used in the production of activated carbon. Activated carbon finds applications in water purification, air filtration, and various industrial processes.
Industrial Lubricants:
Animal fats can be processed into lubricants used in industrial applications, such as machinery and equipment maintenance.
It's important to note that the utilization of these animal by-products varies across different regions, industries, and cultural practices.
Thank you for your time. In the next post we will discuss how all of the above affects and creates sustainable leather that we use in Slow Fashion to make your favorite bags.
