Sustainable Livestock Intergroup : How can Wool and Leather production positively contribute to the environment?
2026-05-21T08:00:00+00:00
2026-05-21T09:30:00+00:00
https://www.expert-europe.eu//medias/image/thumbnail_3474392376a0b46ddb6066.png
European Parliament
1, av. du Président Schuman
Strasbourg
67070
FR
Intergroup on Sustainable Livestock | Hosted by MEP Benoit CASSART (MR, BE). Join us on 21/05/2026 from 10:00 to 11:30 in Room WEISS S3.5, European Parliament (Strasbourg) to discuss how wool and leather production can positively contribute to the environment, exploring the EU Bioeconomy Strategy and Circular Economy Act. INTERGROUP EVENT How can Wool and Leather production positively contribute to the environment? 📅 Date:21/05/2026 🕐 Time:10:00 - 11:30 📍 Location:Room WEISS S3.5, European Parliament (Strasbourg) About the Event The EU's evolving policy agenda on sustainability and circularity, including the EU Bioeconomy Strategy and the upcoming Circular Economy Act, underlines the importance of better valorising renewable, bio-based resources within Europe's economy. Livestock systems contribute to this objective by generating valuable by-products such as wool and leather, which can play a key role in circular bioeconomy ecosystems and support the transition towards more sustainable and resource-efficient value chains.These materials provide significant environmental and socio-economic benefits, including their renewable and biodegradable nature, their contribution to rural livelihoods, and their role in maintaining viable farming systems. However, their full potential remains underutilised. In parallel, ongoing developments in EU environmental footprint methodologies risk creating unintended consequences. Current approaches, including default durability values, may not adequately reflect the longevity and environmental performance of natural materials such as wool and leather, potentially disadvantaging them in favour of fossil fuel-based alternatives.This Intergroup session will explore how wool and leather production can positively contribute to environmental objectives, while raising awareness of the key policy and methodological challenges that need to be addressed. It will bring together policymakers and stakeholders to discuss how to better recognise the value of livestock by-products, ensure fair and science-based environmental assessment frameworks, and support a more coherent policy environment aligned with the EU's sustainability and circular economy ambitions. Hosted by +Benoit CASSARTMEP Belgium Member of the European Parliament Renew Renew Europe Group | MR Mouvement Réformateur Benoit CASSARTCommitteesINTAInternational TradeTRANTransport & TourismAGRIAgriculture & Rural DevelopmentDelegationsDMAGDelegation for relations with the Maghreb countries & the Arab Maghreb Union, including joint committees with Morocco, Tunisia & AlgeriaDANDDAND DelegationDLATDelegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary AssemblyDMERDMER Delegation×+Alexander BERNHUBERMEP Austria Member of the European Parliament EPP Group of the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats) | ÖVP Österreichische Volkspartei Alexander BERNHUBERCommitteesENVIEnvironment, Public Health & Food SafetyPETIPetitionsAGRIAgriculture & Rural DevelopmentDelegationsDCARDelegation to the Cariforum-EU Parliamentary CommitteeDACPDelegation to the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary AssemblyDCABDCAB Delegation×+Maria GRAPINIMEP Romania Member of the European Parliament SD Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament | PUSL Partidul Umanist Social Liberal Maria GRAPINICommitteesV-CHAIR IMCOInternal Market & Consumer ProtectionAGRIAgriculture & Rural DevelopmentCONTBudgetary ControlDelegationsV-CHAIR D-MDDelegation to the EU-Moldova Parliamentary Association CommitteeD-JPDelegation for relations with JapanDEPADelegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly×Speakers Dr. Paul SWANCo-author of the Wool Biogenic CarbonSydney AustraliaRoland TAFERNERAustrian sheep farmerGustavo DEFEOFounder of Ars TinctoriaResearcher on Biobased Carbon QuantificationArs Tinctoria Michael LOSCHDG AgriEuropean CommissionProgramme Welcome SpeechesMEP Benoît CASSARTMEP Alexander BERNHUBER TBCMEP Maria GRAPINI TBCVideo on the Biogenic Life Cycle Assessment for WoolSpeakers presentationsDr. Paul Swan | Co-author of the Wool Biogenic Carbon | Sydney Australia Mr Roland Taferner | Real-life story from Austrian sheep farmer Mr Gustavo Defeo | Founder of Ars Tinctoria | Researcher on Biobased Carbon Quantification Mr Michael LOSCH | DG Agri | European Commission DiscussionsExchange of views with MEPsDiscussion with selected speakersOpen discussionIntergroup on Sustainable LivestockThe Intergroup on Sustainable Livestock is a cross-party initiative within the European Parliament fostering dialogue between policymakers, farmers, scientists and stakeholders. Our mission: promoting balanced policies that combine environmental sustainability, animal welfare, economic viability and food security for Europe's livestock sector.Stay connected Important – This event is by invitation, and only registered participants will be admitted. Due to capacity constraints, all attendees must register, including those already holding a European Parliament access badge. Registration is mandatory for admission.
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https://www.expert-europe.eu/en/event/sustainable-livestock-intergroup-how-can-wool-and-leather-production-positively-contribute-to-the-environment/2026/05/21/470
MEP 
Belgium 
Austria 
Romania 
Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament | 
Partidul Umanist Social Liberal 
