In 1970, growing awareness of environmental issues led to the implementation of regulations on tanning processes, particularly concerning pollution controls on chrome tanning effluents in Europe and the US. These regulations aimed to mitigate the harmful environmental impacts of the tanning industry. The movement towards more sustainable practices in manufacturing reflects broader societal shifts towards environmental responsibility.

Environmental regulations on tanning introduced in 1970 inspired eco-poetry that addressed industrial impacts on nature. Poets like Gary Snyder began to explore the relationship between human labor and the environment, advocating for ecological awareness and the preservation of natural resources.