Brussels bodies begin hides and skins traceability plan
18/07/2011
“The conditions under which hides and skins are obtained escape tanners’ control, notably when these are imported into the EU from distant places,” COTANCE said on announcing the new development. “But social and environmental mismanagement in the area of raw materials affects adversely the tanning sector’s image. European tanners, their customers and consumers are increasingly sensitive to issues regarding socially and environmentally responsible procurement and animal welfare. Better governance could improve the current situation where tanners do not always have the means to identify the origin and history of raw materials, and this could minimise the risk of negative impacts on business and employment in the leather sector.”
As a first step, the two organisations have said they will identify the adverse impact on the sector, its operators and workforce when tanning is accused of social, environmental or animal welfare mismanagement. They will assess awareness in the sector of these matters and focus on technical instruments that record facts on the origin and condition of hides and skins to allow companies to respond proactively to adverse situations.
After a year, the organisations will provide tanners with a joint recommendation for action.
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