• identifying equivalency of standards for the purposes of certification in the leather  industry, to reduce burden and duplication of effort on the leather manufacturers

• identifying common areas of work for joint development to provide more harmonised sets of standards and expectations with the global leather value chain; and

• working collaboratively on joint communications, meetings and events that help to support understanding and improvement in the leather industry and for consumers.

Deborah Taylor, managing director of the Sustainable Leather Foundation, said: “We are delighted  to be working with Oeko-Tex within a formal MoU framework that allows us to support the  leather industry more cohesively.

“Oeko-Tex are well-recognised as leaders within the textile industry for their work, with over 25 years’ experience in certifying textile products that have been tested for harmful chemicals. 

“More recently their portfolio has expanded to include leather as well as textiles and we are looking forward to finding more connected ways to help brands and retailers provide peace of mind and a sense of trust to their consumers."

Georg Dieners, secretary general of Oeko-Tex, commented: “We are very much looking forward to the collaboration with the Sustainable Leather Foundation. With its broad and collaborative approach, the SLF provides enhanced performance and credibility for the end-consumer and the environment. 

"Only in a joint approach with multiple partners will we achieve  meaningful impact towards a more transparent and sustainable future.”