Textile Exchange and LWG join in deforestation-free call
US-based non-profit the Textile Exchange has partnered with the Leather Working Group (LWG) in a cross-sector initiative aimed at “galvanizing action from brands to end the deforestation and conversion of natural ecosystems linked to leather sourcing” , working towards sourcing leather in a way that’s equitable, transparent, and deforestation-free.
While cattle farming practices cannot be transformed overnight, and with pressure being seen placed on leather brands and retailers, working together in partnership with suppliers will be critical to drive change on the ground and deliver the outcomes of the Deforestation-Free Call to Action for Leather
The collaboration provides a detailed framework with a set of ambitious targets that tackle the challenge from multiple angles to:
- Set leather sourcing requirements - Work to all levels of farming, and with their supply chain, to set and cascade requirements for deforestation/conversion-free sourcing.
- Set and meet supply chain targets - Set and meet targets for mapping supply chains to the slaughterhouse level and identify the associated risk levels.
- Respect human rights across the entire bovine leather supply chain - Commit to respecting human rights across the entire bovine leather supply chain, including recognizing, and protecting the rights of Indigenous peoples and local communities.
- Implement traceability - Use a traceability system to ensure credible sourcing of verified deforestation and conversion-free leather.
- Make investments - Set and meet financial investment targets that increase the supply of traceable, deforestation and conversion-free leather, particularly at the farm level.
- Report on our progress through the Textile Exchange Materials Benchmark - Report progress along the Deforestation-Free Call to Action for Leather roadmap through Textile Exchange’s Materials Benchmark on an annual basis.
Brands already signed up to the initiative include Adidas, All Saints, American eagle outfitters, Arezzo & Co, Bmw group, Capri holdings limited, H&M group, Icebug, Kering, Mango, Marks and Spencer, Puma, Range Revolution, Reformation, Roots, RM Williams, and Tapestry
