Kering prioritises hides from traceable origins or regenerative farms
Luxury group Kering has published the eighth edition of its Standards for Raw Materials and Manufacturing Processes.
In the report, it notes that leather is one of the "most important and noble" raw materials for many of Kering’s luxury products and that leathergoods are an “integral part” of its luxury houses’ identity.
However, it said hides and skins production can generate significant environmental, social, and animal welfare impacts. “Proactively addressing these challenges is essential not only to mitigate risks but also to enhance positive outcomes for people, nature, and animals, while strengthening the integrity of the leather value chain,” it said.
In the report, it states hides suppliers must provide, at a minimum, the name and location of all tanneries and slaughterhouses, the country where the farm is located, and traceability certification: ICEC (Institute of Quality Certification for the Leather Sector) or LWG (Leather Working Group) Audit Standard. If not available, suppliers must provide equivalent evidence through documented verification or audits.
It said it will prioritise suppliers who can provide additional information on the origin of hides, such as location of the farms, livestock food origin and use of digital or physical traceability systems, such as the Centre Technique du Cuir initiative.
In addition, it gives preference to suppliers certified under ICEC (Istituto di Certificazione della Qualità per l’Industria Conciaria) or those that source hides from producers implementing regenerative practices.
“Kering regularly evaluates the risks associated with leather sourcing across different regions, taking into account ecosystem conversion, water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, risks of forced or child labour, land disputes, animal welfare and the level of traceability,” it said.
Earlier this month, we reported that group CEO Luca De Meo said the group will reduce its dependency on leather by 30% by 2028. A full report on Mr De Meo’s comments on this appears in the April-May issue of World Leather.
