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Why is deforestation a complex issue for leather?

Because leather is a by-product of the food industry, supply chains are fragmented and there is currently no globally recognised system enabling consistent farm-level traceability across the industry.

For brands and retailers that are using leather, the task of understanding long and often opaque supply chains, is challenging at a time when they are working towards greater transparency. 

 

Our aim

Improving supply chain transparency particularly around the issue of deforestation has been a focus for LWG since 2010, and we have been working in partnership with Textile Exchange and World Wildlife Fund on the Deforestation-free Call to Action for Leather since 2023.

Our ongoing aim is to drive continuous improvement in due diligence practices across the leather supply chain, helping the industry meet increasing expectations for transparency and traceability, including, where possible, the identification and management of deforestation-related risks.

 

Our approach

As part of the Leather Working Group audit process, due to be updated later this year, tanneries are required to demonstrate due diligence when sourcing hides from regions considered to be at higher risk of deforestation. 

Our focus is on supporting improvement through identifying and prioritising risk in supply chains, developing practical tools and frameworks that can help improve traceability over time, and stakeholder collaboration.

Taking action

Leather Working Group's audit scope does not extend to slaughterhouses. However, we are working collaboratively with stakeholders across the leather supply chain, including the meat industry, brands, NGOs and leather manufacturers to support practical solutions that improve transparency and responsible sourcing practices.

Collaboration

We believe a collaborative approach is essential. Our intention is to help equip tanneries with practical tools and access to information that support responsible sourcing, while also enabling brands to receive verified third-party information without creating unnecessary additional reporting burdens.

Deforestation-Free Call to Action for Leather

The Deforestation-Free Call to Action for Leather is a collaborative initiative between LeatherWorking Group, Textile Exchange and World Wildlife Fund that calls upon brands and retailers to commit to sourcing all their bovine leather from deforestation-free supply chains by 2030 or earlier. Key expert input is provided by the NGO advisory group, consisting of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), Conservation International, and the Accountability Framework initiative (AFi). The initiative sets clear expectations for brands, providing them with tools and guidance to support them on the journey.  

Join Leather Working Group

Get involved in our international community to help drive positive change, enhance transparency, and make an impact across the global leather supply chain.

Become a member