In an age of change, we see that consumers are not satisfied with style and affordability alone; they are looking for transparency, sustainability, and responsibility. This shift is most visible in the fashion sector, which has, for instance, seen the rise of ethical leather — an area in which the consumer demand for ethical sources is re-shaping how brands produce, position, and sell their products.
As consumers’ purchase choices become extensions of personal value systems, ethical sourcing is less a choice and more a requirement.
Understanding Ethical Sourcing in Leather
Ethical sourcing in the leather industry is what we see as the practice of obtaining hides and other products from animals in a way that is respectful of animal welfare, which supports fair labor practices, and which also looks to reduce environmental impact. For years, leather products have had a reputation for being heavily involved in the very polluting tanning processes, for animal suffering, and also for issues around the exploitation of labor. Still today, responsible brands are changing what they do by choosing which paraphernalia to use and which suppliers to support that live up to very high ethical standards.
Vegetable tanned leather is a large-scale method used in chrome tanning, which sets itself out to use tannins from plants and trees, thus making the process very eco and bio-friendly. Also, many brands that use this leather are reporting success in their efforts to reduce water pollution, and at the same time are improving the health and safety of the craftsmen.
The Consumer Demand for Translucency
Ultramodern consumers, especially of the millennial and Gen Z generations, are very well informed. They are asking questions: Where did this leather come from? How were the animals treated? Did the workers get fair pay? This demand for transparency is what is making brands to trace their full supply chains and report on their sourcing practices.
This is a noted trend in the growth of tools and audits in the leather industry. Groups such as the Leather Working Group (LWG) are at the front of the push for sustainability and traceability, which they promote through certification of tanneries and leather suppliers that meet their very strict environmental and social standards. Brands that stand with LWG-certified suppliers are now able to, in good faith, tell their customers that their products’ production is, in fact, ethical.
Guarding People and the Earth
Ethical sourcing is a much wider issue than just our purchase of merchandise; it is about people. In many of the world’s leather-producing areas, workers in tanneries and at leather workshops report to very dangerous environments, health issues from toxic chemicals, and very low wages. We must do better. Ethical sourcing is about creating safe, healthy, and fair work environments. It is also about supporting artisans and factory workers’ quality of life.
Also, the issue of unsound environmental impact from what is put out by the unethical leather industry is very large. We see this in the form of damaged waterways, toxic waste, and high carbon output. By getting behind sustainable leather options, which is what we should be doing, companies may see a large-scale reduction in their environmental impact and, in that, also, put back what was taken from the natural balance of our ecosystems and communities.
Conclusion
In today’s environment, which sees a shift away from logos and symbols, ethical sourcing is the new luxury. We see consumers’ interest in the back stories of their leather bags, shoes, or jackets and in companies that put the planet and people first. As the leather fashion field grows, ethical sourcing will be the base of trust, quality, and lasting value.
