Puma targets to increase transparency in leather supply chain

Germany-based Puma joined the Deforestation-Free Call to Action for Leather drive, which was sent off last month by nonprofits the Textile Exchange and the Leather Working Group. The initiative has asked brands across industries to boost supply chain transparency to know the source of raw materials. Other signees for the initiative include brands like Adidas and fashion companies including Tapestry, Capri Holdings and Kering.

According to the release, Puma currently purchases its leather from tanneries accredited by the Leather Working Group. The group affirms leather manufacturers, commissioning manufacturers, subcontractors and trades determined to lessen the effect of the leather industry.

Veronique Rochet, senior head of sustainability at Puma, stated in the release, “To mitigate the risk of biodiversity loss due to our production processes, [Puma] addresses environmental pollution risk through our targets to increase the use of more sustainable materials and through our suppliers’ program on climate, chemicals, water, and air.”

The deforestation-free commitment likewise connects with one of Puma’s sustainability targets for biodiversity, Rochet said. Puma does not make use of any wood or wood-derived fabrics from ancient or endangered forests.

Puma stopped making soccer cleats with kangaroo leather earlier this year. It switched to a brand-new, exclusive “K-Better” material with a nylon core.