Transparency of the Origin of Hides & Skins in European Leather Industry

Leather production fulfils a fundamental role in our society. It recovers the hides and skins that result from the production of meat for human consumption and transform them into a noble material that finds a lot of applications in our modern life, at the same time generating wealth and employment. Consumers increasingly demand reassurance that the products they buy are not only fit for purpose but also that they are safe and produced in sound conditions throughout their life cycle. Offences against social, environmental or ethical values stigmatise the product and the producer in the eyes of consumers who are looking for ever increasing sustainable consumption habits. European tanners recognise that consumers and customers care about what occurs before the hides or skins are generated in slaughterhouses. The sensationalistic news in the media regarding bad practices in farms, during the transport of animals and at the time of slaughter have many times adverse effects in the area of public image of the tanning sector, although its activity starts after these phases. European tanners are interested in a more pro-active attitude with regard to transparency and traceability of the origin of hides and skins so, the European Social Partners, COTANCE and ETUF:TCL, decided in 2011 to develop together a project in this area. The overall aim is to provide both sides of the industry with intelligence for understanding the issue and elaborating for the attention of the Social Partners of the European Leather Industry the Recommendations for further action in this field.