Sustainability Report 2020: Richemont illustrates how responsible leather sourcing takes place. From American alligators to other types of leather, the majority of which are made in Italy. “Responsible sourcing of industry-specific raw materials, such as gold, diamonds, leathers, exotic leathers and precious stones, is a priority”. So we read in the report published on the website of the Swiss luxury conglomerate, that puts pen to paper its “addiction” to Italian leather.
Responsible sourcing of hides
Richemont controls brands such as Chloé, Dunhill, Alaïa, Montblanc, Purdey, Peter Millar and Serapian. Without forgetting the newborn AZfashion by Alber Elbaz. A rich portfolio that goes hand in hand with the awareness of the “growing importance of leather goods, both for the group’s houses and for the luxury industry in general”. For this reason, the Swiss multinational “has focused attention on responsible leather sourcing initiatives”.
Crocodile and alligator
“Alligator breeding methods, including animal welfare certification (guaranteed by ICFA, International Crocodilian Farmers Association, ed), have contributed to the repopulation of the species. At the same time, breeders, maintaining the climatic conditions suitable for the repopulation of the alligators themselves, conserve the biotopes on which 8,000 animal species depend. Furthermore – the report reads – biotopes of Louisiana wetlands are fundamental for the mitigation of climate change, as they capture a significant amount of carbon. These characteristics have encouraged the efforts of our houses to use American alligator leather”.
Italian addiction
Richemont also talks about the other types of leather that its brands use. In addition to requesting and respecting various legislative and regulatory levels, “the group – we read – has undertaken a mapping of its supply chain of leather goods to better understand its strengths and weaknesses. All our producers and their networks are known and controlled. Most are based in Italy. All tanneries and their networks are known and audited. Most of our tanneries are also located in Italy”.
Read also:
- And then it was PVH’s turn: the announcement (in words only) regarding exotic leather
- Vuitton makes use of leather for 3 reasons, claims CEO Michael Burk
