We are talking about different realities, that is fur sure: the former is a high-end global giant, the latter is a sport footwear brand (which is expanding a great deal). Yet, if we compare Kering and Veja points of view, we may surmise that, today more than ever, fashion can be considered sustainable only when it is able to involve the whole industry in the best practice.
In a context, meanwhile, of several challenges consequently set by the goal, as highlighted during the first Brazilian Leather Webinar Series, arranged by CICB together with National Wildlife Federation (NWF), and with legitimate intellectual honesty. We are fully aware of the fact that leather does not only play a prominent role in green policies but is also a competitive asset.
Kering and Veja
“In our industry it is essential, to stay on course, to rely on a solid and sustainable supply chain – remarked Yoann Regent, sustainable sourcing specialist at Kering –. As a matter of fact, only this asset can safeguard and protect us from the current crisis we are going through”. The pandemic turns out to be one more unpredictable factor in the sustainability algorithm.
“It is quite interesting to see that lots of players are paying close attention to the connection between health emergency and a few global issues, such as environment conservation and biodiversity – he continued –. Buyers want to be sure about what they purchase: more specifically, when they buy a product, they make sure it has no negative impact”.
Leather tanning industry has got nothing to be concerned about: “On the contrary, such concept of sustainability alongside the way leather can present it, as a sustainable material, can be usefully taken as a competitive advantage”.
Beto says
“We consider the industry as a whole – remarked, during the same event, Beto Bina, Sourcing & Sustainability Coordinator at Veja – and we develop some projects mirroring and studying each material in more detail: cotton, as much as polyester or leather”. Green fashion is a subject that requires sturdy standpoints and firm certainties.
“Yet we cannot ask for universally true assumptions – continued Beto –. Yet, nonetheless, we can think it over and improve it all”. Talking about environmental impact, “we must be humble enough and confess that we cannot provide all answers. We can speak plainly and explain our results to the extent they can be analysed and evaluated”.
On the other hand, buyers demand for transparency: “When we get in touch with customers and talk to them, we must be honest and fair: that is the starting point – he wrapped up –. Although we cannot supply all answers, the ones we are able to give must be provided as genuinely as possible”.
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