The EU proposal on deforestation leaves CICB confused as well. Centro das Indústrias de Curtumes do Brasil expressed in a note its position to the EU, in regards to the ban on goods imported in Europe that are tied, in some way, to deforestation. The issue, as already highlighted by UNIC and Cotance, is that of having inserted leather in the ban as well.
The criticality
EU proposal on deforestation is at the center of the issue. These presented rules, which aim “to guarantee that goods sold within the EU don’t contribute to deforestation of the degradation of forests”. The text is part of the wider-scoped European Green Deal. The proposal is focused on banning the import of leather from areas that are at risk of deforestation or those degraded by agricultural expansion tied to producing certain raw materials. Some examples include: meat, wood, palm oil, soy, coffee, cocoa. The list though, also includes “some byproducts” of the aforementioned, including leather.
The standpoint of UNIC and Cotance
UNIC and Cotance participated to the public consultation on the matter, which was a time to showcase representatives of some member countries all the activities done, and initiatives implemented by the European tanning segment to avoid using leather from areas at risk of deforestation. Moreover, the two associations pointed out that inserting leather of all types in the list will probably save zero trees. The livestock farmers work directly for meat and milk multinationals, not to supply leather.
Brazil’s perplexity
CIBC also took the stand. “The global leather industry is part of a larger manufacturing chain. We have complex challenges that involve many moving parts. We are against illegal deforestation. The leather industry in Brazil respects the current legislations. It collaborates with governments, entities, suppliers and companies to strengthen the tools that guarantee the origin of all raw materials. Our attention towards this topic doesn’t just have to do with potential restrictions: it’s a project in which we believe. Much has already been done and we have grand ideas on this topic, we continue with new activities and many investments focused on innovation, technology and development. We have the support of Brazil’s entire production chain and other players across the globe”.
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