The new initiative aims to promote traceability and reduce environmental impacts in leather production, with Tapestry, Inc. as one of the first major contributors

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) introduced the ‘Deforestation-free Leather Fund,’ an innovative opportunity for companies to financially back initiatives designed to improve sustainability within the leather supply chain. With over 25 years of experience supporting sustainable supply chains, WWF intends for the fund to drive investments that will enhance traceability and bolster the resilience of leather sourcing practices.

The Deforestation-Free Leather Fund will primarily focus on regions at high risk of environmental degradation, such as Brazil, where leather production has contributed to deforestation. The fund will support projects that aim to accelerate deforestation- and conversion-free sourcing practices from these areas, with the potential for expansion into other South American beef-producing countries shortly.

“Leather is a byproduct of the beef and dairy industries, but it still carries responsibility for environmental impacts throughout its supply chain,” said Fernando Bellese, Senior Director for Leather Supply Chains at WWF. “Companies in industries like fashion, automotive, and furniture have a unique opportunity to drive more sustainable practices by leveraging their influence within the supply chain, from beef ranchers to tanneries.”

WWF is inviting brands, retailers, leather processors, and manufacturers to contribute to the fund, which will accelerate progress toward achieving deforestation-free commitments. The fund is designed to send strong market signals to cattle ranchers, beef producers, and leather manufacturers while fostering more sustainable leather production.

Tapestry, Inc., the New York-based parent company of brands such as Coach and Kate Spade, has already committed to supporting the fund. This investment builds on Tapestry’s 2022 philanthropic contribution of USD 3 million to WWF for traceability system development in Brazil. Logan Duran, vice president of ESG and sustainability at Tapestry, emphasised, “Our investment in this fund strengthens our commitment to long-term sustainable solutions in leather manufacturing, and we encourage other companies to join us in these efforts.”

The Deforestation-Free Leather Fund will support initiatives such as: traceability systems to ensure responsible sourcing, scaling adoption of systems that guarantee end-to-end traceability in cattle supply chains; farm-level investments to promote deforestation- and conversion-free leather sourcing through direct support for improved cattle production; and farm regularisation efforts to assist farmers in formalizing operations, rehabilitating degraded land, and creating pathways for continuous improvement.

The fund’s goal for its first three years includes ear-tagging 1 million head of cattle and promoting the recovery of 45,000 hectares (111,200 acres) of degraded land.

WWF aims to raise USD 10 million from corporate contributions to fund the first phase of operations, with donations requested from companies based on annual revenue and hides processed.