Australian leather manufacturer Packer Leather has received strong recognition from the Federal Government, reinforcing its role as a sustainable business that has supported jobs for more than a century.
Member for Petrie Region in Australia Emma Comer MP highlighted the company’s contribution to both the economy & the environment. She stressed the importance of protecting the kangaroo leather industry from misinformation campaigns that threaten its global reputation.
Packer Leather, based in Narangba since 1891, is known worldwide for producing high quality kangaroo leather. However, growing pressure from animal rights groups has led major sportswear brands to announce they will stop using kangaroo leather in their products.
According to Emma Comer, the campaign titled Kangaroos Are Not Shoes has been successful in convincing global companies to cut ties.
This has put pressure on the livelihoods of more than 3,000 workers connected to the industry, many of them in regional areas.
“Kangaroo leather is one of the most sustainable types in the world. It comes from a wild population not factory farming & prevents the waste of animal products. It’s an industry that supports over 3,000 jobs many of those in the regions. Kangaroo leather is the world’s strongest for its weight & it is being replaced by synthetics contributing to the growing problem of plastics in the environment.”
Emma Comer, Member for Petrie, Federal Parliament
She further added that kangaroo overpopulation has become a serious issue for biodiversity in Australia. A regulated cull, she argued, not only protects the environment but also ensures the animals are managed in a way that minimises suffering.
During her visit to Packer Leather’s facility, Comer praised the family-owned company’s commitment to sustainable production & its role in shaping Australia’s reputation on the global stage.
Packer Leather continues to face challenges but government recognition sends a clear message that the industry has a future. Sustaining this legacy is not only vital for jobs but also for promoting an environmentally responsible alternative to synthetic materials.
Related News: Why the Debate Around Kangaroo Leather Is a Wake-Up Call for the Global Leather Industry?
