In a significant move towards sustainability, the Sustainable Leather Foundation (SLF) has been commissioned to develop comprehensive guidelines for transparency and traceability in Pakistan’s leather supply chain. This project is part of the European Union-funded initiative, “International Labour & Environmental Standards Application in Pakistan’s SMEs (ILES),” aiming to enhance the environmental and labor standards within the country’s small and medium-sized enterprises.
The SLF’s task is set to be a cornerstone in advancing the long-term sustainability of Pakistan’s leather industry. With a completion deadline set for the end of July 2024, the initiative will benefit from the collaborative efforts of policymakers and private stakeholders, ensuring a holistic approach to the development of these guidelines.
“Given the challenges and uncertainties facing the leather industry, particularly with incoming regulations, we are keenly motivated to develop these guidelines for WWF Pakistan. We will look to incorporate all the recent best practice work and collaboration that SLF is engaged in with the Traceability Cluster, the UNECE, and the European Commission DG Env Deforestation Platform to create a set of guidelines and information that will be practical and applicable for the Pakistan region.”
Deborah Taylor, Managing Director of the SLF
The Sustainable Leather Foundation’s initiative represents a proactive approach to addressing the complexities of the leather supply chain, aligning with global sustainability efforts. By focusing on transparency and traceability, the guidelines will enable the identification of environmental and labor issues, fostering a more responsible and compliant leather industry in Pakistan.
“Traceability is essential for the identification and mitigation of environmental risks associated with the leather supply chain. The guidelines will play a crucial role for the private sector to take concrete actions in their supply chains and to ensure compliance with upcoming international regulations. Moreover, it will support the development of a policy framework to promote supply chain transparency and traceability in Pakistan.”
Adeel Younas, Manager of the Freshwater Programme at WWF Pakistan
As the SLF collaborates with key international organizations, the resulting guidelines are expected to set a precedent for best practices in the industry. This project will not only enhance Pakistan’s compliance with international standards but also promote ethical and sustainable practices within its leather supply chain.
In conclusion, The development of transparency and traceability guidelines by the SLF marks a pivotal step towards a sustainable future for Pakistan’s leather industry. With the backing of the European Union and the collaboration of global and local stakeholders, this initiative aims to set new standards in environmental and labor practices. As the industry navigates impending regulations, these guidelines will provide the necessary framework to ensure a transparent, traceable, and sustainable leather supply chain in Pakistan.
