Responsible management of Clarks’ leather supply chain
Clarks regards climate change as a most significant issue and we are working hard across our global business to reduce our overall environmental impact, as part of our commitment to sustainable business practices in our own operations and our supply chain.
A recent report by Greenpeace highlighted the environmental impact of the increasing level of deforestation in the Amazon rainforests. Clarks shares the concerns expressed by Greenpeace and others regarding the environmental impact of the leather industry on the Amazon rainforest and the subsequent effect on biodiversity and climate change.
Clarks is committed to encouraging leather suppliers to take a proactive stance in supporting effective measures that help tackle climate change and protect the environment. Accordingly, Clarks’ policy is that we will not use leather in products produced from cattle raised in the Amazon Biome.
We will require all suppliers of Brazilian leather to certify formally that they are supplying leather for Clarks’ products not from recently deforested areas. They have until July 1st 2010 to create a properly traceable and transparent system to provide credible assurances in this regard.
We will review these suppliers’ progress in establishing such a system but if, after July 1st 2010, suppliers are unable to provide credible assurances that leather used for Clarks products is not from cattle raised in recently deforested areas, Clarks will consider further measures to implement this policy.
To this end Clarks commits to the principles of what is known as the ‘Commit or Cancel’ policy and will work with NGOs, the Leather Working Group and specialist agencies with the ultimate aim of ensuring zero deforestation in the rainforest.