One of the key environmental focus areas for Ekornes is to make products that last for a long time. To do so our leather needs to be of top quality and performance. Our own inspectors take part in the leather selection, which is conducted in accordance with international norms for quality determination. All Ekornes tanneries shall comprehend, sign and comply to Ekornes’ quality specification for leather.
Ekornes take the responsibility to make sure that the leather is manufactured according to current laws, guidelines and recommendations relating to their utilisation properties, and for the use and content of chemicals and other substances. Ekornes are cooperating with recognised international institutions in this line of business to ensure that we are updated at all times with events relating to health, safety and the environment. Ekornes are applying as a member of the Leather Working Group (LWG) endeavouring to promote improvement in the leather manufacturing industry by creating alignment on environmental priorities, bringing visibility to best practices and providing guidelines for continuous improvement.
All Ekornes’ leather suppliers shall comprehend, sign and comply to Ekornes’ restricted substance specification (RSL) for leather. The RSL is kept up to date by BLC Leather technology, ensuring that all relevant legal and chemical safety requirements are included. Ekornes do random sample testing for RSL compliance in addition to having suppliers do testing.
Ekornes only use leather from cattle bred for food production (meat, dairy). For Ekornes the animal welfare perspective in our leather supply chain is highly important. Animal welfare is also included in Ekornes’ Supplier Principles, stating our requirements and expectations to our suppliers. Ekornes recognize and endeavour to promote The Five Freedoms recommendations on animal welfare set out by the World Organisation by Animal Health (OIE) as a guideline for the leather supply chain.
1. 1. Freedom from hunger or thirst by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour
2. 2. Freedom from discomfort by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area
3. 3. Freedom from pain, injury or disease by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment
4. 4. Freedom to express (most) normal behaviour by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal's own kind
5. 5. Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering
Ekornes promote management and measures avoiding the use of leather from deforestation areas. This includes buying from tanneries that are sourcing from slaughter houses that make public commitments to stop directly sourcing cattle from ranches with illegal activities and agreed to avoid purchase from properties from deforestation and protected areas, such as the Amazon Biome.
