Deforestation & Sourcing: Understanding the Issues

The impact of deforestation in the textile and leather industries is a growing concern. Certain materials, such as viscose and leather, are directly linked to forest exploitation. Careful attention is therefore required to ensure more controlled sourcing, aligned with market expectations.

Viscose and Deforestation

Viscose is an artificial fiber made from wood pulp. Its production relies on the cultivation and felling of trees, which can put significant pressure on forests if not properly regulated.

🌳 A resource management challenge

Without regulation, wood extraction for viscose production can contribute to deforestation, threatening valuable forests and their biodiversity.

To secure sourcing, initiatives like Canopy (link) help identify risks and promote the use of certified sources that ensure better forest management.

Leather and Deforestation

Leather used in the industry mainly comes from by-products of the agri-food industry. Hides are collected after the slaughter of animals raised for food, but their use is indirectly linked to deforestation.

🐄 An indirect yet significant impact

Intensive cattle farming, especially in the Amazon, is one of the main drivers of deforestation. Vast forest areas are cleared to expand grazing land, feeding the meat industry — and by extension, the leather used in fashion and accessories.

Taking Action to Limit Impact

Alternatives exist to reduce pressure on forests and promote more sustainable practices:

• Prioritize certified viscose sources that ensure responsible forest management.
• Support traceability initiatives to verify that leathers do not originate from high-risk zones.

Integrating these criteria into sourcing decisions helps align business practices with market expectations and growing environmental standards. 🌿