WWF launches practical guide to help brands achieve deforestation‑free leather sourcing
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has unveiled a new Traceability Guide for Deforestation‑ and Conversion‑Free (DCF) Leather, developed in partnership with RFLCT Consulting, to help companies translate deforestation‑free pledges into concrete, step‑by‑step implementation pathways.
Supported by the Tapestry Foundation and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the guide was shaped through one‑on‑one interviews and working sessions with brands participating in the Deforestation‑Free Call to Action for Leather — a joint initiative led by WWF, Textile Exchange, and the Leather Working Group. The Call to Action now brings together 22 fashion and automotive companies representing more than US$300bn in annual revenue, all committed to sourcing verified deforestation‑free leather by 2030 or earlier.
Positioned as a practical roadmap rather than a prescriptive solution, the guide helps companies understand core traceability concepts, assess supply‑chain readiness, and follow a 10‑step journey toward full traceability. It clarifies the distinctions between traceability, certification, and chain‑of‑custody systems, and offers structured guidance on supplier engagement, data collection, verification, and alignment with emerging global standards — including event‑based traceability and interoperable data frameworks.
WWF emphasises that achieving credible traceability is a gradual, iterative process that relies on pilots, partnerships, and shared learning. The resource is designed for organisations of any size or geography seeking to implement deforestation‑ and conversion‑free leather sourcing.
The launch reflects a broader shift in the leather sector toward transparency and accountability. As digital traceability tools advance and regulations such as the EU Deforestation Regulation raise the bar for supply‑chain disclosure, traceability is becoming a foundational requirement for credible deforestation‑free claims.
By equipping brands with shared methodologies and practical tools, WWF and its partners aim to accelerate industry‑wide progress — supporting a future where leather products are no longer connected to forest loss, and where supply chains help protect the ecosystems and communities on which they depend.
