In a significant stride towards a sustainable future, the Australian Hide, Skin, and Leather Exporters Association (AHSLEA) has assembled an Industry Steering Group, comprising members across the industry spectrum. Their mission is to craft a comprehensive framework; a roadmap that will confirm the industry’s commitment to economic, social, and environmental responsibility.

The initiative, titled the Australian Hide, Skin and Leather Sustainability Framework (AHSLSF), will effectively convey its sustainability-related impacts and performance to crucial stakeholders, including customers and regulators.

The development process involved thorough collaboration with key stakeholders, an extensivereview of existing frameworks, and a detailed assessment of industry practices and benchmarks. The overarching vision is succinctly encapsulated in the phrase: “Producing quality, sustainable leather.”

At its core, the Framework is underpinned by seven foundational principles that will guide its implementation:responsibility, dialogue, partnership, transparency, adaptability, innovation and continual improvement, and long-term vision.

Stay tuned for further information on this transformative initiative that will lay the foundation for a more sustainable, responsible, and transparent hide, skin, and leather industry in Australia!