// Timberland partners with Other Half Processing to build a responsbile leather supply chain
// Through regenerative grazing practices, ranchers and farmers are able to manage their cattle in a way that mimics the natural movement of herd animals
// Timberland is improving its capabilities to ensure hides are sourced from acceptable locations
Timberland has partnered with Other Half Processing to build a responsible leather supply chain sourced from ranches that employ regenerative practices.
During the pilot, Timberland will source traceable hides from regeneratively-grazed cattle in the US for select footwear and accessory collections set to release in autumn 2020.
Ranchers and farmers who use regenerative grazing practices manage their cattle in a way that mimics the natural movement of herd animals.
This allows more rest and re-growth of grasses, which can lead to better food for livestock and healthier soil.
In theory, this makes the land more productive with greater resistance to both drought and heavy rain.
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This partnership will build upon the Timberland’s longstanding commitment to make products responsibly and help influence change.
In 2005, Timberland co-founded the Leather Working Group to minimise the negative impacts associated with leather tanning for not just its own production, but the industry as a whole.
Timberland’s use of these hides in its production directly supports the farmers, ranchers and tribes who raise their livestock in a regenerative system.
“We are proud that our consumers will be able to buy products where the leather has been sourced in this way, and hope to inspire others in the industry to move in this direction as well,” Timberland sustainability director Colleen Vien said.
Timberland sources the majority of its hides from US cattle that are raised for food and processed according to USDA guidelines.
The retailer has banned the sourcing of hides from certain countries or regions where they have learned of animal husbandry concerns.
Through individual agreements from suppliers and improved traceability audits, it is improving its capabilities to ensure hides are sourced from acceptable locations.
As part of its push to a greener future, Timberland also made a commitment earlier this autumn to plant 50 million trees over the next five years.
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