Oritain, a leader in product origin verification, has expanded its services to include comprehensive traceability solutions for the leather industry. This move addresses the increasing demand for transparency and compliance with regulatory standards in the fashion, luxury, and automotive sectors. The company's advanced forensic science methodology can now verify the geographical origin of leather sourced from key regions worldwide.
The global leather goods market is experiencing significant growth, with projections indicating it will expand from approximately USD 498.57 billion in 2024 to USD 855.36 billion by 2032, at a compound annual growth rate of 7.05%. This growth is driven by rising disposable incomes and a demand for premium and luxury items. This expansion by Oritain is particularly timely with the introduction of new regulations such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
The EUDR mandates transparent and ethically sourced supply chains, requiring Digital Product Passports to ensure products imported into the EU are not linked to deforestation. However, the European leather industry has presented evidence suggesting that leather, as a by-product of the meat industry, does not directly cause deforestation. Concerns have been raised that its inclusion in the EUDR could lead to unintended negative consequences, including supply chain disruptions and job losses.
Alyn Franklin, CEO of Oritain, highlighted the increasing scrutiny on the environmental and human rights impacts of leather sourcing. He stated that Oritain's origin verification programs provide brands and tanneries with essential insights to navigate evolving supply chain dynamics, meet regulatory obligations, and build customer trust. The company's commitment to innovation is further demonstrated by its recent expansion into timber verification, aligning with its broader mission to ensure truth in global supply chains.
Oritain's forensic science-based approach analyzes the unique geochemical composition of materials to create an "Origin Fingerprint" that is intrinsically linked to its geographical source and cannot be altered. This methodology, successfully applied across industries like apparel, food, and agriculture, is now extended to leather to offer enhanced accuracy in origin verification. Oritain's expansion into leather traceability is a proactive step to empower businesses in demonstrating responsible sourcing and building consumer confidence in an increasingly regulated and conscious market.