The owner of Kipling, Timberland, Vans, and fifteen other brands confirmed that it would suspend the use of Brazilian leather until there is security regarding the origin of the products.
"VF Corporation and its brands have decided not to continue to supply Brazil's leather and tannery directly to our international business until there is an assurance that the materials used in our products do not contribute to environmental damage in the country."
In the message, the company also argued that its business "aims to empower active and sustainable lifestyle movements."
"Since 2017, we have refined our global leather supply through studies to ensure that leather suppliers meet our responsible sourcing requirements."
The Planalto Palace said it would not comment. The Ministry of the Environment did not respond until the close of this text.
VF Corporation's group of designer brands that have suspended purchases of Brazilian leather include Timberland, Dickies, Kipling, Vans, Kodiak, Earth, Walls, Workrite, Eagle Creek, Eastpack, JanSport, The North Face, Napapijri, Bulwark, Altra, Icebreaker, Smartwoll, and Horace Small.
The group's decision was passed on to the government on Tuesday (27) by the CICB (Center for Tannery Industries of Brazil). In a letter sent to the Ministry of the Environment, the entity's president, José Fernando Bello, warned the government about the negative effects of the burning on the sector's exports.
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon