To improve transparency in the supply chain, automotive leather supplier Pangea has entered into a tie-up with Where Food Comes From (WFCF), Walmart and Prime Pursuits. The joint initiative, Transparency in Motion, leverages data-driven, verifiable practices to confirm exactly how materials are raised, cared for and processed. Pangea claims to be the first in North America to achieve local traceability at this level.
“As a global automotive leather supplier working with leading auto makers, we are committed to ensuring the products we produce are coming from ethical and sustainable sources,” said Bob Tuuk, VP of global purchasing at Pangea. “Today’s consumers want to know where the materials come from, how the animals they originated from were treated, and what impact production will have on the environment. In spearheading this initiative, we are able to provide clarity into that process, providing value to our customers around the world by ensuring full confidence in the materials going into their vehicles and the practices behind it.”
With WFCF’s expertise in verifying production practices, every hide Pangea sources is traced from the ranch all the way to the finished interior. Each hide comes from a CARE-certified ranch that meets rigorous standards for animal welfare, land stewardship and support for workers and rural communities. Every hide is tracked, documented and verified as it moves through the supply chain.
Said John Saunders, CEO of WFCF, “On any given day, there are over two million cattle that are in transit in the US. With so much movement in the industry, it’s critical that we can trace every animal’s journey from the ranch to the tannery and beyond. Our systems and certifications are designed to create a clear, verifiable story for every animal, ensuring that what we say about their journey and what is said on the end product is true. By providing that level of clarity and assurance, we’re able to build trust with consumers and give them the confidence they need to make informed decisions that lead to happier, healthier lives.”
As a provider of beef products, Walmart’s Prime Pursuits program enhances the collaboration. Leather is a natural byproduct of the beef industry; without this collaboration, many hides would otherwise end up in landfills. By working together, Pangea can transform the byproduct into a long-lasting, high-quality material.
“As an end-to-end supply chain, our goal is to transform the American beef industry through an increased focus on sustainability and transparency, and tell a story about how it brings value not only to our ranch partners but also our end consumers,” said Grant Keenan, senior director of cattle management and procurement at Walmart. “As a natural byproduct of an animal already harvested for food, leather in and of itself is one of the most sustainable materials available. By utilizing what already exists to create materials to be used across various industries, we optimize the animal and create added value across the supply chain.”
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