Designer brands including Coach, Fendi, and Hugo Boss are accused of buying leather sourced from cattle in deforested regions of Brazil, particularly in Para. A report by Earthsight highlights the extent of the issue, using various investigative methods to illustrate a supply chain tied to environmental destruction. The findings point to the involvement of meatpacking company Frigol, which has reportedly acquired cattle from illegally operated farms, thereby compromising ethical standards expected by luxury consumers who may not realize their purchases may contribute to deforestation and human rights violations.
"Consumers probably expect that when buying a luxury product, the high price tag guarantees some level of ethics and sustainability," Lara Shirra White, an Earthsight researcher told DW. "They don't expect that the leather bag might be linked to deforestation and human rights violations."
The report warns of products made from hides of cattle reared on farms embargoed for environmental violations, including some operating illegally within Para's Apyterewa Indigenous Territory.
As part of its research, Earthsight investigated the business operations of Frigol, a Brazilian meatpacking company identified as one of the buyers of cattle raised on the territory.
The report states at least 17,000 animals were sold to Frigol between 2020 and 2023, which is "enough to produce 425 tons of leather."
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