Industry Leaders Rally Behind The Joint Statement on Durability Metrics in PEFCR for Apparel & Footwear
The Joint Statement on Durability in the A&F PEFCR has achieved a major milestone, gaining significant traction with new signatories joining the cause. Issued by COTANCE (European Leather Industry), CEC (European Footwear Confederation), IFF (International Fur Federation), and IWTO (International Wool Textile Organisation) in October 2024, the statement raises concerns about the durability metrics for the fashion materials proposed by the PEFCR Technical Secretariat on Apparel & Footwear (A&F). It highlights the need to fairly recognise the environmental credentials of natural materials such as leather, wool, and fur and the products made thereof.
In a remarkable show of unity, the statement now includes additional signatories such as the Leather and Hides Council of America (LHCA), the International Council of Tanners (ICT), Mohair South Africa, International Alpaca Association, Association pour l’Assurance Qualite des Fabricants de Bracelets cuir (AQC) & Alligator Intelligence. This growing coalition reflects the industry’s strong commitment to protecting natural materials and amplifies pressure on the A&F Technical Secretariat to reconsider its flawed approach to durability metrics and calls on the European Commission not to endorse them.
With this collective momentum, the producers of natural materials and high-quality products are making a powerful statement: durability must be measured fairly to ensure accurate environmental footprints in the fashion industry.
Why the Joint Statement Matters
The current PEFCR setup poses a significant risk to industries producing natural materials like leather, wool, fur, mohair and alpaca and the high-quality products made thereof. By failing to accurately account for their true durability and environmental benefits, the metrics discourage their use, potentially favouring less sustainable alternatives.
This approach misleads consumers about the environmental credentials of natural, renewable materials, flattening their durability while it favours products that are bought and thrown away after a few “wears”.
We are advocating for a much-needed revision, ensuring that product lifespan is measured in years, not wears, and to accurately reflect the longevity of consumer articles made with these materials.
"The more signatories we muster, the stronger our message becomes, and the greater our chances for a fair outcome," - says Gustavo Gonzalez-Quijano, Secretary General of COTANCE.
Let’s address the critical issue of durability measurement in fashion and promote true sustainability by recognising the unparalleled merits of natural, renewable materials like leather, fur, wool, mohair, alpaca and the products made thereof.
For more information or to join the initiative: reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.