This collaboration between OEKO-TEX and SPOOR is set to establish a new global benchmark for responsible sourcing by enabling consumers to trace leather products back to the farms where the animals were raised.
The initiative will see SPOOR’s tracking technology integrated with the OEKO-TEX MADE IN GREEN label, providing brands and consumers with verifiable evidence of responsible leather sourcing.
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Each hide receives a unique identifier at birth that is followed through every stage until it becomes part of a final product — guaranteeing 100% documented transparency and meeting consumer expectations for ethical sourcing.
The companies will use SPOOR’s advanced tracking technology allowing for the journey of each leather hide from birth, through the tanning process, and onto the final product to be meticulously traced.
This traceability information is then digitised and integrated into OEKO-TEX’s Label Check system, providing consumers with immediate access to detailed visualisations of the origins and production stages of their leather goods.
In a further commitment to sustainability, OEKO-TEX has ensured that all production facilities involved are certified for their eco-friendly practices, responsible chemical management, and adherence to social responsibility standards.
This elevates the MADE IN GREEN label as a symbol of sustainable and transparent leather production.
The collaboration’s pilot project will see OEKO-TEX MADE IN GREEN become the emblem of supply chain transparency for products crafted from SPOOR hides.
In January 2025, SPOOR leather was awarded the OEKO-TEX LEATHER STANDARD certification, a precursor to achieving the MADE IN GREEN label. Additionally, Scan-Hide’s OEKO-TEX STeP certification in 2023 marked another milestone on this journey.
The introduction of the first MADE IN GREEN pre-tanned leather label, backed by the LEATHER STANDARD certification, ensures complete traceability all the way to the farm.
As consumer research highlights transparency as a crucial factor in purchasing decisions, this synergy between traceability technology and OEKO-TEX certification meets market demands head-on. It empowers leather brands to confidently provide sustainable products that are synonymous with high animal welfare standards.
The proactive measures taken by OEKO-TEX and SPOOR are said to not only enhance industry transparency but also demonstrate their dedication to tackling sustainability challenges. By placing traceability at the forefront of accountability, their combined efforts support initiatives like the EU Regulation on deforestation-free products (EUDR).
SPOOR business development director Birgitte Holgaard Langer said: “We believe that co-creation with all stakeholders in the value chain is essential for creating meaningful change.”
OEKO-TEX product manager Annika Sauerhöfer added: “Our collaboration is a milestone in our journey to set new industry standards and drive the future of responsibly sourced and transparent leather.”
