In line with our global JBS Group long-term sustainability goals, JBS Couros is proud to lead the Kind Leather initiative which aims to place concepts including traceability and clean production as the core of leather production. The scheme primarily focuses on how leather is processed and only uses the most suitable parts for each process, setting itself apart from the traditional industry format.

As the only company in the industry offering this level of production chain visibility, through the kindleather.com website, JBS Couros is prioritising traceability. The system enables tracking hides back to the farm groups where they were sourced from, keeping a record of every process including the chemical inputs, tests, machinery and technical specifications. The initiative has seen the creation of the easy-to-use JBS360 interface which allows users to intuitively experience the traceability of our supply chain, from final product back to farms.

Alongside the transparency aspects, the Kind Leather programme also provides overwhelming environmental benefits. The concept can enable a reduction in CO₂ emissions during transportation by 65%, 46% less water consumption, and 42% fewer chemical products used. Overall, the production process generates 51% fewer trimmings and saves 20% on electricity.

In addition to these new indicators, in accordance with our previous public commitments, all processed leather is sourced from farms that:

• Do not used force or slave analogous labour
• Are not under environmental embargoes
• Are included in a cattle supplier social and environmental monitoring system
• Are not located in deforested areas, indigenous lands or in environmental protection areas

JBS Couros has already launched a video series to create closer ties between the Company and leather consumers, showcasing all the differentials Kind Leather offers and how it supports sustainability. The video series is available on the JBS profiles on LinkedIn and YouTube.