B-Corporations Are Changing the Leather Industry
Parker Clay employees creating leather products in good spirits
Retrieved From: Parker Clay
In 2024, shoppers are more conscientious than ever about the products and brands they choose to support. This new generation of shoppers have placed a blinding spotlight on the leather industry, exposing the ugliness behind the luxurious material. Many consumers chose to buy vegan leather or leather alternatives, but there is still a large majority of shoppers that will continue to buy real leather. Is there a way for everyone to win?
What is a B-Corporation?
Certified B-Corporations are for-profit businesses that are “legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment.” As of February 2024, there are 8,254 certified B Corporations across 162 industries in 96 countries. No matter the industry, the one unifying goal of all B-Corps is to use business as a force to do good.
In order for a business to become a Certified B-Corp, it must pass the B Impact Assessment, evaluated by B Lab, a non-profit organization. Since its launch in 2006, over 150,000 companies have signed up for the assessment, and only around 8,000 are B-Corp certified.
The Leather That Gives Back
An infographic showing the many different ways that Parker Clay makes a positive impact on the world
Retrieved from: Parker Clay
Since the emergence of B-Corps, several leather dominant businesses have risen in popularity. Parker Clay is a Certified B-Corporation specializing in the creation of premium leather bags. Unfortunately, over 150,000 women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia are forced into prostitution, due to limited work opportunities for women. Parker Clay employs at-risk Ethiopian women to work in a safe, dignified environment, while earning a respectable wage.
A large portion of Addis Ababa is dedicated to cattle ranching, often family owned and operated. The demand of ethically sourced leather allows Parker Clay to pay local ranchers top dollar for their raw materials, encouraging them to meet the demand.
A Win for the Future
Why is this so great? It is not about the world-class leather products that come out Parker Clay facilities, it is about empowering the women inside those facilities. B-Corporations are showing the world that it is possible to ethically conduct practices while yielding high revenue.
The B-Corporation Certification gives its businesses a competitive advantage over non-certified businesses. The future of leather will depend on the way that it is sourced. With the existence of Certified B-Corporations, consumers will expect common brands to make more ethically conscious choices.
References:
Certification Requirements | Certified B Corporation. (2021). Certified B Corporation. https://bcorporation.net/certification/meet-the-requirements
Impact. (2021). Parker Clay. https://www.parkerclay.com/pages/impact
Parker Clay - Handcrafted Leather Goods Made in Ethiopia. (2021). Parker Clay. https://www.parkerclay.com/
Webb, B. (2020, August 6). Why more brands are seeking out B Corp certifications. Vogue Business. https://www.voguebusiness.com/sustainability/why-more-brands-are-seeking-out-b-corp-certifications
Written by: Leila Osman
