Examples of traceability identifiers and tools

There are a number of solutions that can be adopted to support traceability and transparency and some examples are detailed below. These are intended to be examples of some of what is currently available within the garment and footwear sectors and do not constitute recommendations:

2.3.1 CTC laser technology

This solution uses laser technology to apply an identifier directly onto the hide that maintains the original identifier from the animal at the farm through to the finished leather material. It works through:

1) Transfer of the animal identification number (from ear tag or similar) onto the hide at the point of

slaughter. This animal ID number can be read by an automated solution and then transferred onto a

label that accompanies the hide through from the slaughterhouse to the tannery.

The identifier on the label is then transferred onto the hide / skin by a high-power laser which leaves a mark that remains present throughout the thickness of the hide / skin so even if the material is split it will retain the mark.

At each stage of the leather process, the laser identifier can be read for tracking and monitoring which assists with problem solving throughout the manufacture. It also makes it possible for any subcontracted operations or changes of custodianship to be tracked through the reading of the identifier and logging into an IT system to maintain the chain of custody.

Figure 21

CTC laser technology

Restrictions: This technology does not extend the identification past the point of finished leather and the laser mark will ultimately be trimmed away before the product is manufactured. It also does not provide a solution for farming in regions where identification of cattle does not routinely take place, in those cases the scope is limited to the slaughterhouse through to finished leather production.

2.3.2 Leather ID

Leather ID is an off-the-shelf software system that customers who are brand owners can use to evaluate the lifecycle of materials through an interconnected upload of data.

A user accesses the Leather ID platform and enters a product code / order number which will open up all data connected with that material code. QR technology is adopted to produce reports that show the journey the material has taken including any certifications, test reports and shipping information.

The range of information that can be collected within the solution includes details about the hide / skin and its

origin, substances used in the leather production process and the steps adopted. This information can assist

brand owners and retailers if problems arise with particular batches of leather and helps to identify problem

sources.

Figure 22 Leather ID

Restrictions: This solution is only available from the slaughterhouse to the finished leather, and it does not provide any way to extend access to its sustainability information through to the post consumption phase. This solution does not include any embedded identifier on the material that can be carried through to consumer level.

2.3.3 Visipec

The Visipec solution is an add-on traceability tool that works alongside existing monitoring systems that are already being used by Brazilian meatpackers to provide the cattle sector with enhanced supply-chain visibility and more effective deforestation monitoring.

The solution integrates information from public data sets, which were once isolated and disconnected from each other, into a seamless tool that links information about direct and indirect cattle suppliers together at a large scale within the Brazilian Amazon to significantly improve the daily decision-making process for cattle purchasers. The tool helps to reduce exposure to deforestation risks that are currently present in the early stages of the upstream value chain.

The tool was developed with the National Wildlife Federation and is not open to everyone. It is specifically

designed for use by meatpackers in Brazil and is free to use.

Figure 23 Visipec

Restrictions: This solution only covers livestock farming origin within a specific geographic risk area in the Brazilian Amazon. It is only available to meatpackers and only on approval through the National Wildlife Federation.

2.3.4 U-NICA repTRACE® Reptile Recognition

The repTRACE® solution provides an effective identification of reptile skins to secure a transparent and verifiable value chain from the production of skins up to the final product in real time. By taking a “fingerprint”

style photographic reference of the skin, each one can be tracked right through to consumption and even through to post-consumption. It works because no two skins are identical and the clarity of the reproduction through repTrace® makes it a reliable method for protecting authenticity of reptile skins.

Figure 24 repTRACE

Restrictions: This technology works very well for reptiles (for example Crocodile or Alligator but is not effective with bovine, porcine or ovine (cattle, pig or sheep) as there is not enough identifiable characteristics on the hides/skins to be accurate.

2.3.5 DNA Identification

finished product. DNA markers can be applied to the leather during the processing stage and can then be tested at the consumer level.

Restrictions: The application of a marker only verifies the location that the marker was applied but does not verify the onward production processes used on the material unless it is used as an ID in a traceability and transparency system which would link it to those onward processes. DNA markers applied at the field level need to be reapplied after the first transformation stage of tanning.

2.3.6 Embedded Physical Markers

There are also physical markers (ceramics, powders, etc), that can be added to tanning solutions or applied directly to the skins of livestock in the field. Like DNA markers, these embed the identifier invisibly within the material. Some of these solutions work with easy-to-use handheld detectors for in-field use to demonstrate the security or the authenticity of material.

Restrictions: The application of a marker only verifies the location that the marker was applied but does not verify the onward production processes used on the material unless it is used as an ID in a traceability and transparency system which would link it to those onward processes. Markers applied at the farm or field level may need to be reapplied after the first transformation stage of tanning.

3. Implementing traceability and transparency – An in-depth look at the