Timberland has committed to building a sustainable leather supply chain through partnership with regenerative farming corporation Other Half Processing it announced today.

The global lifestyle brand will use hides sourced by Other Half Processing for footwear and accessories from autumn 2020, Timberland said.

Other Half Processing sources hides and other by-products from ranches and markets that manage their cattle in a way that mimics the natural movement of herd animals.

Regenerative ranching systems have the potential to build soil health, reduce carbon emissions, enhance biodiversity, improve water cycling, and give farmers and ranchers better livelihoods, Timberland said in a statement.

The partnership with Other Half Processing builds upon Timberland’s commitment to make products responsibly, it added. In 2005, Timberland co-founded the Leather Working Group, in an effort to minimize the negative impacts associated with leather tanning.

Timberland director of sustainability Colleen Vien said, “We are committed not only to minimise the negative impacts of leather production, but to drive environmental benefits through our sourcing approach and ultimately develop a net positive fashion supply chain. We are proud that our consumers will be able to buy products where the leather has been sourced in this way, and hope to inspire others in the industry to move in this direction as well.”

CEO and co-founder of Other Half Processing Jim Kleinschmit said, “We’re thrilled by this partnership with Timberland. As a major global footwear brand, their commitment sends a strong message to the wider fashion industry as well as to regenerative farmers and ranchers. It’s time people across the industry get serious about addressing the impact of leather production, which includes where the hides come from and how the cattle are raised.”