Challenges in India’s Leather Industry & How VILL OKSE is Leading the Change

India’s leather industry, one of the largest globally, plays a significant role in exports and employment. However, despite its prominence, the industry faces several challenges, including ethical concerns, lack of traceability, workforce training, and environmental impact. At VILL OKSE, we believe in driving meaningful change by adopting responsible practices and sustainable solutions to create a fair and transparent leather supply chain.

Challenges in India’s Leather Industry

1. Lack of Traceability in Leather Sourcing

Many manufacturers struggle to track the origin of raw hides, leading to concerns about sustainability and ethical sourcing. Without proper documentation, ensuring compliance with environmental and social standards becomes difficult.

2. Need for Workforce Training & Development

The industry heavily relies on skilled artisans, but lack of proper training and development programs results in inconsistent quality and limited career growth for workers.

3. Child Labor & Ethical Concerns

Child labor has been a long-standing concern in certain areas of the leather industry. Strict regulations exist, but enforcement remains a challenge.

4. Gender Disparity in the Workforce

The leather industry has traditionally been male-dominated, with limited employment opportunities for women in production and management roles.

5. Environmental & Tannery Management Issues

Leather processing can have a high environmental impact if not managed responsibly. Water pollution, chemical waste, and improper disposal are major concerns in traditional tanneries.

How VILL OKSE is Addressing These Challenges

At VILL OKSE, we are committed to transforming the industry by creating a more transparent, ethical, and sustainable supply chain. Here’s how we are making a difference:

1. Implementing Leather Traceability

We ensure that all our leather is sourced from LWG-certified tanneries and complies with REACH and European norms. By creating a traceability system, we document every step of our leather supply chain—from raw material to finished product—to ensure sustainability and ethical sourcing.

2. Workforce Training & Development

We invest in training programs for artisans and factory workers, helping them improve their skills in leather craftsmanship. By offering continuous learning opportunities, we enhance both product quality and worker livelihoods.

3. Commitment to No Child Labor

VILL OKSE strictly prohibits child labor and works only with SEDEX 4 Pillar and SA8000-certified factories, ensuring ethical working conditions. We conduct regular audits to maintain compliance.

4. Empowering Women in the Industry

We actively recruit and train women employees, ensuring that they have access to fair wages and career growth within our company. Our goal is to increase female participation in both skilled craftsmanship and leadership roles.

5. Working on the Ground with Tanneries

We collaborate directly with tannery management to implement environmentally responsible practices. This includes waste management, water treatment solutions, and chemical safety protocols, ensuring that our leather production is both eco-friendly and sustainable.

Conclusion

The Indian leather industry faces significant challenges, but companies like VILL OKSE are proving that ethical business practices and sustainability can go hand in hand. By prioritizing traceability, worker empowerment, environmental responsibility, and ethical sourcing, we are working towards a more transparent, fair, and sustainable leather industry.

When you choose VILL OKSE, you’re not just buying a leather product—you’re supporting a movement for responsible fashion.