texfash.com: Could you tell us what the situation has been since the decision of Nike and Puma to discard kangaroo leather?
Ray Borda: It’s no accident Nike and Puma have been using kangaroo leather in premium soccer and football boots because strength for weight there is nothing to compare it to. It is one of the world’s most beautiful and lightest leathers; so, consumers receive not only exceptional performance but a beautiful product that is sourced sustainably and responsibly.
Nike changed their direction some time ago in 2021 as did Puma. From our perspective, some of these material decisions can be a move towards new synthetic alternatives rather than a move away from kangaroo. We have always seen shifts in and out of kangaroo and other leather over time by various brands and across various products.
These relationships don’t underpin the industry—we have other manufacturers that have increasing demand and recognise the environmental benefits of kangaroo leather. Kangaroo leather is fast becoming known as an eco-friendly option due to its longevity and sustainability.
Key initiatives we are spearheading include carbon footprint accreditation giving formal recognition that kangaroos have one-third the carbon footprint compared to cattle and sheep. They emit less methane, require less water, place less pressure on grazing lands, and don’t require energy to capture and contain.
What would you have to say about activists halfway around the world practically interfering with matters that are not directly concerned with, and are also probably not conversant with?
Ray Borda: We believe the recent moves are driven by emotive misinformation by animal activist groups targeting US politicians.
The commercial industry is calling out the misinformation being circulated around kangaroo management and highlighting the need for greater awareness around the benefits of managing an overabundant species.
We are confident in our robust standards of excellence in animal welfare, sustainability, and food safety. We follow the advice of government and scientists and comply with all regulations and codes.
The commercial kangaroo industry is worth more than $200 million to the Australian economy and employs more than 3,000 people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and members of remote communities. We create high-quality, traceable meat and leather products responsibly sourced from an open-range environment where kangaroos graze on the natural pastures and foliage of the Australian bush.
In the absence of a commercial industry, conservation culling would still need to occur to manage the populations of certain species. A strictly regulated and ethical commercial industry has the ability to make use of kangaroos that would otherwise need to be discarded.
