Timberland owner stops buying leather from Brazil

The owner of Timberland, Vans and several other shoe and clothing brands said Thursday that it has stopped buying leather from Brazil as fires continue to destroy the Amazon rainforest in that country.

VF Corp. said it won't purchase leather and hide from Brazilian suppliers until it's assured that the materials "do not contribute to environmental harm in the country." The current fires in the Amazon were set by those who are clearing the forest for cattle ranching and crops. About 60 per cent of the Amazon rainforest is in Brazil.

VF, based in Greensboro, North Carolina, said 5 per cent of the leather it purchases for its products comes from Brazil.

"We do uphold our values and our commitment to the planet and its people no matter how small the volume is from a region or supplier," the company said in a statement.

Besides Timberland boots and Vans sneakers, VF also makes The North Face jackets, Eastpak backpacks and Dickies clothing.