*Our target on wool has been removed pending a review and will be updated shortly
By July 2024, 100 per cent of leather used in our own brand clothing, footwear and accessories** will be:
Verified as originating from cow, buffalo, sheep, goat or pig (ie. species of leather that that is commonly a by-product of the meat industry)*** from sources that are certified to a recognised responsible leather standard; or
from recycled leather material.
Kmart is committed to ensuring the humane treatment of animals within our supply chain. We recognise the significant role animal- based agriculture plays in the economies of rural and regional communities. However, this should never come at the expense of animal welfare.
Animal-derived materials, such as wool and leather, make up a very small amount of fibres we use at Kmart – less than 1%. Nonetheless, we recognise that respect for animal welfare is an important topic for us to address.
Kmart is committed to ensuring animals within our supply chain are treated in a manner that is consistent with the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare:
Freedom from hunger and thirst: by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.
Freedom from discomfort: by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
Freedom from pain, injury or disease: by prevention through rapid diagnosis and treatment.
Freedom to express normal behaviour: by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind.
Freedom from fear and distress: by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.
Our Animal Welfare Policy formalises our commitment to sourcing animal-based fibres and materials responsibly, and includes, among others, prohibitions on animal testing and Angora rabbit hair. The policy has been developed in consultation with leading animal welfare groups such as the RSPCA Australia, Four Paws Australia and Humane Society International Australia, and is applicable to all suppliers of our own brand products.
Animal Welfare Policy
Wool and leather are two of the animal-derived materials used by Kmart and we have set time-bound commitment to transition these materials to fully traceable sources that comply with our Animal Welfare Policy
We acknowledge we cannot drive the responsible sourcing of animal-based fibres and materials on our own. Through our membership of the global non -profit organisation, Textile Exchange, we have joined with other members, including textile suppliers, service providers, manufacturers, brands and retailers, farmers, and animal protection interest groups to promote responsible sourcing of virgin animal-based materials. In addition, we also support the use of recycled animal fibres, as well as the use of innovative and more sustainable alternatives to animal-based fibres.
In the past year, we have developed a framework to confirm the mulesing status of the wool within our ranges. We have implemented our requirements with our suppliers and and finalised an implementation roadmap in-line with our target.
We also commenced the development of responsible leather strategy and roadmap in-line with our target of July 2024.
**Excluding footwear, accessories and all functional trims (e.g. zips) and decorative details (e.g. lace or ribbons)
***Our definition and focus has been updated from ‘fully traceable as a by-product of the meat industry’ to verifying the species of leather, due to current limitations on the traceability and monitoring of slaughterhouse in the industry. We aim to strengthen our traceability and monitoring of animal welfare conditions in coming years.