For many years, Royal Smit & Zoon has been dedicated to its mission: creating a sustainable leather value chain, together. The company has published its Sustainability Report for 2025, confirming these efforts and highlighting the company’s progress, solutions, and ambitions towards this mission. View the report 2025 marked a significant milestone in the company’s sustainability journey, with the launch of ‘Drops of Difference’, Royal Smit & Zoon’s Sustainability Strategy for 2030. This strategy reinforces the company’s commitments to its stakeholders, addresses a comprehensive range of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) topics, and provides a focused and actionable roadmap towards 2030. Structured around four strategic pillars: Society, Solutions, Operations, and People, this strategy defines the next step in the company’s journey to accelerate positive transformation across the leather industry. We are proud to be able to report strong progress made on our long-term sustainability goals, including key 2025 achievements: ZDHC Level-3 certification for 92% of our product range and all production facilities worldwide EcoVadis Platinum rating, for the third year in a row Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data available for 50% of Royal Smit & Zoon core-range products. 100% of Royal Smit & Zoon sites are ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certified 100% EU natural gas and electricity consumption is renewable or compensated (72% of total energy use). Shared knowledge through 82 guest lectures given to 25 partner tanneries, 53 brands and 4 educational institutions Supplier Sustainability Scorecard implemented for 99% of our key suppliers, covering commitment to our BPCoC, up to date EcoVadis ratings and valid ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications. 73% of our Sales Partners meet Royal Smit & Zoon ESG standards and have been actively engaged on leather industry chemical safety requirements. 25% women in Board of Management positions and 33% women in global top management roles Continuing strong involvement in key industry networks and organizations In addition to the above achievements, Royal Smit & Zoon has continued innovating and providing sustainable solutions to the industry. The adoption of Zeology, our chrome-, heavy metal- and aldehyde-free tanning agent, has been growing. In addition, further product developments were done, offering high performing retanning solutions and a low bisphenol product portfolio. CEO Marc Smit: “As we reflect on 2025, it was a year that tested our resilience and sharpened our focus. Yet one thing remains constant: we move forward, guided by our mission to create a sustainable leather value chain, together. In 2025, leather was officially recognized as a bio-based material. This marked an important milestone for our industry, confirming what we strongly believe: when produced responsibly, leather is a natural, circular material with long-lasting value. We also reached another important milestone with the launch of our Drops of Difference 2030 Sustainability Strategy, which translates our legacy of responsibility – and our forward-looking sustainability journey toward 2030 and beyond – into focused, transformative action across the leather value chain. As a family-owned business, sustainability has been central to who we are since our founding in 1821, and we have always acted with future generations in mind. In times of flux, this long-term perspective matters more than ever. This is why this Report is more than just a collection of data; it reflects our commitment to continuous improvement and provides transparency into our impacts and activities. I am convinced that by continuing to advance in both strategy and reporting, we can focus our efforts where we can make the biggest impact in creating a sustainable leather value chain.” Marc Smit, CEO Royal Smit & Zoon This year’s ESG report continues to be 100% online giving quick access to the specific areas of interest. The online ESG report details can be found here. More information via Aukje Berden [email protected] Interesting for you Discover more news Behind the scenes of Royal Smit & Zoon’s ESG Roadmap and reporting What is the process behind the ESG report and why is ESG so important? Aukje Berden, ESG Director of Royal Smit & Zoon, explains more about this topic. Royal Smit & Zoon presents ambitious new Sustainability Strategy for 2030 Today, Royal Smit & Zoon, a recognized sustainability leader in the leather industry, launched ‘Drops of Difference’, its’ new Sustainability Strategy for 2030. Royal Smit & Zoon presents 2024 ESG Report Leather chemicals manufacturer Royal Smit & Zoon publishes its 11 th annual ESG Report, highlighting the company’s progress, solutions, and ambitions in creating a sustainable leather value chain, together. More news Go to all news articles Discover Stay informed Receive the latest company news and industry updates Subscribe to our newsletter Share this:
