Pangea has launched a groundbreaking initiative that sets a new benchmark for sustainability and traceability in the automotive leather industry. Through its partnership with Where Food Comes From (WFCF), Walmart and Prime Pursuits, the company has introduced the “Transparency in Motion” program — becoming the first automotive leather supplier in North America to fully trace every hide from the ranch all the way to the finished vehicle interior.
Bob Tuuk, Pangea’s Vice President of Global Purchasing, emphasized that modern consumers expect deeper insight into material origins and production ethics:
“As a global supplier working with leading automakers, we must ensure that our products come from ethical and sustainable sources. Consumers want to know where materials originate, how animals were raised, and the environmental impact of production. This initiative allows us to provide complete clarity and confidence.”
Through WFCF’s verification systems, every hide sourced by Pangea is documented and tracked at each step of the supply chain. All hides originate from CARE Certified ranches — meeting strict requirements for animal welfare, land management, and support for rural communities.
John Saunders, CEO of WFCF, highlighted the scale of the industry and the importance of verification:
“With over two million cattle in transit across the U.S. on any given day, ensuring traceability is essential. Our systems create a verified story for every animal, building trust and enabling informed consumer decisions.”
Walmart’s Prime Pursuits program adds additional value to the initiative. Since leather is a natural byproduct of the beef industry, this collaboration prevents hides from ending up in landfills and transforms them into durable, high-quality materials.
“Leather is inherently one of the most sustainable materials available,” said Grant Keenan, Senior Director of Cattle Management & Procurement at Walmart. “By utilizing what already exists, we create value across the entire supply chain.”
This collaboration positions Pangea not only as a supplier of premium automotive leather but also as a leader in responsible, transparent, and data-driven supply-chain management.
