The Global Traceability Framework for Beef and Leather sets a shared data standard for beef and leather supply chains, —enabling end-to-end, interoperable traceability.
Developed through a multi-stakeholder collaboration, the Framework addresses persistent transparency gaps at a time when brands are under growing pressure to prove deforestation- and conversion-free sourcing. It supports traceability across food, apparel, automotive, and home furnishings supply chains.
The Global Traceability Framework for Beef & Leather establishes the foundational requirements for interoperable, digital traceability across beef and leather supply chains.
The Framework addresses persistent transparency and data fragmentation challenges by enabling interoperable, event-based traceability across complex supply chains. It supports food, apparel, automotive, and home furnishings sectors in meeting business performance goals, sustainability commitments, and evolving regulatory and customer demands, especially at a time when companies are under growing pressure to prove deforestation- and conversion-free sourcing.
The Challenge: Complex Cattle Supply Chains
Cattle production is a major driver of land-use change and a leading contributor to deforestation and habitat conversion, particularly in tropical regions.
Many brands have responded with tools like supply chain mapping. While helpful, these approaches do not deliver full visibility of the journey of a particular product. Beef and leather supply chains remain fragmented, with inconsistent practices and siloed data, making it difficult to:
Substantiate sustainability and ESG claims
Identify and manage deforestation and human-rights risks
Build trust with consumers and downstream buyers
Without standardized traceability, data cannot move across systems—and claims cannot be
reliably verified.
The Global Traceability Framework for Beef and Leather provides a shared foundation for how traceability data is captured and exchanged, so systems can work together across companies and geographies.
It is built on three core elements:
Event-based traceability: Captures who, what, when, and where at every Critical Tracking Event (CTE), using agreed-upon Key Data Elements (KDEs).
Global standards foundation: Built on GS1 EPCIS, the world’s most widely used standard for event-based traceability.
Cross-commodity alignment: Leverages EPCIS implementations already used in sectors like seafood and pharmaceuticals, supporting scalable, cross-industry adoption.
The Framework offers a practical path forward: interoperable traceability that supports compliance, credible claims, and long-term industry alignment.
Who the Framework Is For
The Framework is designed for organizations across beef and leather supply chains, including:
Brands and downstream buyers seeking credible, verifiable sourcing data
Producers, processors, and suppliers responsible for capturing traceability data
Technology providers building interoperable traceability solutions
Industry groups, NGOs, and regulators working to align expectations and requirements
Each actor retains control of their data, while contributing to a shared, system-wide view of traceability.
Interested in adopting the Framework, participating in pilots, or contributing to its ongoing development?
Contact us: beef.leather@betterfoodfuture.org
Connect with peers and stay updated on pilots, events, and learnings.
GTFBL Overview
A concise overview of the Framework and why it matters
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Common questions about the Framework, scope, and participation
The Global Traceability Framework for Beef and Leather
Full framework requirements, data standards, and guidance
Technical Resources: Technology Explainer
A high-level overview of the types of technology that support digital traceability
Technical Resources: Making Traceability Work – Part 1
A basic introduction to applying data standards in beef and leather supply chains
Technical Resources: Making Traceability Work – Part 2
Technical application of data standards in beef and leather supply chains
Acronyms, Abbreviations & Key Terms
A reference glossary defining core traceability terminology used across GTFBL resources, intended for both technical and non-technical audiences
Implementation Guidance: The GTFBL
Stepwise implementation resource to help stakeholders understand where to start and how to implement
Implementation Guidance: Event-Based Traceability Explainer
An educational resource introducing the GTFBL’s event-based traceability approach
Implementation Guidance: Standardization & Interoperability Guide
Interoperability concepts, the role of data digitization, and the benefits of standardized data exchange
Developer Resources: General Developer Documentation
A technical resource hub and knowledge repository that guides IT and software teams on how to implement the Framework
Better Food Future: Cattle Traceability Launch & Roadmap
Virtual event held in March 2025 to launch the GTFBL and share with stakeholders a roadmap toward the global data standard for DCF cattle
American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) Traceability & Sustainability Conference
WWF, IFT, and Tapestry co-presented on the panel, Trace It To Change It: Rethinking Leather Traceability, moderated by AAFA
Textile Exchange Conference 2025 Side Meeting
Working session co-hosted by WWF, Wholechain, Tapestry, and IFT to convene stakeholders in the leather sector
Digital Futures: A Better Food Future Celebration at Climate Week NYC 2025
Panelists discussed the GTFBL, how traceability in the supply chain matters, and how institutions can support the roll-out of better data and technology
Better Food Future: Establishing Global Traceability Standards For Deforestation-Free Beef And Leather
Side event at the FAO Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation 2025
