Leather Working Group
The Leather Working Group (LWG) is a multi-stakeholder organization that has developed a certification standard for environmental best practices in the leather industry. The LWG standard provides guidelines and criteria for assessing and auditing the environmental performance of leather manufacturers and promoting sustainable practices throughout the supply chain. Here are some key aspects of the LWG standard:
Environmental Management: The LWG standard focuses on evaluating the environmental management systems of leather manufacturers. This includes assessing their policies, procedures, and practices related to energy use, water consumption, waste management, and chemical handling.
Chemical Management: The standard places significant emphasis on the responsible management of chemicals used in leather production. It sets strict requirements for chemical handling, storage, and disposal to minimize the impact on workers, the environment, and local communities.
Water Usage and Treatment: The LWG standard addresses water usage and treatment in leather production. It encourages manufacturers to implement efficient water management practices, such as water recycling and wastewater treatment, to reduce their water footprint and minimize pollution.
Energy Consumption: The standard considers energy consumption and encourages leather manufacturers to adopt energy-efficient technologies and practices. This includes monitoring energy usage, implementing energy-saving measures, and exploring the use of renewable energy sources.
Waste Management: The LWG standard promotes responsible waste management practices. Manufacturers are required to have systems in place for waste segregation, recycling, and proper disposal. They are encouraged to minimize waste generation and explore opportunities for waste reuse and recycling.
Supply Chain Transparency: The LWG standard encourages supply chain transparency and traceability. It requires manufacturers to maintain accurate records of their leather sources and provide information on the origin and processing of the leather used in their products.
Audit and Certification: Leather manufacturers undergo independent third-party audits to assess their compliance with the LWG standard. The audits evaluate environmental performance, management systems, and adherence to the standard's criteria. Based on the audit results, manufacturers can receive different levels of certification, including silver, gold, or audited status.
The Leather Working Group standard has become a widely recognized benchmark for sustainable and responsible practices in the leather industry. By adhering to the standard, manufacturers demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship, worker safety, and transparency in leather production.