LWG (Leather Working Group) Certification

The Leather Working Group (LWG) provides a framework for environmental and social responsibility in the leather industry through its audit standards and certification program. The LWG certification process assesses leather manufacturers, traders, subcontractors, and commissioning manufacturers against its standards, focusing on areas like environmental management, chemical management, energy and water usage, and social responsibility.

Here’s a breakdown of the LWG certification process:

1. Understanding the Standards:

• The LWG has four audit standards that address different parts of the leather supply chain, from raw material traders to finished product traders.
• The Leather Manufacturer Audit Protocol is the most common and applies to tanneries.
• The standards are constantly evolving with input from stakeholders, including brands, leather manufacturers, and industry suppliers.

2. Eligibility and Preparation:

• Any company involved in the production or trading of leather material can be eligible for LWG certification.
• Companies can assess their readiness by taking the Tannery of the Future survey, which mirrors the Leather Manufacturer Standard.
• This survey helps identify areas for improvement before an official audit.

3. Audit Process:

• Companies need to engage with a third-party LWG Approved Auditor to schedule and conduct the audit.
• The audit assesses the company’s performance against the chosen LWG standard.
• The audit covers various aspects, including environmental management, chemical management, waste management, energy and water usage, and social responsibility.

4. Certification and Re-audits:

• If the audit results meet the LWG requirements, the facility receives a certificate.
• The initial audit results are valid for 24 months.
• Re-audits are required before the expiry date to maintain certification and membership in the LWG.
• Failure to re-audit before the expiry date results in the removal of the facility’s listing on the LWG website.

5. Social Responsibility:

• LWG incorporates social responsibility requirements, including promoting safe working environments and protecting workers.
• A social audit, conducted by a recognized LWG auditor, is part of the certification process.
• The LWG aims to make social responsibility a more critical part of the certification in the future.

6. Traceability:

• The LWG also emphasizes traceability within the leather supply chain to understand the product’s journey from origin to store.
• This helps address issues related to animal welfare, environmental and social impacts, and deforestation.

The Leather Working Group (LWG) audit checklist is a comprehensive assessment tool used to evaluate leather manufacturers’ environmental performance and compliance with various standards. The audit focuses on key areas like water and energy usage, chemical management, waste and effluent treatment, and health and safety.

Key Areas Covered by the LWG Audit Checklist:

• Water and Energy Usage:

Assesses the efficiency of water and energy consumption within the manufacturing process.

• Environmental Management:

Evaluates the overall environmental management systems in place at the facility, including environmental policies and procedures.

• Chemical Management:

Examines the use of chemicals, including the handling and storage of chemicals, and the management of chemical waste.

• Waste Management and Effluent Treatment:

Focuses on the proper management of all types of waste, including solid waste, liquid waste, and hazardous waste.

• Health and Safety:

Assesses the workplace environment and ensures compliance with health and safety regulations.

• Other Important Aspects:

• Traceability: Ensures that the origin and journey of hides and skins can be traced throughout the supply chain.
• Air and Noise Emissions: Evaluates the impact of emissions from the tannery on the surrounding environment.
• Social Responsibility: Recognizes the importance of fair labor practices and working conditions.

Purpose of the LWG Audit Checklist:

• To help leather manufacturers improve their environmental performance and ensure compliance with industry standards.
• To provide consumers and brands with confidence in the environmental and ethical aspects of leather products.
• To promote sustainable practices within the leather industry.

How the LWG Audit Checklist is used:

• Independent Audit:

Audits are conducted by independent, LWG-approved auditors.

• Performance Evaluation:

The audit results are used to assess the manufacturer’s performance in each of the key areas.

• Certification:

Successful completion of the audit can lead to LWG certification, which demonstrates the manufacturer’s commitment to sustainability.

• Continuous Improvement:

The audit results provide feedback for continuous improvement and the implementation of more sustainable practices.

How is the LWG Audit scored?

The audit is a complex assessment that takes account of multiple factors, but in summary, companies are awarded a rating in each section against a minimum threshold score

85% for Gold,
75% for Silver
65% for Bronze
50% for Audited

To achieve its final reported medal rating a manufacturer must achieve that rating across all categories, otherwise it is certified at the level of the lowest category. For example, a manufacturer that achieves gold certification will have achieved Gold in each scored section, if a manufacturer has achieved a mix of ratings across bronze, silver and gold, its final certification will be Bronze.

Companies that do not meet the minimum threshold requirements will not pass the audit. Validity of the certificate is 24 months.

Benefits of LWG Certification

• Better price of product
• Lower energy use
• Lower risk of industrial accidents
• Higher productivity and workers’ morale
• Better brand image
• Better shareholder relations
• Better operational management
• Incentives, awards and recognition from the government
• Diverse product markets and partners
• Higher job attraction
• Greater access to credit support

Audit Scope for Leather Manufacture:

It covers 17 separate sections and certification is valid for two years.

• General Facility Details
• Subcontracted Operations
• Social Audit
• Operating Permits
• Production Data
• Incoming Material Traceability
• Outgoing Material Traceability
• Environment Management Systems (EMS)
• Restricted Substances, Compliance, and Chromium VI (CrVI) Management
• Energy Consumption
• Water Usage
• Air & Noise Emissions
• Waste Management
• Effluent Treatment
• Health, Safety, & Emergency Preparedness
• Chemical Management
• Operations Management