The autumn meeting of the Leather Working Group (LWG) was held at TFL Italia SpA in Montebello on 21 October 2011 immediately after the Lineapelle fair. With over 95 delegates in attendance, including representatives from brands, leather manufacturers and suppliers from around the world, this proved once again to be a significant forum for the global leather industry.
The LWG are very grateful to TFL GmbH for hosting the meeting and dinner. The venue, facilities and organisational support were outstanding.
This was a key meeting with guests from brands and suppliers from other leather manufacturing sectors such as upholstery and leathergoods attending to learn more about the LWG, its aims and achievements since its inception in 2005. When the LWG started it was primarily footwear based. However, following its success in developing and implementing an environmental stewardship protocol and successfully auditing approx 20% of the footwear leather supply chain, the decision was taken earlier in the year to widen the scope of the LWG to include other industry sectors.
The meeting included the following:
An overview of benchmarking data which demonstrated continued growth in LWG penetration with 140 first time audits completed, an increase of approximately 28% over the past year, and 105 sites now hold current audit certification, including 25 wet blue producers. In addition, significant savings in both water and energy had been made by leather manufacturers from their first to third audits – a very positive trend. It was stressed that all information relating to audits is strictly confidential.
An open discussion session giving members the opportunity to share their views, concerns and observations relating to the work of the LWG and different aspects of the audit protocol.
The challenges of RSL alignment was the subject of a presentation by Dr Victoria Addy of BLC and Greg Montello, speaking on behalf of AFIRM (Apparel and Footwear International RSL Management Group).
A presentation on Solar thermal systems for the leather sector was given by Carsten Aschoff of Aschoff Solar GmbH.
The topical subject of Brazilian deforestation was covered by:
- Sarah Shoraka of Greenpeace
- Nathalie Walker of the National Wildlife Federation.
Feedback from members and guests attending the meeting was very positive, showing widespread support for the LWG, with the positive momentum generated in the leather sector being seen as one of the most successful initiatives to align the industry.
The next LWG meeting will be held in Asia around the time of the Asia Pacific Leather Fair in Hong Kong (28-30 March 2012). Look out for the date and venue on the LWG website.
For further information about the work of the Leather Working Group contact info@leatherworkinggroup.com.
