Tannery Of The Future

Who can use the LWG Tannery Of The Future self-assessment?

The LWG Tannery of the Future - Are You Ready for an Audit? self-assessment is designed for tanneries completing leather manufacturing operations (i.e. processes that converts raw material to crust, wet blue to finished, etc.) The guide can be used by any company, regardless of whether they are already an LWG Member or not. 

How much does it cost?

It is free to use the LWG Tannery of the Future guide.

What's the difference between Parts A, B, and C?

The LWG Tannery of the Future self-assessment is split into three separate sections: Part A, B, and C. Each Part includes sub-sections that correspond to specific areas of leather manufacturing operations.

• Part A is the Critical Evaluation section, which contains questions on crucial areas of leather manufacturing – these are the "non-negotiable" performance areas. Part A is also ully aligned with the LWG Leather Manufacturer Audit Protocol, and can therefore be used as an evaluation for your readiness to undergo an audit.
   
• Part B is the Additional Good Practice section, which includes questions on other areas of environmental performance that responsible leather manufacturers should consider if they are aiming for excellence. 
   
• Part C is the Corporate Social Responsibility section, which asks important questions related to a facility's social welfare practices. While the current version of the LWG Environmental Audit does not include a social audit requirement, this will be introduced in a future version of the protocol.

How can brands/retailers make use of the self-assessment?

Brands and retailers can make use of the LWG Tannery of the Future guide within their supply chain. The guide can be used by non-LWG-certified suppliers to allow them to understand their readiness to undergo an LWG audit. It could also be used by suppliers that are already LWG-certified to understand their readiness to undergo an audit against a new audit protocol.

Please note: the information provided by your suppliers will not be available to you automatically via LWG. You will need to approach them directly for this information, as their responses are kept confidential. 

How can leather manufacturers make use of the self-assessment?

Leather manufacturers (tanners) can use the LWG Tannery of the Future self-assessment to evaluate their current performance, identify areas for improvement, and understand their readiness to undergo an LWG audit. Leather manufacturers could also request any non-certified suppliers to complete the self-assessment. In addition, leather manufacturers that are not already LWG-certified can share their responses with their brand/retailer customers, to demonstrate their commitment to improvement - subject to their own discretion. 

Are leather manufacturers that complete the self-assessment listed publicly on the LWG website?

No. If you complete the assessment, you will not be listed on the LWG website. 

I have completed the guide – can I share my PDF summary document with my brand customer?

Yes, you are permitted to share the document with anyone.