Are You Ready for an Audit?
We launched the LWG Tannery of the Future self-assessment tool in 2019 to support leather manufacturers in their journey towards environmental excellence and LWG-certification. Designed as an easy-to-read questionnaire, the tool allows tanneries to:
- Evaluate their current environmental and social performance
- Identify areas where there is room for improvement
- Understand how ready they are to undergo an LWG audit.
The LWG Tannery of the Future self-assessment is designed as an introductory step, and it is not a substitute for the LWG Audit and Certification. Completing the self-assessment does not confer approval of certification - the tool may be used as a springboard for future improvement.
The LWG Tannery of the Future self-assessment has been supported financially by the Solidaridad Network, and a representative of the organisation sits on the LWG Tannery of the Future Sub-Group to provide invaluable insight for the direction of the tool.
Before LWG adopted this project, it sat with the Tannery of the Future Foundation - a joint initiative between MVO Nederland (CSR Netherlands); Egbert Dikkers of Smit & zoon; Hans Both, an independent leather expert; and Antoinette Gast, from the fair trade leather importer Tuyu. When the foundation originally launched in 2017, it was supported financially by: TEGEWA members (Carpetex, Heim, Langro, Lanxess, Plus Finishing, Pulcra Chemicals, Schill & Seilacher, Smit & zoon, Stahl, TFL, Trumpler, Zschimmer & Schwarz) and Hüni.
Tannery of the Future FAQs
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. Whilst 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've completed the guide - can I share my PDF summary document with my brand customer?
Yes, you are permitted to share the document with anyone.