Leather Working Group is working to drive measurable change through the LWG Audit Standards.
LWG Audit Standards are designed to provide transparency and accountability within the leather supply chain. Our flagship audit standard, the LWG Leather Manufacturer Audit was first launched in 2005. Since then, we've launched additional audit protocols to further connect up different actors in the value chain and deliver maximum impact.
LWG Leather Manufacturer Audit
Launched in 2005, our flagship audit certification assesses the environmental performance and compliance of leather manufacturing facilities (also known as tanneries). This standard is used to assess leather manufacturers on the following aspects:
- Water & Energy Usage
- Solid Waste & Effluent Management
- Air & Noise Emissions
- Traceability
- Health & Safety
- Chemical Management
- Restricted Substances, Compliance & Chromium VI (CrVI) Management
Version 7.0 of the LWG Leather Manufacturer Audit Standard (P7) was launched in early 2021, introducing some major changes to how we assess tanneries for a more thorough understanding of their environmental performance. The audit takes place on site, usually over 2 days, and the certification is valid for 24 months.
LWG Trader Audit Standard
Available since 2016, the LWG Trader Audit assesses the environmental impact of traders of raw and part-processed material, as well as finished leather. The standard also helps to facilitate traceability through the complex leather supply chain. The audit takes place over one day on site and the certification is valid for 12 months.
LWG Subcontractor Audit Standard
Introduced in 2020, the LWG Subcontractor Audit Standard assesses the environmental performance of manufacturers completing subcontract work on behalf of other organisations that own the material. An organisation completing subcontracting work on behalf of another company may be eligible for a Subcontractor Audit and can become certified for 24 months.
LWG Commissioning Manufacturer Audit Standard
Launched alongside the subcontractor audit in 2020, the LWG Commissioning Manufacturer Audit assesses the performance of companies that buy leather and commission subcontractors to perform all manufacturing operations on the material, before selling it on. These companies buy their own material for processing, but do not complete any operations themselves, instead using a series of LWG-certified subcontractors. The LWG Commissioning Manufacturer certification is valid for 24 months.