7 July 2025
The results from our in-depth Supply Chain Mapping research have been verified and approved for publication – and they have thrown up some interesting findings. Commissioned by Leather Working Group, the Supply Chain Mapping and Deforestation Due Diligence Questionnaire is designed to support brands, retailers and their leather supply chain partners in systematically mapping their supply chains and gathering the data required to meet emerging deforestation-related due diligence obligations. Continue reading to learn more.
What is the supply chain mapping?
In the leather industry, supply chain mapping involves visually tracing the entire journey of a hide – from the farm and slaughterhouse, through tanning and finishing, to the final leather product sold to consumers. The process includes farms, abattoirs, tanneries, manufacturers and retailers, as well as the flow of materials data, and finances between them. By mapping this network, brands and companies can gain deeper insights into the origin of their leather, assess environmental and social risks, and support traceability initiatives that align with global regulations and Standards like those set by Leather Working Group. A well-mapped supply chain enables brands to ensure transparency, improve sourcing decisions, and strengthen sustainability efforts across the leather value chain.
Why was this report commissioned?
Leather is a vital commodity across multiple sectors, including fashion, footwear, furniture, automotive and aerospace. With the introduction of the new European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), companies importing leather goods into the EU must now meet far more rigorous traceability standards. Importers are required to map their supply chains down to individual operators within the supply system, including farms, slaughterhouses, and intermediate handlers. This level of transparency is intended to ensure that products entering the EU are not linked to deforestation or forest degradation. As a result, leather importers must now assess sourcing practices, strengthen data collection, and implement due diligence systems capable of meeting these new legal obligations.
How was the research conducted?
After completing step one of the questionnaire, brands or retailers distribute it to their finished leather suppliers – sending one questionnaire per supplier. This process is designed for scenarios where the brand or retailer has a direct relationship with these suppliers, bypassing Tier 1 manufacturers. Where no direct relationship exists, brands engage with their product manufacturers to obtain contact details for the leather suppliers. The questionnaire and its guidance are grounded in internationally recognised best practices, based on the OECD-FAO Business Handbook on Deforestation and Due Diligence in Agricultural Supply Chains, and aligned with the Accountability Framework initiative (AFi) and European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) requirements.
What are the conclusions?
Please click below to read the detailed guidance that has resulted from this questionnaire. From conducting risk assessments and using slaughterhouse-level data to understanding deforestation due diligence and taking valuable first steps towards building the necessary levels of traceability and transparency to meet the requirements of the new European Union Deforestation Regulation, this guidance shows how a phased approach to collecting data for supply chain mapping can help build trust, builds supply chain resilience, and reduces the risk of disruption.
Want to download the documents?
Delivered as a guidance document and an interactive Excel-based tool, the LWG Supply Chain Mapping and Deforestation Due Diligence Questionnaire has nine tabs that lead users through a step-by-step data collection process. Each tab has a specific purpose and function, helping users navigate the tool while clarifying responsibilities and ensuring accuracy throughout the supply chain mapping exercise.
Download here.