16 February 2026
Before transitioning from Protocol 7 into what will be known as the LWG Sustainability System, members of the Leather Working Group team have been testing the applicability of the draft standards in different settings across the leather supply chain around the world.
After productive visits to three tanneries in India, the draft standard has now been put to the test at tanneries of varying sizes in Brazil – learn more about the process and take a look at photos from the visits below.
The LWG Sustainability System
Updating Protocol 7, the LWG Sustainability System will provide a more comprehensive, future-ready framework to support continuous improvement across the leather supply chain. It will be made up of the Leather Production Standard and the Chain of Custody Standard with supporting guidance and training. It has been developed using ISEAL guidelines and overseen by a Programme Board, incorporating expert input from across our global community – including tanneries, brands, suppliers, leather technologists, and auditors.
“It’s great to see Leather Working Group visiting Brazil, listening, engaging and collaborating to move the industry forward.”
Invaluable input
The distances involved in Brazil are obviously enormous, but the Leather Working Group team was able to work with tanneries of different sizes and scope to further our understanding of the applicability of the LWG Sustainability System.The updated standard is not yet finalised and there is still some work to do, but the input from these tanneries in Brazil has been invaluable.
Enthusiasm for knowledge
The Leather Working Group Standards Development team was truly impressed by the enthusiasm for knowledge sharing and the dedication shown by tannery teams throughout the visit to Brazil, making it a genuinely collaborative and valuable experience.
Working at every level
This trip to Brazil provided beneficial insights into how the assessment tools perform across tanneries of different sizes. More importantly, it gave members of the Leather Working Group Standards Development team the opportunity to learn how the draft standard works in practice, including where it is clear, accessible, and where further refinement may be needed.
“It has been a privilege to take part in this process.”
When will the next LWG audit standard go live?
The LWG Sustainability System is due to be published in mid 2026.