31 August 2022
Leather Working Group (LWG) invites you to join the LWG Member Conference on September 22, 2022, at the Fiera Milano exhibition center in Milan, to learn more about key sustainability topics across the leather supply chain from industry experts.
Our conference will focus on four key industry topics: continuing improvement; traceability and supply chain due diligence; environmental impact; and responsible chemistry.
Traceability in Focus at the LWG Member Conference 2022
This session will give a deep dive into the realities of driving transparency and developing a robust global due diligence framework for the leather industry. Both critical to facilitate better traceability, deforestation due diligence, and address other crucial issues across the leather supply chain.
LWG will present updates on its key traceability workstreams including its Traceability Roadmap and industry experts will share insights on their work in this space. With opportunity to engage in discussion and debate with the panel of experts on the challenges and opportunities for traceability and what actions LWG and its members can bring about to drive change.
Hillary Fenrich, National Wildlife Federation
Our first guest speaker is Hillary Fenrich from the international team of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). Hillary will explain NWF’s market-based approach to strengthening sustainable sourcing practices in agricultural supply chains and the context of proposed international import legislation.
Lisa Rausch, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Our next speaker is Lisa Rausch from University of Wisconsin-Madison, who will present an overview of existing cattle agreements that provide a framework for deforestation due diligence in Brazil. She will also share insights from research into rates of compliance with the agreements and guidance on how to interpret data on deforestation.
Ivens Domingos, Durlicouros
Ivens Domingos will provide the tannery perspective on traceability in this session. He will explain the work of Durli Leathers to prioritize their sustainability efforts and traceability work in both Brazil and Paraguay. Iven will also explain the challenges and opportunities for implementing rigorous due diligence efforts.
Austin Davidsen, adidas
We will be joined by Austin Davidsen from adidas. Austin will discuss the adidas strategic approach to sustainability, the brand perspective on traceability, and goals for deforestation due diligence.
Tim Wilson, 3P Strategy
Tim Wilson of 3P Strategy will facilitate this session and lead the panel debate to explore the challenges and opportunities to drive traceability within the leather sector.
Vanessa Brain, Leather Working Group
In addition to our guest speakers, Vanessa Brain, the Traceability Manager here at Leather Working Group, will give an overview of our work in this space. In particular, her talk will focus on the goals and objectives of the LWG Traceability Roadmap and the context of how we are engaging the industry.
Get involved. Join our member conference today
Our conference will be hybrid, with both in-person tickets for those in Milan, as well as virtual tickets for those unable to travel. Members who purchase tickets will have access to the recordings online after the event.
The event will take place on Thursday, September 22, 2022, at the Fiera Milano exhibition center in the Martini Room at the dedicated Business Centre. Conference delegates are welcome to join us at the pre-conference cocktail reception from 18:00 on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at the ClubHouse Restaurant, Business Centre, Fiera Milano.
For more information, visit our dedicated conference page here.
Don’t delay! Limited spaces available.