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Leather Working Group is developing its next Standard. This will include moving from the current protocol to a Sustainability System that incorporates a Manufacturing Standard, Chain of Custody and Deforestation Due Diligence, along with the creation of a Carbon Footprint Tool. The work takes a multi stakeholder approach and is informed by ISEAL guidance. The development is overseen by a Programme Board that is made up of representatives from across our broad stakeholder group.

 

A formal process is in place for the development, publication and maintenance of Leather Working Group Standards – view the full document here.

Consultation

Collaboration and consultation are at the heart of Leather Working Group. Our Leather Production Standard and Chain of Custody Standard are shaped by a broad stakeholder group, with experts from across the leather industry helping to drive and define the scope and technical criteria. A key part of this process is the public consultation period that offers valuable opportunities for involvement, including:

• Giving your company a voice in the development of standards
• Helping to maintain open industry access
• Providing a platform to express both concerns and support

After more than 700 downloads from around 30 countries, the first public consultation for the core environmental sections of the LWG Leather Production Standard is now closed. 

Now, two new drafts are open for feedback:

Chain of Custody Standard – a separate standard focused on traceability and segregation.
Section 15 of the Leather Production Standard – concerning due diligence for responsible sourcing. This section wasn’t in the first consultation of the Leather Production Standard, so this part will be new to you even if you submitted feedback before


Click here to submit your details and download the documents.

 

Pilot Testing

Pilot testing ensures proposed requirements are practical, scalable, and trusted across the leather industry.

Covering the Leather Production Standard, Chain of Custody Standard, Due Diligence, as well as some social requirements, on-site pilot audits will be conducted across 15-20 sites on a rolling basis with at least two members of Leather Working Group present alongside an auditor and representation from LWG AS (where appropriate).

After pilot testing, it is anticipated that the new LWG Standards will be published in half one 2026.