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LWG Certification – Driving Sustainable Leather Practices

Leather Working Group (LWG) Certification is a global standard that establishes environmental, social, and operational requirements for the manufacture of leather products. It is an important instrument in supporting sustainability and responsible behavior in the leather supply chain. The LWG Leather Manufacturer Audit (P7) was introduced as mandatory as of 2021, and since then, more than 2,000 facilities across over 60 countries have followed it.

Qdot provides LWG consultancy, so tanneries, traders, and businesses can comply with the newest LWG Audit Standard (P7) and become members of the global supply chains.

The Structure of LWG Certification

LWG has created a multi-faceted audit system, divided into four main types:

  • Leather Manufacturer Audit (Flagship)
  • Trader Audit
  • Commissioning Manufacturer Audit
  • Sub-contractor Audit

The types of audits work across various sectors of the leather industry, ensuring sustainable practices throughout the supply chain. The Leather Manufacturer Audit (P7) is the most comprehensive, evaluating various facets of facility operations such as environmental management, chemical usage, and labor practices.

Scoring and Medal Ratings

The LWG certification system uses a medal rating system to evaluate facilities. Ratings are determined based on the facility’s performance across various audit sections:

  • Gold: 85-100%
  • Silver: 75-84%
  • Bronze: 65-74%
  • Audited: 50-64%

Each section of the audit receives a medal rating, and the overall rating is determined by the lowest score achieved. This ensures that no critical areas are overlooked.

Key Areas of LWG Audit

  • General Facility Details: Includes simple details like legal name, location, and contacts. It is a preliminary section and is not counted in the scoring.
  • Subcontracted Operations: Information about subcontractors is required. Subcontractors are graded based on their environmental performance, which affects the ultimate certification mark.
  • Social Audit: This section evaluates social responsibility, particularly welfare and labor conditions. Though not yet mandatory, it will be critical in future audits.
  • Operating Permits: Compliance with local regulations and operating permits is assessed. Any breaches or fines should be recorded and directly impact the audit outcome.
  • Production Data: Sourcing of raw materials and part-processed inputs are evaluated. Facilities must ensure materials come from LWG-certified suppliers to achieve high scores.
  • Traceability of Inbound Material: Raw material traceability is crucial to guarantee sustainability and meet international standards.
  • Outbound Material Traceability: Outgoing materials must be traceable to ensure compliance across the supply chain.
  • Environmental Management Systems (EMS): The implementation of environmental policies and management procedures is assessed. Regular audits and management reviews are crucial for compliance.
  • Compliance Chemical Management and Restricted Substances: The handling of chemicals, especially toxic substances like CrVI (hexavalent chromium), is evaluated.
  • Energy and Water Consumption: Facilities are encouraged to reduce energy use and shift to renewable sources. Water consumption, recycling, and treatment are also evaluated.
  • Waste and Effluent Disposal: Proper waste disposal and treatment of effluents are necessary for sustainability. The quality of water released from the facility is also assessed.
  • Emergency Preparedness, Health and Safety: This section evaluates a facility’s effectiveness in managing health, safety, and emergency threats, requiring a sound emergency response plan and employee training.
  • Operations Management: Best practices in housekeeping, traffic management, and the monitoring of all leather processing stages are considered.

Qdot Support in Achieving LWG Certification

At Qdot, we provide comprehensive support to businesses looking to achieve LWG Certification. Our team of experts guides you through every step of the certification process, from initial assessment to final certification. We offer tailored services to ensure your facility meets all the environmental and social standards required by LWG.

Our services include:

  • Gap Analysis: Identifying compliance gaps against LWG audit requirements.
  • Documentation Support: Preparing environmental policies, permits, waste registers, and chemical inventories.
  • Training & Awareness: Employee training on LWG standards, EMS practices, and chemical safety.
  • Implementation Assistance: Implementing monitoring systems for water, energy, and waste management.
  • Pre-Audit Readiness: Conducting mock audits to attain a Gold or Silver medal rating.
  • Support during Certification: Guiding companies through formal LWG audits.

Industries in UAE Benefiting from LWG Certification

  • Footwear & Apparel
  • Automotive Leather
  • Furniture & Interiors
  • Luxury Goods & Fashion

Why Choose Qdot for LWG Consultancy?

  • Experience: We have years of experience in environmental and social compliance across various industries and are experts in the LWG standards and certification process.
  • Personalized Solutions: We provide tailored solutions addressing your specific needs, ensuring efficient and effective certification.
  • Global Reach: With our international presence, we support facilities across different regions, ensuring seamless certification regardless of your location.
  • Sustainability Commitment: We share your commitment to sustainable and ethical practices in leather manufacturing.
  • Continuous Support: Achieving LWG certification is just the beginning. We offer ongoing support to ensure your facility remains compliant and continues to improve.

Contact Qdot

Are you ready to begin the LWG Certification process? Contact Qdot now for professional help in obtaining and sustaining your LWG certification. Our professional LWG consultants will assist you in ensuring your facility complies with all required environmental and social standards.

FAQ's

LWG Certification is an environmental and social certification for the leather manufacturing industry, ensuring that facilities meet stringent sustainability and ethical standards.

Any leather manufacturing facility that meets the required standards can apply for LWG certification.

The audit process involves a comprehensive evaluation of a facility’s operations, covering everything from environmental management to social responsibility. It culminates in a medal rating based on the facility’s performance.

LWG Certification offers global recognition, improved sustainability, access to new markets, and enhanced credibility in the leather industry.

Each section of the audit is scored separately, with the final rating being determined by the lowest score. Gold, silver, bronze, and audited medals are awarded based on the percentage score.

The minimum score required for LWG Certification is 50%, with higher scores resulting in higher medal ratings.

LWG audits are conducted annually, with continuous improvements required to maintain certification.

LWG Certification is not mandatory but is highly recommended for facilities seeking to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and responsible practices.

The audit evaluates both incoming and outgoing materials, with a focus on traceability and sustainability. Specific attention is given to materials sourced from deforestation-free suppliers.

Critical sections of the audit include environmental management, energy and water consumption, chemical management, and health and safety preparedness.