Over 95 delegates representing brands, leather manufacturers and suppliers from around the world attended the autumn meeting of the Leather Working Group (LWG) at TFL Italia SpA in Montebello on 21 October 2011.
The LWG are very grateful to TFL GmbH for hosting the meeting and dinner.
Guests from other leather manufacturing sectors such as leather upholstery and leathergoods attended the meeting to learn more about the LWG, its aims and achievements since its inception in 2005.
When the LWG started it was primarily footwear based. However, following its success in developing and implementing an environmental stewardship protocol and successfully auditing approx 20% of the footwear leather supply chain, the decision was taken earlier in the year to widen the scope of the LWG to include other leather industry sectors.
An overview of benchmarking data was presented, showing continued growth in LWG penetration with 140 first time audits completed, an increase of approximately 28% over the past year, and 105 sites now hold current audit certification, including 25 wet blue producers.
Data also showed a very positive trend in savings for both water and energy by leather manufacturers from their first to third audits. All information relating to audits is strictly confidential.
An open discussion session gave members the opportunity to share their views, concerns and observations relating to the work of the LWG and different aspects of the audit protocol.
Presentations at the meeting included:
The challenges of RSL alignment by Dr Victoria Addy of BLC and Greg Montello, speaking on behalf of AFIRM (Apparel and Footwear International RSL Management Group).
Solar thermal systems for the leather sector by Carsten Aschoff of Aschoff Solar GmbH.
The topical subject of Brazilian deforestation was covered by:
- Sarah Shoraka of Greenpeace
- Nathalie Walker of the National Wildlife Federation.
Feedback from members and guests attending the meeting was very positive, showing widespread support for the LWG, with the positive momentum generated in the leather sector being seen as one of the most successful initiatives to align the industry.
Look out for the date and venue of the next LWG meeting which will take place in Asia around the time of the Asia Pacific Leather Fair in Hong Kong (28-30 March 2012).
For further information about the Leather Working Group or LWG membership contact info@leatherworkinggroup.com or visit www.leatherworkinggroup.com
