A few weeks ago, the Leather Working Group (LWG) released the 7th version of its Leather Manufacturer Audit Protocol.
This standard is focused on finished leather production and assesses the environmental performance and compliance of leather manufacturing facilities, including, of course, tanneries.
Major modifications include strengthened requirements on already existing environmental issues such as chemical management, traceability, and effluent treatment.
The (other) good news is the addition of a new section on social responsibility, including social auditing from a recognised third-party as a requirement.
Even though this section is currently non-critical (meaning one can achieve gold status without a social audit), it remains a good and encouraging signal for workers in the leather supply-chains.
