LWG stands for Leather Working Group.
LWG is a certification that is given to leather tanneries that fullfill certain environmental and performance criterias. It basically monitors the operations and post operations inpact.
LWG certification narrows down and make tracability of leather and hides as transparent as possible. In the recent years, tracability has become a global requirement. Brands want to know where their materials have been sourced from and the end consumers look out to buy products that are made more consciously. LWG is a way to ensure and validate the claims of the leather tannery.
What does LWG access?
Some of the important aspect that is noted during the certification are:
A) Sourcing of hide- If the leather used is sourced ethically and in a clean manner that puts less stress on the environment.
B) Chemicals used in production- Some harmful chemicals are prohibited in LWG guidelines.
C) Working environment- LWG required a social audit. LWG accepts social audits by:
Business Social Compliance Initiative or BSCI.
Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit or SMETA.
Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production or WRAP.
SA800 Standard, Social Accountability International.
UNIC Code of Conduct and Social Accountability.
HIGG Facility Social & Labour Module (FSLM).
D) Monitoring greenhouse gas emissions: Should meet the criteria mentioned in the guidebook.
E) Waste Management: This includes treatment of waste water, proper disposal of scraps and waste raw materials.
Levels of LWG certification: From highest to lowest
a) Gold Rated
b) Silver Rated
c) Bronze Rated
d) Audited Factory.
LWG and Popular Styles:
We at Popular Styles are working towards sustainability. We are able to do so because of our cooperation with our clients and our decades old tannery partners.
In 2019, we decided to use a majority of leather that is free of Chrome VI. Chrome VI in leather can be very harmful for the environment. Chrome VI in leather wallets and bags can seem into ground water after the product is disposed off incorrectly. This can end up in our food and that can prove to be very bad for well being of humans.
In 2021, we started using LWG Gold and Silver rated leather in a majority for certain global brands. This was our first major step towards sustainability. We understand that being in the production side, it is us and our control on the production habits that can create the real impact in any product's carbon footprint.
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