Multi-stakeholder body the Leather Working Group (LWG) has announced that the latest version of its audit protocol, version seven, became mandatory on August 22.

LWG said protocol seven represents “a major evolution”, with more robust criteria across the board, with newly added requirements for social responsibility, effluent treatment, material traceability, and chemical management. 

Specific changes include the addition of due diligence measures to address deforestation risk, and recognition of third-party social audits for the first time. LWG has said the impact of social responsibility will increase in future iterations of its audit standard, “to reflect the critical importance of the topic”. 

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