The group has 93,000 employees operating a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories.

Deborah Taylor, managing director of SLF, said: “We have the vision of how to provide a true value-added service, but realising that vision requires support and access to global knowledge and infrastructure. 

"Not only have SGS supported us through partnership, but the company is also going to be working with us to provide on the ground support for training, testing and auditing around the world.”

Paul Bridge, head of footwear services at SGS, added: “Partnering with SLF is a driver towards supporting the leather and related industries towards a measurable sustainable future.”

SLF’s Transparency Dashboard and Accessible, Inclusive, Modular (AIM) approach to certification alleviates duplication of effort by recognising any existing certifications and mapping them onto the Dashboard before then evaluating any gaps in performance or certification. 

It is beginning the work on dashboards for chemical companies, machinery companies, traders / agents and Product Manufacturers. Future development will include effluent treatment plants, slaughterhouse/ meatpacking facilities and farms.