Following the formal introduction of the Leather Working Group’s (LWG) audit protocol in January this year, under the management of BLC Technology Centre in the UK, interest in eco-friendly leather is said to have increased as has the confidence people have in the leather supply chain as a result of implementing a standardised audit process.

According to BLC, although price continues to be the major driver for the mainstream shopper there is a growing awareness of environmental and ethical issues at point of sale, and the consumer is becoming more sensitive to concerns about the origin, manufacturing and overall impact of the products they buy. As a result the LWG was formed by a group of premium brands, retailers and leather manufacturers to look at ways to effectively control of leather manufacturing processes and the professional management of waste liquids, solids, energy, water consumption, chemicals and other key factors in order to reduce environmental impact.

The aim of the protocol is to provide suggested guidelines for the environmental performance of tanneries. Developed by tanners, brands and industry specialists, the protocol was reviewed by the World Wildlife Fund USA and other non-governmental, industry and academic stakeholders before it was adopted.