What LWG Gold is and why it matters to a footwear brand
5 min read
A clear guide for purchasing teams: criteria, scope and why certification makes a real difference.
Leather Working Group (LWG) is the leading international sustainability standard for tanneries. It audits water and energy management, hide traceability, chemicals and waste. The Gold rating is the most demanding level and is achieved only by facilities with verified best practices.
What an LWG audit assesses
- Hide traceability back to the slaughterhouse of origin
- Water and energy consumption per kg of leather produced
- Restricted chemicals management (MRSL ZDHC)
- Wastewater and solid waste treatment
- Health, safety and working conditions
Why it matters to a footwear brand
Buying leather from an LWG Gold tannery reduces regulatory risk (CSRD, EUDR, Digital Product Passport), simplifies ESG reporting and allows you to communicate genuine credentials without the risk of greenwashing. For brands exporting to the US or the EU, it is practically an implicit requirement for major accounts.
What to ask your supplier for
Always request the current LWG certificate (with audit date and score), the list of leathers covered by that audit and the MRSL ZDHC policy. At Curtidos Segorbe we make this documentation available to any brand considering us as a supplier.
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