An increased demand for environment-friendly products and services is forcing many businesses to turn to sustainable and responsible production of goods. Today’s consumers are vocal and mindful about their responsibility towards the environment and are increasingly expecting the brands to incorporate ethical manufacturing. Leather is one such product whose demand is not coming down anytime soon but the concern of those who want to purchase sustainable leather goods is forcing the brands to make smart choices by offering sustainable leather options to their customers. Earlier, it was believed that sustainable leather is impossible as much as it is an oxymoron but thanks to improvements in production methods, it is now a reality and a popular choice as well. Many brands are seeking sustainable certification to attract positive publicity for their goods.
What is sustainability?
First, it is important to understand what we mean when we say sustainable production practices. In 1987, the United Nations defined sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. Building on this definition, sustainable production processes call for an environment-friendly leather production where the demands of the fashion industry are met without doing irreparable damage to nature or incorporating unethical working conditions for your employees.
What is LWG certified leather?
Leather Working Group or LWG is one such group that certifies leather products by assessing their environment compliance and performance capabilities. The group is committed towards promoting appropriate environmental business and practices within the leather industry. It provides an environmental audit protocol, designed to assess the facilities of leather manufacturers considering certain areas related to health and well-being such as the storage, usage and disposal of potentially hazardous chemicals, water use, the installation of detectors for potentially hazardous gases (e.g. H2S) and the level of housekeeping in a tannery. Leather industries are expected to follow these ever evolving standards and protocols by using renewable energy, effective use of wastewater and being more socially responsible to move towards sustainable leather productions.
Ethical fashion and environmental initiatives
There is a huge demand for chrome leather in the fast fashion industry leaving a trail of attacks on nature in the form of chemical and other hazardous substance disposal. However, within ethical fashion, many brands are making an attempt to make their production process transparent and cruelty free. If you are also committed to helping the environment with your small but effective efforts, seek this kind of transparency from the supply chains. Make sure that the brand suppliers are incorporating wastewater recycling into their tanning processes. Further, it is important that the companies are using sustainable methods such as water and air protection, health and safety of the employees, and also doing their part in terms of their corporate social responsibility (CSR). An LWG certification is always helpful to make your conscientious choice towards a greener tomorrow.