Skip to content

Who we are

First formed in 2005, Leather Working Group was created as a collaborative initiative between footwear, apparel and upholstery brands and leather manufacturers, including founders: adidas, Clarks, Ikea, Nike, Marks & Spencer, New Balance, Timberland, and PrimeAsia Leather Company. 

Since then, our organization has evolved to become the world's largest leather industry-specific stakeholder organization, representing over 2000 stakeholders in over 60 countries. Our stakeholders include:

  • Brands / Retailers
  • Leather manufacturers
  • Traders of raw, part-processed and finished material
  • Suppliers to the leather industry (e.g. chemical producers, machinery suppliers)
  • Groups, NGOs, and associations
  • Finished product manufacturers

As an organization, we are dedicated to providing value to our stakeholders and working with the industry to have the most meaningful impact. Our Executive Committee (EC) is elected to represent sectors within the leather industry and provide strategic guidance. Several sub-groups advise the Executive Committee on specific topics, including traceability, technical audit development, and environmental impact, and the LWG Team runs our day-to-day operations.

Focus Areas

We work across multiple different areas of focus with the ultimate aim of reducing the impact of the leather industry. Find out more about our work areas below.

Our Mission

Our Mission

We're driving transformational change in the leather industry. Find out more about our mission now.

Standards & Certification

Standards & Certification

We offer audit standards to assess manufacturers within the leather supply chain

Environmental Impact

Environmental Impact

Understanding the environmental impact of leather is crucial. See more about our projects here.

Deforestation due diligence

Deforestation

We are working to achieve a fully deforestation and conversion free (DCF) leather supply chain.

Traceability

Traceability

See more about our approach to traceability in the leather supply chain through LWG certification.

Animal Welfare

Animal Welfare

Find out more about animal welfare considerations when making, purchasing and using leather.

Social Responsibility

Social Responsibility

The LWG Standards recognize world-leading social certification schemes.

Chemical Management

Chemical Management

Ensuring best practices in the procurement, use, storage, and disposal of chemical substances.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

UNSDGs

See how we deliver on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs)

Our Mission

Our mission is to reduce the impact of the leather supply chain through industry collaboration, accountability through auditing, and the provision of science-based data. We will achieve these aims through greater collaboration; through the provision of detailed information on key up-stream and down-stream topics; and the promotion of LWG certification using data-driven insights.

Read more about Our Mission

Our Vision

We envision a leather industry dedicated to sustainable and responsible business. We hope to achieve this through:

  • Full supply chain transparency
  • Minimal environmental impact
  • Deforestation and conversion free (DCF) supply chains
  • Industry cross-collaboration