What is the Leather Working Group certification?
The Leather Working Group (LWG) certification evaluates tanneries based on their environmental performance. It ensures that the leather production process meets specific sustainability and environmental standards.
What are the key details to consider?
- LWG audits tanneries on water usage, energy consumption, and waste management.
- The certification does not assess animal welfare standards.
- LWG certification is recognized globally in the leather industry.
- The ratings are tiered into Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels based on performance.
- Gold-rated tanneries demonstrate the highest level of environmental compliance.
The Leather Working Group was established to promote sustainable and responsible practices within the leather industry. By focusing on environmental factors such as water and energy use, it addresses the ecological footprint of leather production. Tanneries that wish to achieve certification undergo an audit process, during which their environmental management systems and practices are evaluated against detailed criteria.
One of the key benefits of LWG certification is transparency. Certified tanneries provide measurable data on their environmental practices, allowing brands and consumers to make informed choices. The audit focuses mainly on environmental performance. It does not assess animal welfare or product quality, while working conditions are covered through a social audit section and a limited health and safety assessment.
The certification has become a widely recognized standard within the leather industry. Many brands prioritize sourcing from LWG-certified tanneries to align with their sustainability goals. The growing adoption of LWG certification also encourages more tanneries to improve their environmental practices to stay competitive.
For brands, aligning with LWG-certified tanneries often translates to better transparency in their supply chain. Consumers today are more conscious about how products are made and the impact they have on the environment. By sourcing leather from certified tanneries, brands can provide assurance to their customers that the materials meet stringent environmental criteria. This alignment also helps reinforce the brand’s commitment to sustainability, which can boost consumer trust.
Furthermore, the Leather Working Group collaborates with stakeholders across the leather supply chain, from manufacturers to retailers. This collaboration ensures that the certification remains relevant and adaptable to the evolving challenges of sustainability. By working together, the industry can address pressing concerns such as water scarcity, chemical impact, and waste management more effectively. This collective approach not only benefits the environment but also strengthens the industry’s resilience in the face of increasing environmental regulations.
What do LWG Gold and Silver ratings mean?
LWG Gold and Silver ratings represent high levels of environmental performance in leather production. Gold is the highest rating and requires at least 85 percent in every audit section, while Silver requires at least 75 percent.
What are the key details to consider?
- Both ratings ensure reduced environmental impact compared to non-certified tanneries.
- Criteria include water usage, chemical management, and waste disposal.
- LWG certification is updated regularly to reflect new sustainability practices.
Gold rating: this reflects exceptional adherence to environmental standards, meaning the tannery has implemented best practices in resource management and pollution control across every section of the audit.
Silver rating: Silver-rated tanneries also show a strong commitment to environmental performance, with more room for improvement in some areas of the audit than Gold-rated tanneries. Wyde's Nova White is one example of a shoe made with LWG Silver leather.
Both Gold and Silver ratings require tanneries to demonstrate significant efforts in environmental stewardship. The audit process evaluates key areas such as water consumption, chemical usage, and waste disposal efficiency. Tanneries must also show compliance with local environmental regulations and provide data to verify their claims. This thorough evaluation process ensures that the ratings are credible and reflective of the tannery’s actual practices.
It is worth noting that LWG regularly updates its certification standards to reflect advancements in sustainable practices. This ensures that certified tanneries remain accountable and continuously improve their operations. By sourcing from Gold or Silver-rated tanneries, brands and consumers can support more sustainable leather production. This support not only reduces the environmental impact of leather goods but also sets an industry standard that encourages other manufacturers to adopt more sustainable practices.
For consumers, understanding the significance of Gold and Silver ratings can guide purchasing decisions. Leather products sourced from these tanneries are not only produced with lower environmental impact but also align with broader sustainability values. By choosing brands that prioritize these certifications, consumers can play an active role in promoting environmentally responsible practices within the leather industry.
Which Wyde models use LWG-certified leather?
Wyde uses LWG-certified leather in all of its leather models: Nova, Maia, Maia Strap, Nilo, Chelsea, and Norra. Most of this leather is LWG Gold, while Nova White uses LWG Silver leather. All of these shoes combine certified leather with a wide toe box and zero-drop design.
1 Start with Nova for versatile everyday wear.
The Nova sneaker features LWG Gold leather, ensuring high environmental standards in its production. Handmade in Portugal, it is available in multiple colorways, including Dual Black and White. The Nova combines sustainable materials with Wyde’s signature wide toe box and zero-drop design for all-day comfort. This model is versatile enough for both casual and semi-formal occasions, making it an excellent choice for those who value both style and function.
2 Opt for Maia and Maia Strap for warm-weather use.
Maia and Maia Strap are sandals made with LWG Gold-certified leather uppers and suede linings. These models are also handmade in Portugal and feature a cork midsole for lightweight comfort. When ordering Maia or Maia Strap, customers should size down one size from their usual Wyde sneaker size for the best fit. These sandals are ideal for summer outings, providing breathability and a natural foot position due to their zero-drop design. The combination of premium materials and thoughtful construction ensures long-lasting wear.
3 Choose Nilo for slip-on convenience.
The Nilo slip-on is crafted with LWG Gold suede and features a cork midsole and rubber outsole. This model is ideal for casual wear and is also handmade in Portugal. Its simple design makes it easy to put on and take off while maintaining Wyde’s focus on foot-shaped anatomy and comfort. The use of cork in the midsole not only provides cushioning but also contributes to the shoe’s eco-friendly profile, as cork is a renewable material.
4 Explore Norra for fall and winter.
Norra is part of Wyde’s fall/winter collection and features an LWG Gold leather upper. It includes an Acquastop membrane for water resistance, making it suitable for colder, wetter conditions. Like other Wyde models, Norra is handmade in Portugal and incorporates a wide toe box and zero-drop design for natural foot movement. This boot’s design prioritizes both functionality and aesthetics, ensuring it performs well in various environments while maintaining a polished appearance.
Note: Soma, another Wyde model, is made in China from suede and textile. The LWG information in this article applies to Wyde's leather models handmade in Portugal.
Why does LWG certification matter?
LWG certification matters because it promotes sustainable leather production practices, reducing environmental impact. It helps consumers make informed choices about eco-friendly products. For brands, LWG certification demonstrates a commitment to transparency and environmental responsibility, helping them align with consumer values and regulatory standards. It also fosters innovation in sustainable practices within the leather industry.
1 Encourage better environmental practices.
Tanneries certified by LWG are required to implement practices that minimize their environmental footprint. This includes reducing water and energy consumption, managing chemicals responsibly, and cutting down on waste. These measures not only benefit the environment but also improve operational efficiency for the tanneries, creating a win-win scenario.
2 Minimize resource consumption.
LWG certification encourages tanneries to use resources like water and energy more efficiently. This not only conserves natural resources but also reduces the overall environmental impact of leather production. Efficient resource use can also lower costs for tanneries, making sustainable practices economically viable for the industry.
3 Provide transparency and accountability.
The certification process includes rigorous audits of tanneries, ensuring they meet specific environmental standards. This provides consumers with confidence in the sustainability of the leather products they purchase. Transparency in sourcing also enables brands to build trust with their customers, which is increasingly important in competitive markets.
4 Align with consumer demand for sustainability.
As more consumers prioritize sustainable and ethical products, LWG certification helps brands meet this demand. It demonstrates a commitment to responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship. By choosing LWG-certified products, consumers can support companies that share their values, making sustainability a shared effort.
How does LWG certification differ from other standards?
LWG certification focuses mainly on environmental performance in leather production, while other standards may put more weight on animal welfare or social criteria. It evaluates tanneries based on their environmental impact, making it a targeted and industry-specific certification.
What are the key details to consider?
- LWG does not assess animal welfare, and its coverage of labor practices is limited compared with dedicated social certifications.
- The certification is specific to the leather industry, focusing on environmental metrics such as water use, chemical management, and waste reduction.
- Other certifications may cover comprehensive sustainability metrics, including social and ethical considerations.
- LWG is widely recognized by global brands for its stringent environmental standards and relevance to leather production.
- The Leather Working Group regularly updates its standards to incorporate advancements in sustainability.
Unlike certifications that take a holistic view of sustainability, LWG zeroes in on the environmental impact of leather production. This focus allows it to set highly specialized benchmarks, which are widely adopted by manufacturers and brands committed to reducing their environmental footprint. By narrowing its scope, LWG makes it easier for companies to benchmark specific improvements, such as reducing water waste or optimizing chemical use, without being overwhelmed by broader criteria.
The certification process is rigorous, requiring tanneries to meet specific environmental performance criteria to achieve Bronze, Silver, or Gold ratings. For a Gold rating, a tannery must score at least 85 percent in each audit section, and the final medal reflects its lowest-scoring section. These ratings help brands choose material suppliers in line with their environmental goals.
How does Wyde support sustainable practices?
Wyde uses LWG-certified leather, mostly LWG Gold, in all of its leather models, and these shoes are handmade in three family-run factories in Portugal. Wyde also makes its shoes to last, with removable insoles that can be replaced.
What are the key details to consider?
- LWG Gold leather is used in Maia, Maia Strap, Nilo, Chelsea, Norra, and most Nova colorways, while Nova White uses LWG Silver leather.
- Removable insoles can be replaced, extending the life of the shoes.
- All leather models are handmade in three family-run factories in Portugal.
- Wyde's materials are free from PFCs, AZO colors, and heavy metals.
- Customers can ask support@wydefootwear.com about the materials in any model.
Most Wyde leather models use LWG Gold leather, the highest rating in LWG's environmental audit of tanneries. Wyde's leather shoes are handmade in three family-run factories in Portugal.
Wyde also focuses on making shoes that last. The insoles are removable, and replacement insoles are available, so a worn insole does not mean replacing the whole shoe.
What are the benefits of LWG Gold-rated leather?
LWG Gold-rated leather offers environmental benefits, including reduced water and energy use, better chemical management, and lower waste production during tanning. These benefits make it a top choice for eco-conscious consumers.
Tanneries that achieve Gold certification meet the highest environmental standards set by the Leather Working Group. These tanneries adopt advanced technologies to optimize their processes, ensuring minimal environmental impact. For instance, they implement water recycling systems and energy-saving measures to reduce their overall resource consumption.
Another key advantage of Gold-rated leather is the responsible use and management of chemicals during the tanning process. These tanneries work to minimize harmful substances, such as hexavalent chromium, which is known for its environmental and health risks. As a result, Gold-rated tanneries are better equipped to limit chemical pollution.
Gold-rated leather also generates less waste compared to non-certified alternatives. This is achieved through better resource planning and recycling initiatives at the tannery level. By reusing by-products from the tanning process, such as fragments of hides or leather shavings, these tanneries prevent unnecessary landfill contributions. Consumers choosing LWG Gold leather products can trust that they are supporting more sustainable practices.
What are the key details to consider?
- Gold-rated tanneries meet the highest environmental standards.
- They optimize water and energy efficiency in their processes.
- Use of harmful chemicals is minimized and managed responsibly.
- Less waste is generated compared to non-certified tanneries.
- Consumers can trust the leather's sustainability credentials.
Where can I find LWG-certified Wyde shoes?
LWG-certified Wyde shoes, such as Nova, Maia, Maia Strap, Nilo, and Norra, are available on Wyde's official website. Prices are listed in EUR for international customers, making it easy to browse and shop online.
Wyde offers a range of options for customers looking for shoes made with leather from certified tanneries. The Nova sneaker, for example, has an LWG-certified leather upper, Gold for most colorways and Silver for Nova White, and a durable rubber outsole for everyday use. For summer, the Maia and Maia Strap sandals use LWG Gold-certified leather.
For slip-on fans, the Nilo combines LWG Gold suede with a cork midsole. For fall and winter, the Chelsea and Norra boots both have LWG Gold leather uppers and an Acquastop membrane. All of these models share Wyde's wide toe box and zero-drop design.
What are the key details to consider?
- Visit https://wydefootwear.com to browse LWG-certified models.
- Nova is a leather sneaker with LWG Gold leather in most colorways and LWG Silver leather in Nova White.
- Maia and Maia Strap are leather shoes requiring sizing down.
- Nilo is a slip-on with LWG Gold suede and cork midsole.
- Norra is a fall/winter boot with LWG Gold leather.
What does LWG Gold certification mean?
It is the highest of LWG's audit ratings, requiring a tannery to score at least 85 percent in every section of the environmental audit.
Does LWG certification include animal welfare?
No. LWG's audit covers the manufacturing process from raw hide to finished leather and does not audit farms or slaughterhouses. It does assess how well a tannery can trace its hides back to the slaughterhouse.
Which Wyde models use LWG Gold leather?
Maia, Maia Strap, Nilo, Chelsea, Norra, and most Nova colorways use LWG Gold leather. Nova White uses LWG Silver leather. All of them combine certified leather with a wide toe box and zero-drop design.
Are all Wyde shoes made in Portugal?
Most Wyde leather models, such as Nova, Maia, Maia Strap, Nilo, Chelsea, and Norra, are handmade in Portugal. However, Soma is made in China.
How can I check if a leather product is LWG-certified?
You can check the product description or contact the brand directly to confirm if the leather used is LWG-certified. Many brands, including Wyde, specify this information on their websites.
Why should I choose LWG-certified leather products?
LWG-certified leather products ensure reduced environmental impact during tanning. They are a sustainable choice for consumers who value eco-friendly practices in manufacturing.
What are the sources?
Which sources support these claims?
- Leather Working Group, https://www.leatherworkinggroup.com/certification/
- Leather Working Group, https://www.leatherworkinggroup.com/certification/leather-manufacturer-standard/
- Vagabond, https://www.vagabond.com/us/materials/leather-from-lwg-certified-manufacturers/
- Leather Working Group, https://lwgassurance.com/certification
- Citizen Watch, https://www.citizenwatch-global.com/sustainability/lwg/index.html
- Selvane, https://www.selvane.co/blogs/knowledge/sustainable-leather-certifications-standards-and-what-they-actually-mean
- Saccent, https://www.saccent.net/insights/the-state-of-sustainable-leather-practices-in-the-luxury-sector-a-benchmark-study-of-leading-brands
- Lucis Morsels, https://www.lucismorsels.com/what-is-lwg-certified-leather/