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LWG and ZDHC take next joint step to ZDHC MRSL implementation in updated LWG Audit Protocol

November 9, 2020

All LWG-certified leather manufacturers will be granted free access to the ZDHC Gateway - Chemical Module

The Leather Working Group (LWG) and the ZDHC Foundation have agreed to provide free access to the ZDHC Gateway for all leather manufacturers currently holding a valid LWG audit certification. The access to the ZDHC Gateway will support the leather manufacturers to implement the ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (ZDHC MRSL) and further streamline implementation efforts of the industry, including manufacturers, brands and chemical companies.

Christina Trautmann, LWG Operations Manager, said: “LWG prides itself on providing value to our members through strategic partnerships. We are pleased to be able to work alongside ZDHC and grant access to this valuable platform for audited members of our group.”

The ZDHC Gateway - Chemical Module is an online platform of registered chemical formulations that conform to the ZDHC MRSL, making the search for more sustainable chemicals easier. It supports manufacturers in finding safer alternatives for their process chemistry. The ZDHC Gateway facilitates the exchange of information between brands, suppliers and chemical companies. Already more than 1200 chemical companies worldwide have registered themselves and their products on the ZDHC Gateway.

LWG-certified leather manufacturers can invite their chemical suppliers into the Gateway, allowing them to register and verify their chemical formulations according to ZDHC’s MRSL. This integration of supply chain partners will be a useful mechanism for presenting evidence for chemical management compliance in a LWG audit. Further, the ZDHC InCheck report will add value to the leather manufacturers going through the LWG audit, as it provides an overview of their chemical inventory and overall conformance with the ZDHC MRSL, with added guidance on how to increase their use of safer chemistry.

“This partnership is about accelerating implementation. The access to the ZDHC Gateway will make it easier and more efficient for the leather manufacturers and the chemical companies. We are excited for further steps of collaboration with LWG towards a more sustainable industry.” said Klaas Nuttbohm, ZDHC Implementation Director.

LWG will contact all audited leather manufacturers holding a valid certificate of membership with a sign-up link to join the ZDHC Gateway — Chemical Module.

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About LWG

The Leather Working Group (LWG) is a multi-stakeholder organisation of over 800 members across the leather value chain, including leather manufacturers, brands and retailers, suppliers, traders, and associations. The group assesses the environmental performance of leather manufacturing facilities and promotes sustainable business practices throughout the supply chain.

About ZDHC

The ZDHC Foundation manages the Roadmap to Zero Programme with the aim of phasing out hazardous chemicals in the textile, apparel, footwear and leather value chain by promoting safer chemistry and driving innovation. With more than 160 active Contributors, the multi-stakeholder programme co-ordinates the collaborative implementation of a holistic toolset on a global level.