Porsche joins LWG to support sustainable leather production

Porsche has joined Leather Working Group (LWG), a non-profit organization based in Milton Keynes, to support sustainable leather production.

“Leather is a mark of quality for Porsche customers. Together with our suppliers, we are committed to internationally accepted standards. The facilities in which our leather is manufactured are also important. They should receive certification from LWG,” commented Porsche Executive Board Member for Procurement Barbara Frenkel.

According to the German carmaker, the move to join LWG is an important step for Porsche as well as other brands of the Volkswagen Group — the conglomerate it belongs to.

LWG advocates transparency and universal environmental and social standards in the global leather supply chain. It also offers certification for leather manufacturers.

“With supply chain traceability, companies can ensure that they are sourcing leather responsibly. This is at the heart of our efforts. We look forward to the active participation of Porsche and the brands of the Volkswagen Group. With their support, we want to advance the development of tools and methods that can positively influence the leather industry,” stated LWG Head Christina Trautmann.

Porsche, together with other Volkswagen Group-owned brands, has analyzed 16 raw materials — including leather — as part of their efforts to shape a more sustainable and transparent supply chain.

At the beginning of 2022, the Stuttgart-based brand even created material-specific specifications for leather. The specifications have been mandatory for all new contract awards for leather suppliers since April 2022.

Among other things, they must disclose the country of origin of the raw material and be audited by external auditors against a leather-specific sustainability standard such as that offered by LWG.

“The Volkswagen Group is taking responsibility for sustainable and transparent supply chains. The accession of Porsche and the brands of the Volkswagen Group to LWG is an important step. The organization’s expertise helps us become even more sustainable in our use of leather,” said Volkswagen Member of the Extended Executive Committee and Board Member for Procurement Dirk Grosse-Loheide.

Photos from Porsche

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