Environmental Protocol Certification LWG
The LWG (Leather Working Group) Objective
Develop and maintain a protocol that evaluates the environmental compliance and performance of tanners, promoting environmentally appropriate practices in the leather and footwear industry. The requirements evaluated involve environmental, safety and technical issues, where tanneries must obtain minimum scores in each one of the criteria in order to be awarded in: Bronze, Silver or Gold. The audit is carried out by England BLC.
Objectives
Use natural resources appropriately;
Keep searching for processes that are sustainable and ecologically correct;
Identify the environmental aspects and impacts present in the processes and the environmental legislation applicable to the business;
Establish operational control and Environmental Management Programs (EMP’s) to promote environmental improvement.
BENEFITS (RESULTS)
Increase in sales volume opening for new clients and markets;
Actions that promote improvements in water and energy consumption, and waste;
Improvements in environmental performance through the scope of the requirements and the demand for environmental performance;
System focused on management processes, prioritizing the use of “clean” technologies, thus minimizing environmental impacts and consequently reducing costs.
Environmental Policy
Develop leather goods through the constant search for improvement, the new technology promotion of products and processes, besides the sustainability management. Thus, being economically viable, socially fair, environmentally correct, meeting the current legislation, reducing and controlling the waste, improving the use of natural resources, providing life quality and well-being to the employees.
COUROQUIMICA AUDIT
Sections Covered in the Certification
S1 – General facility details
Company data such as: company name, registered number (National Registry of Legal Entities, location, number of employees.
S2 – Operation permit
Present compliance proof of all necessary licenses (CETESB, Federal and Civil Police Force, Army and IBAMA – Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources).
S3 – Tannery Data
Present the quantity of raw material (Wet Blue) purchased in the period. Quantity of leather produced. Specify the manufactured items.
S4 – Traceability of raw material
Present proof that the Wet Blue purchased is tracked to the slaughterhouse and farm.
S5 – Environmental Management System
Ensure that procedures are followed, that there is awareness, training, control of documents and records.
S6 – Restrictive substances
Present evidences of concern about restricted substances in relation to used chemicals. Respond to customer requests. Perform conformity analysis.
S7 – Energy consumption
Energy consumption according to international references.
S8 – Water use
Water consumption according to international references.
S9 – Air and noise emissions
Ensure the noise monitoring and pollutant emission sources (boilers, exhaust systems, generators). Preventive maintenance of machinery.
S10 – Waste management
Ensure correct storage and disposal of waste. Raise recycling awareness.
S11 – Effluent Treatment
Ensure effluent treatment according to local legislation. Perform monthly analysis of the effluent discharged into the river (AMCOA). Parameters according to world references.
S12 – Emergency plans
Ensure compliance with emergency plans such as: Evacuation Area, Fire Brigade, First Aid and PQ Spill.
S13 – Housekeeping
Ensure organization and cleanliness in company facilities, unobstructed walkways, efficient traffic management system.
S14 – Manufacturing processes
Ensure compliance of process procedures, calibration and equipment gauging. Proper use of chemicals.
S15 – Beamhouse processes
Not applicable
S16 – Post tanning processes
Correct use of PQ for dryer cleaning. Biodegradable wetting agents. Efficient exhaustion system of abrasive dust. Reuse of trimmings and leather shaving residues.
S17 – Finishing Processes
Solvent use control. Pigments free of heavy metals. Efficient finishing application methods. Organization in weighing chemical products.
S18 – Complaints and public relations
Attendance to community complaints. Contact us.
Brands
