Reach
European Union regulation (Regulation (EC) n.1907/2006) concerning the registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemical substances.
- It applies to substances as such or components of a mixture and/or to component substances of an article
- It involves producers, importers and users of substances, mixtures and articles
- Registration obligation for all chemical substances produced/imported into the EU ≥ 1ton/year
- Authorization of SVHC substances (CMR, PBT, vPvBetc..)
- Restriction of SVHC and other hazardous substances
- As a mandatory regulation, there are no "certifications" recognized by the public authority, even if some certifications e.g. Oekotex standard 100 and other private companies provide claims of "presumption of conformity" to REACH.
Blue Angel
Voluntary German product eco-label that includes rigorous standards for environmentally and chemically related products and services.
A hide or skin has to pass through around 40 processing stages until the organic raw material has been processed into the natural product leather. The processing of leather involves the use of numerous chemicals that might have an impact on the environment and health. Substances are emitted into water, air and soil in the production process.
Leather is usually a by-product of meat production. Tanning using chromium (III) salts is the most widely used form of tanning. From a health perspective, the presence of chromium (VI) compounds is problematic due to their powerful allergenic effects. Therefore, chromium (VI) should not be detectable in leather goods. Other chemicals that are still required to some extent in the leather industry, such as preservatives, and can thus not be completely excluded from the production process are also problematic.
Blauer Engel certified products must comply with restrictive criteria:
- Raw hides and skins must be sourced from agricultural animals that are primarily kept for milk and/or meat production. Endangered species are expressly prohibited. In the case of non-European raw hides and skins (e.g. wet blue), a traceability in the sense of Protocol 6.5 from the Leather Working Group of at least 50% must be observed
- Limited water consumption in the production process, as well as stringent requirements placed on wastewater treatment
- Exclusion of hazardous materials in the leather such as carcinogenic substances or substances with long-lasting negative effects on water
- Strict limits for preservatives for the protection of consumers (with repetition tests every six months)
- Chromium (VI) must not be detectable in the leather (with repetition tests every six months)
- Emissions and odour tests, with repetition tests every two years
- Limits for extractable heavy metals
- Exclusion of organotin compounds, azo dyes, chloralkanes, PFC, APEO and flame retardants
- Compliance with the Code of Conduct of the Leather Industry
The Leather Working Group
The Leather Working Group's (LWG) Gold rating is the highest level of certification for leather tanneries, indicating their adherence to stringent environmental standards. It demonstrates the LWG's commitment to sustainability, improves the industry's environmental performance, protects the environment, empowers informed consumer choices, and gives tanneries a competitive edge. The Gold rating also fosters innovation in sustainable leather manufacturing practices.
It's the first global environmental certification for the leather manufacturing industry with the aim of improving the environmental impact of the leather sector.
It's a voluntary certification.
Key points:
- Gold LWG rating signifies tanneries' commitment to top-tier environmental standards.
- It showcases LWG's dedication to sustainability and drives industry-wide environmental improvements.
- The rating safeguards the environment, empowers informed consumer choices, and provides tanneries with a competitive advantage.
- It promotes innovation in sustainable leather manufacturing practices.
ECO-LABEL
EU Ecolabel is the European Union's ecological quality label which distinguishes products and services which, while guaranteeing high performance standards, are characterized by a reduced environmental impact during the entire life cycle. It is based on criteria defined on a scientific basis in relation to the entire life cycle of the products. The criteria concern various environmental aspects including the use of energy, water, chemicals and waste production, but also the functionality of the product and the quality of its performance;
- They contribute to protecting the environment by reducing the amount of waste and pollution, energy and water consumption and reducing/eliminating the use of dangerous chemical substances that damage the health and biodiversity of animal and plant species,
- They are easily available and are sold at affordable prices
- They are also verified with respect to performance in use
The use of the EU Ecolabel can be issued by authorized institutes, following verification of the criteria established by the regulation and can only be applied to articles intended for consumption (individual materials cannot be certified) for which the criteria through the Decisions" tool of the EU Commission. E.g. COMMISSION DECISION (EU) 2020/1 805 for the eco-label of textile products and footwear.
ISO 14001
ISO 14001 is a framework that can be applied to any industry, including leather manufacturers.
- Focuses on Environmental Management: It sets up a system for a company to identify and manage its environmental impact.
- Reduces Waste and Boosts Efficiency: Leather production uses a lot of water, chemicals, and energy. ISO 14001 helps companies optimize these resources and minimize waste.
- Sustainable Practices Encouraged: By following ISO 14001, leather manufacturers can implement more sustainable practices throughout the production process.
Think of it as a roadmap for leather companies to become more environmentally responsible. While ISO 14001 provides a foundation, there are specific certifications for leather sustainability, like the Leather Working Group (LWG).
ISO 9001
ISO 9001 is a certification standard that focuses on quality management systems (QMS). In the leather production industry, achieving ISO 9001 certification means a company has demonstrated a commitment to consistent high-quality leather products.
Here's how ISO 9001 benefits leather production:
- Improved Quality Control: By implementing ISO 9001, leather manufacturers establish procedures for monitoring and controlling every stage of production. This minimizes defects and ensures consistent quality in the final product.
- Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Consistent quality leads to happy customers. Leather manutacturers with ISO 9001 certification can assure buyers they're getting reliable products every time.
- Increased Credibility: ISO 9001 certification is a globally recognized symbol of quality. It can give leather producers a competitive edge in the marketplace.
Overall, ISO 9001 helps leather manufacturers streamline processes, improve quality, and boost customer satisfaction.
