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Textile Exchange has introduced version 0.1 of the Leather Impact Accelerator (LIA) - a framework that combines existing industry tools and new concepts into a coherent package to enable leather supply chain members – from farmers to retailers –work in a more responsible leather supply chain. A one-year pilot is on to ensure its smooth implementation.
All LIA 0.1 documents and components are available for use by interested companies, including benchmarking industry standards, trading Impact Incentives, and making corporate commitments and claims.
LIA is a framework that combines existing industry tools and new concepts into a coherent package and enables leather supply chain members – from farmers to retailers – to contribute to a more responsible leather supply chain.
The International Working Group (IWG) for LIA voted in favour of all core documents, and the full programme launched on January 5, 2021, as version 0.1. In 2021, all LIA components are undergoing piloting to ensure implementation runs smoothly and all aspects of the programme achieve a level of impact and credibility that the industry expects. At the close of the pilot year, feedback and results will be used to refine LIA for the release of version 1.0.
“The burden of sustainability is too heavy to be supported only by producers,” said Charton Locks, COO Produzindo Certo.
LIA is not a standard. It is a programme that uses benchmarks and protocols to set a minimum threshold for practices at the farm and leather production levels and gives recognition to those who meet or exceed them. Brands can use Impact Incentives to provide direct financial support to farmers that meet LIA benchmarks, and the LIA Claims Guide provides support for all LIA participants to make credible claims.
There are several opportunities for companies to take part in pilot programmes. Textile Exchange is also welcoming brands and retailers to make a public commitment to LIA and set targets through the LIA Corporate Commitment programme.
The work on LIA has been led by the International Working Group that sits under Textile Exchange’s Responsible Leather Round Table (RLRT). The RLRT is a platform that brings together stakeholders from all parts of the leather industry and related industries to accelerate the adoption of practices that will lead to measurable reduced GHGs from Tier 4 (particularly those that improve biodiversity, water, and soil health) and advance animal welfare and fair treatment of workers. RLRT is open to all and holds virtual meetings periodically.
Textile Exchange is a global nonprofit that creates leaders in the sustainable fibre and materials industry. The organisation develops, manages, and promotes a suite of leading industry standards as well as collects and publishes vital industry data and insights that enable brands and retailers to measure, manage, and track their use of preferred fibre and materials.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SV)
Textile Exchange has introduced version 0.1 of the Leather Impact Accelerator (LIA) - a framework that combines existing industry tools and new concepts into a coherent package to enable leather supply chain members – from farmers to retailers –work in a more responsible leather supply chain. A one-year pilot is on to ensure its smooth implementation.