As 2024 draws to a close, Vanessa Podmore, the Executive Director of the Leather Working Group (LWG), reflects on her first six months with the organization and its impact on the global leather industry. Speaking with Gaby Jesson of The Prospect Society, Vanessa shared her insights on her journey, LWG’s 2024 achievements and the road ahead.
Vanessa Podmore’s extensive career in fashion sourcing, production, and supply chains has shaped her approach to the leather industry. Starting as a Graduate Trainee at Clarks Shoes in the UK, Vanessa developed a deep understanding of supply chain dynamics.
“As my career developed and I worked across the world, I was always interested in understanding where my raw materials came from,” she said.
Vanessa highlighted how her early exposure to suppliers, tanneries, and artisans provided a comprehensive view of the production process. This experience laid the foundation for her passion for transparency, quality, and sustainability in supply chains.
During her tenure, Vanessa shadowed a tannery audit in Italy, gaining firsthand insights into the rigorous processes and high standards upheld by LWG. She praised the organization’s dedicated team and their unparalleled expertise.
The evolving regulatory landscape and growing consumer demand for transparency are reshaping the leather industry. Vanessa explained how LWG is positioning itself to address these challenges:
- Regulatory Preparedness:
LWG has been actively educating stakeholders about new policies, such as the EU Deforestation Legislation.
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA):
LWG published a detailed LCA report in 2024, offering members valuable data to improve processes and engage in meaningful discussions about sustainability.
- Collaboration with Higg MSI:
LWG contributed to a significant reassessment of the environmental impact of bovine leather, showing a 60% reduction in previous estimates.
Collaboration remains central to LWG’s mission. Partnerships with organizations like the World Wildlife Fund and Textile Exchange have been pivotal in driving initiatives such as the Deforestation-Free Call to Action for Leather.
Vanessa highlighted the role of volunteers and stakeholders who contribute their expertise, particularly in shaping the next evolution of the LWG Audit Standard. This new standard will undergo public consultation in 2025 and aims to adapt to the industry’s changing requirements.
“Ultimately, this standard will show our commitment to continuous improvement in the leather sector,” she noted.
2024 Achievements in Numbers
LWG’s key achievements this year include:
- Launching a new sustainability system.
- Publishing a comprehensive LCA for leather.
- Contributing to a new leather dataset for Higg MSI.
- Hosting stakeholder sessions to align on industry priorities.
With a network of 2,000+ certified suppliers across 60+ countries, LWG continues to lead the charge in sustainable leather practices.
As LWG moves into 2025, Vanessa envisions a future where the organization’s efforts further reduce the environmental impact of leather while equipping stakeholders with the tools to succeed in an evolving industry.
“We are facing a changing landscape and need to ensure we continue to evolve and deliver on our vision,” she concluded.
With a track record of impactful initiatives and a clear focus on sustainability, LWG is set to shape the leather industry’s future while upholding its commitment to transparency and innovation.
You will find the LWG 2024 review PDF here.
