Continuing our development with Partner Profiles and QR Technology
Revolutionising the way the leather supply chain accesses information, this month SLF has rolled out their dynamically linked Partner Profiles and QR Codes which directly link up an individual company’s own website, the SLF website and the company’s personal Transparency Dashboard™.
It is exciting to see how the whole system now comes together to create the first truly holistic approach to sustainability for the whole leather value chain. This ability for a company to illustrate its real-time position through the dynamic QR code is a crucial tool in future proofing our industry, ready for the impending regulations and directives for due diligence which will have either direct or indirect consequences for our industry.
The fundamental approach that SLF adopts of A.I.M. (Accessible, Inclusive, Modular), means that any company in the leather supply chain whatever the size or scope, can benefit from a platform that transparently shows performance for Environmental, Social and Governance aspects. Once a Transparency Dashboard™ is created, SLF then support companies with a toolbox of standards, benchmarks, explanatory notes and guidance templates to help facilities to prepare for audit.
This is not just an environmental audit – it’s a program that promotes improvement across all areas of environmental, social and governance and is designed to be accessible.
That’s just part of the process. SLF is the only organisation that provides a robust equivalency service for its partners. This means that if a company already has a certificate or has undergone an audit (for example an ISO 14001 or a Social Accountability SA8000 audit) then there is no requirement to duplicate effort or cost with SLF. The first step for facilities that have pre-existing audit certification is to conduct equivalency mapping to reflect all that good work on the Transparency Dashboard™ before then evaluating what, if anything, needs to be worked on next.
The goal is to provide a one-stop shop for organisations to meet the modern demands of consumers and civil society.
We have created a smart infographic that explains the process. The example below shows a transition from a completely uncertified facility that, through our guided support sees their Transparency Dashboard™ evolve from “Not Yet Started” to “Work in Progress” and then to “Meeting Standards” following an audit. Certification clearly itemises the sections that have been audited and partners receive their Certified Seal, Partner Profile and QR code. As they continue to develop the QR code will always reflect their ongoing progress in real time, and this provides a perfect one-click reference for customers – especially as the Dashboard includes certification from other companies too – all in one easy reference.
Other Developments
SLF already has Dashboards for Leather Manufacturers, Product Manufacturers and Traders. The current development is for the Chemical Dashboard – this will enable
Chemical Companies to demonstrate their good practice across ESG parameters and work is well underway now with a sub-group that includes Royal Smit & Zoon, Leder Chimica, Rolfes Leather and Silvateam. The Dashboard should be live before the end of the year and the Chemical companies involved can already see how this will support them to demonstrate better practice.
Formation of the Machinery Dashboard sub-group is currently taking place and work is expected to commence on that development in September.
During 2023 SLF will work to develop Dashboards for CETPs, meatpackers and farmers in order to really bring our supply chains together in a meaningful way, that creates transparency of process, risk and good practice while at the same time protecting the commercial integrity of each individual organisation.
There is so much development taking place at the Foundation! We are working with some of our brands and other technology providers to look at what kind of Partner Profile they would find valuable, and we are also actively working with stakeholders on developing real world solutions for some of the most pressing risks we are facing in the industry – this is an exciting period of transformation for the leather industry and we are determined to support our partners through it!
Anyone who would like to learn more about the work of the Foundation and how it can support them, should contact Sam at: info@sustainableleatherfoundation.com or visit the website at www.sustainableleatherfoundation.com