The Igualada tannery Despell, a member of Leather Cluster Barcelona, has received Gold certification (Or in Catalan) from the Leather Working Group (LWG) audit.

The Leather Working Group is the leading international organisation for major brands when it comes to accrediting and certifying good practice in the leather industry. Since 2005, it has assessed the environmental and social impact of companies across the entire leather sector value chain worldwide. The audit examines all the elements of responsible and safe leather manufacturing, such as social responsibility, environmental and chemical management, traceability, the efficient use of natural resources and energy, and governance, among others.

The Gold certification achieved by Despell is a recognition granted to companies that meet the highest standards of sustainability and responsibility in leather production, and it is increasingly required by major fashion and luxury brands, which are setting ever more significant purchasing percentages in favour of tanners holding this distinction.

Despell has devoted many years and substantial investment to implementing best practice in water management, emissions reduction, waste treatment, worker health and safety, and chemical traceability.

The prestigious Gold certification is the culmination of all this great work, which distinguishes Despell for its positive impact on the leather industry and on the planet.

Despell is the second member of Leather Cluster Barcelona to achieve Gold in the Leather Working Group audit, following the accreditation obtained some time ago by Cía. Arrendataria de Industrial Igualadina.

Leather Cluster Barcelona is an environment of competitive cooperation for promoting cross-cutting, transformative strategic projects with the aim of driving forward the ecosystem of the Catalan leather sector. The cluster is an accredited body within the Catalonia Clusters programme and has the support of Acció.