JBS Couros has consolidated its commitment to leather supply chain sustainability after once again receiving the top audit traceability award from the Leather Working Group (LWG) at eight of its 15 South American plants. Production processes at seven production units and a distribution centre were certified as having best environmental practices between December 2017 and January this year.
The Barra do Garças (MT), Cacoal (RO), Colorado do Oeste (RO), Porangatu (GO) and São Luiz de Montes Belos (GO) units in Brazil retained their gold medals. The units in Uberlândia (MG) and Buenos Aires (Magdalena), in Argentina, retained their silver medals in this round of audits. The Campo Grande (MS) distribution also achieved top marks (100%) following its first audit under the LWG distribution protocol.
All of the units mentioned above achieved the highest ranking for traceability, with all processed leathers physically marked and traceable. Five other plants in the region renewed their certificates during the year and already hold a gold medal and the highest possible ranking for traceability. The Montenegro (RS) and Montevideo units in Uruguay will undergo their first audits this year.
“Through these achievements, JBS has shown it is committed to environmental practices that meet the highest possible standards and that its products and processes can be trusted. JBS Couros has a traceability system capable of tracking all material the company processes from its source, providing a detailed overview of every stage of raw material processing, from sourcing to distribution and delivery to our customers”, said Fernando Bellese, marketing and sustainability manager at JBS Couros.
The LWG’s members include major international brands, suppliers, retailers and other industry companies; the group uses increasingly stringent metrics in areas such as water and energy consumption, control of restricted substances and waste management and treatment to ensure its guidelines remain focused on best environmental practices.
“JBS employs a unique vertical structure that addresses each and every step in the manufacturing process. Our constant focus on issues such as animal well-being, leather quality, social and environmental performance and research and innovation have a direct and positive impact on our products’ quality and reliability”, added Bellese.
Created in 2009, JBS Couros produces leather in the wet blue, crust and finished product stages for the automotive, furniture and footwear and leather goods sectors. Its global business structure makes JBS as an obvious choice for companies that need high production capacity, quality and guaranteed delivery, allied with innovation, to meet an increasingly demanding market.
