The unit complied passed rigorous verification process in order to obtain the recognition; the result is testament to JBS Couros’ commitment to sustainability principles across the leather supply chain; company clients can use the ranking in their own audits
Sao Paulo, November 6, 2017 – After achieving a 99.89% grade, the Distribution Center (DC) at the JBS Couros Vietnam unit was certified in accordance with the 2.0.2 distributor assessment protocol, audited and issued by the Leather Working Group (LWG), the industry’s main regulator for best environmental practices throughout the global leather industry.
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 protocols remain focused on best environmental practices.
“We are very proud of this achievement, because, in addition to acknowledging our concerns about the environment, our employees and society, it is also testament to our focus on sustainability, transparency and innovation”, said Ildemar Marchi, JBS Couros CEO in Asia.
The results obtained by the Vietnam DC comply with the most recent version of the LWG distributors protocol. Launched at the beginning of 2017, the document is intended to promote responsible and transparent leather management in all areas of the production chain. As a result, audited units need to provide evidence of trading volumes as well as details of their supply chains, so that end customers are able to use this data on certified materials as part of their own audits.
“The JBS Couros traceability system means we cannot only track leather from the meatpacking plant and the farm groups supplying it on any specific date, we can also monitor all of the processes and products involving the raw material to increase the product quality and safety”, said Fernando Bellese, Marketing and Sustainability manager at JBS Couros.
He explained that this further strengthens JBS Couros traceability leadership in the global leather industry because, in over seven years of LWG certification, the company has always obtained an A grade in all tanning plant audits. “This means that our Asian customers can depend on a stable source of certified splits and more than 65,000,000 tons year of material, leveraging grades of almost 100% obtained by JBS products during their own audits”, he said.
The business unit has two distribution centers serving customers globally. Now, following the Vietnam unit assessment, it plans to hold the same audit at its Campo Grande (MS) structure at the beginning of 2018.
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.
About JBS
JBS is one of the world’s leading food industry companies with approximately 235,000 employees in over 20 countries. The company owns a portfolio of brands that are acknowledged for their excellence and innovation, such , as Doriana, Friboi, Moy Park, Pilgrim’s Pride, Primo, Seara, Swift, Gold’n Plump and others, serving over 300,000 customers of more than 150 nationalities worldwide. The company’s focus on innovation also reflects its management approach to related businesses in areas such as leather, biodiesel, collagen, personal hygiene and cleaning products, natural wrappings, solid waste management solutions, metal packaging and transportation. JBS has adopted best corporate governance and sustainability practices throughout its value chain and its operational management focuses on guaranteeing high food quality and safety and animal well-being.
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