2024 Sustainability Report

Waste Management

Our philosophy is all about circularity: our innovative processes ensure that waste is repurposed for new uses, contributing to a more sustainable leather industry.

How we manage waste

ICA Leather is committed to reducing waste and transforming by-products into valuable resources. Through innovation and sustainable practices, we contribute to a circular economy and reduce the environmental impact of leather production.

Recovery of organic waste:
we recover 92.78% of organic waste generated during our tanning processes. Waste includes by-products like trimmings and shavings, which are repurposed to produce fertilizers and bio-stimulants for agriculture.
Circular practices:
by prioritizing waste recovery, ICA Leather minimizes landfill use and promotes the reuse of materials, aligning with our commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Future goals:
we continuously invest in research and technologies to further enhance waste recovery rates and expand the range of applications for repurposed by-products.

92.78%

of organic waste recovered and repurposed.

95%

of process water treated and discharged sustainably.

Animal Welfare

Animal welfare is at the heart of our sourcing strategy. We ensure full traceability, working only with suppliers who meet the highest ethical and environmental standards.

How we prioritize animal welfare

We consider ethical sourcing to be the foundation of our business. Working exclusively with European suppliers ensures full compliance with strict animal welfare standards, traceability and environmental regulations.

European sourcing:
our hides are sourced exclusively from European farms, which adhere to high animal welfare standards and maintain rigorous oversight of farming practices.
Traceability and transparency:
each hide is fully traceable from farm to tannery, guaranteeing that every step meets ethical and environmental standards.
Sustainability compliance:
we align with EU directives on animal welfare, deforestation prevention and environmental sustainability. This commitment reduces environmental impact and supports responsible farming practices.

100%

of hides sourced from European farms.

0%

imported hides from regions with poor animal welfare standards.

Energy Efficiency

Through renewable energy investments and advanced monitoring systems, we ensure efficient energy use while minimizing our carbon footprint.

How we optimize energy consumption

ICA Leather is committed to reducing energy consumption and transitioning to renewable energy sources. By leveraging advanced technologies, we enhance operational efficiency while minimizing our environmental impact.

Solar energy adoption:
our state-of-the-art solar panel system reaches 508.86 kWp, reducing reliance on non-renewable sources.
Heat recovery technologies:
we utilize cutting-edge steam generators for steam production equipped with heat recovery systems, which optimize energy use by recycling heat from production processes, significantly improving overall efficiency.
Energy monitoring systems:
we employ advanced monitoring technologies to analyze and manage energy consumption in real time, ensuring efficiency across all operations.

508,86 kWp

capacity of our solar panel system.

100% commitment

in renewable energy and efficiency.

Lowering Emissions

By leveraging solar energy, heat recovery systems and emission reduction strategies, we minimize our environmental impact and set new sustainability standards in leather production.

How we lower emissions

ICA Leather is dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint and setting new sustainability standards in the leather industry. By investing in renewable energy, emission reduction strategies and innovative technologies, we actively lower greenhouse gas emissions across our operations while fostering a more responsible supply chain.

GHG baseline established:
in 2024, ICA Leather updated its carbon footprint measurement and continued reducing emissions from energy use.
Investments in clean energy:
we actively reduce emissions by implementing solar energy systems and heat recovery technologies while optimizing operational efficiency.
Continuous improvement in emission monitoring:
ICA Leather continuously assesses new solutions to further improve its carbon footprint, ensuring long-term sustainability in leather production.

168 tons of CO₂

avoided through solar energy production.

GHG Baseline

updated to guide future reduction strategies.

Water Management

Water is a precious resource, and should be treated as such. For this reason, ICA Leather implements innovative solutions to optimize usage and ensure responsible water management.

How we manage water sustainability

Water is an essential resource in leather production, and at ICA Leather, we are committed to minimizing consumption and ensuring responsible water treatment. By integrating advanced technologies, we optimize every drop used in our processes, reducing environmental impact while maintaining the highest quality standards.

Efficient water use:
we precisely control water consumption in key processes through automated dosing technologies, reducing waste and optimizing efficiency.
Sustainable water treatment:
95% of water is treated before being safely discharged, ensuring full compliance with strict environmental regulations.
Ongoing innovation:
we continuously explore new water-saving solutions to further enhance sustainability in our tanning processes and reduce overall water demand.

95%

of process water treated and discharged sustainably.

Automated Systems

optimize water use and minimize waste.

Health & Safety

At ICA Leather, we believe a safe workplace is a fundamental right for all. Therefore, we safeguard our employees and promote well-being through rigorous policies and continuous improvement actions.

How we prioritize health and safety

Ensuring a safe and healthy workplace and employee well-being are fundamental to our operations. We apply rigorous health and safety protocols, proactive risk management strategies and continuous training programs to foster a secure and supportive work environment. By prioritizing accident prevention and compliance with industry standards, we ensure every employee can work confidently, knowing their safety is always protected.

Workplace safety culture:
we implement strict safety protocols across all operations, ensuring compliance with industry standards and fostering a culture of accident prevention.
Continuous development:
with 282 hours of training provided in 2024, we equip our employees with the skills needed to grow, innovate, and adapt to an evolving industry.
Low incident rate:
thanks to our proactive safety measures, we maintain an exceptionally low injury rate, with only one reported case dating back to 2023.

Near-Zero

workplace injury rate over the last three years.

Strict Compliance

with occupational health and safety regulations.

People, Welfare & Training

We prioritize our employees by offering continuous training, well-being programs and a strong culture of inclusion and professional development.

How we support our people

We are aware that our people are our greatest asset. For this reason, we systematically invest in their welfare, training and professional growth to foster a positive, inclusive and motivating work environment. Through continuous learning and employee support programs, we empower our team to thrive both professionally and personally.

Employee welfare and well-being:
we provide flexible working arrangements, health insurance and additional benefits, ensuring employees feel valued and supported daily.
Training and awareness:
continuous safety training programs equip employees with the knowledge and tools to work safely, reducing risks and enhancing workplace well-being.
Diversity and inclusion:
we are committed to maintaining a fair and inclusive workplace, ensuring equal opportunities for all employees through ethical policies and career development programs.

282

hours of training delivered in 2024.

Flexible Work Options

to support work-life balance.

Community Engagement

Our commitment goes beyond our facilities: through partnerships with local institutions, we support education, create employment opportunities and share knowledge to foster innovation in the leather sector.

How we support and uplift our community

We strive to create a lasting positive impact in the communities we serve. We contribute to economic growth, skill development and sustainability initiatives through collaborations with local institutions, educational programs and industry partners. By investing in education, employment opportunities and responsible business practices, we empower individuals and strengthen the local ecosystem for a more sustainable future.

Supporting education and future talent:
we partner with technical schools and universities to provide students with hands-on learning experiences, fostering the next generation of skilled professionals in the leather industry.
Sustainability advocacy and knowledge sharing:
ICA Leather collaborates with industry associations and local organizations to promote sustainable practices, share expertise and drive collective progress in responsible leather production.
Investing in local development:
we contribute to community initiatives, sponsorships and social programs that support economic resilience and create opportunities for local businesses and individuals.

Education Partnerships

supporting students in technical training and career development.

Industry Collaboration

promoting responsible practices through local and global initiatives.

Risk & Compliance Management

ICA Leather follows a strict Governance model, integrating ESG risks into corporate strategies and ensuring compliance with international regulations.

How we manage Risk & Compliance

Governance and compliance are integral to our sustainability strategy. We adopt rigorous risk management policies, ensuring transparency, regulatory compliance and responsible business practices at every level of our operations. By integrating Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors into our corporate strategy, we maintain high ethical standards and safeguard long-term business resilience.

Robust risk management framework:
we assess and mitigate risks related to business operations, environmental impact and social responsibility, ensuring resilience and regulatory compliance.
Whistleblowing and ethical conduct:
ICA Leather has implemented a whistleblowing system, allowing employees and stakeholders to report unethical or unlawful behavior confidentially.
Regulatory compliance and ESG integration:
we adhere to international regulations and sustainability standards, integrating ESG principles into our business decisions and corporate governance framework.

ESG Compliance

integrated into business strategy and corporate governance.

Risk Prevention

with structured policies to mitigate environmental and operational risks.

Supply Chain Transparency

Our Due Diligence process ensures that all suppliers meet high environmental and ethical standards, with LWG Gold certification as a benchmark.

How we ensure supply chain transparency

At ICA Leather, we believe a responsible supply chain starts with transparency. We implement rigorous due diligence processes, ensuring that every supplier meets our high ethical and environmental standards. By prioritizing traceability, compliance and sustainability, we create a supply chain that upholds the values of integrity and accountability.

Full traceability from farm to tannery:
we ensure that every hide we source is wholly traceable, guaranteeing compliance with strict EU regulations on animal welfare, environmental protection and responsible sourcing.
Supplier Due Diligence and Compliance:
ICA Leather conducts rigorous supplier assessments, ensuring that our partners adhere to high standards in sustainability, labor rights and ethical business practices.
Excellence as a benchmark:
we follow Leather Working Group (LWG) Gold standards, setting a clear benchmark for responsible leather production and supply chain accountability.

LWG Gold Certified

as a standard for responsible sourcing and sustainability.

Supplier Due Diligence

to ensure ethical and environmental compliance.

Responsible Chemical Use

We adhere to ZDHC guidelines, implementing a Restricted Substance List (RSL) even stricter than REACH regulations.

How we ensure responsible chemical use

Safety and sustainability guide every decision in our chemical management. We implement strict control measures, advanced monitoring systems and compliance with global standards to ensure that all chemicals used in our tanning processes are safe, sustainable and responsibly managed.

Strict chemical management policies:
we have implemented a Restricted Substances List (RSL) that exceeds international regulations, ensuring the elimination of hazardous chemicals from our processes.
ZDHC compliance and sustainable formulations:
ICA Leather follows Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) guidelines, continuously improving chemical sustainability by working with suppliers to develop safer formulations.
Continuous monitoring:
our advanced chemical monitoring systems track usage and risks in real time, ensuring we minimize environmental impact while maintaining high product quality.

ZDHC Compliant

meeting the highest industry standards for chemical safety.

RSL Beyond Regulations

stricter than REACH and other global chemical safety laws.

Redefining Leather’s Future

Responsible leather: a future-driven approach

01 / Environmental

Environmental

Energy Efficiency

Lowering Emissions

Water Management

Waste Management

Animal Welfare

02 / Social

Social

Health & Safety

People, Welfare & Training

Community Engagement

03 / Governance

Governance

Risk & Compliance Management

Supply Chain Transparency

Responsible Chemical Use

Waste Management

How we manage waste

Recovery of organic waste:

Circular practices:

Future goals:

92.78%

95%

Animal Welfare

How we prioritize animal welfare

European sourcing:

Traceability and transparency:

Sustainability compliance:

100%

0%

Energy Efficiency

How we optimize energy consumption

Solar energy adoption:

Heat recovery technologies:

Energy monitoring systems:

508,86 kWp

100% commitment

Lowering Emissions

How we lower emissions

GHG baseline established:

Investments in clean energy:

Continuous improvement in emission monitoring:

168 tons of CO₂

GHG Baseline

Water Management

How we manage water sustainability

Efficient water use:

Sustainable water treatment:

Ongoing innovation:

95%

Automated Systems

Health & Safety

How we prioritize health and safety

Workplace safety culture:

Continuous development:

Low incident rate:

Near-Zero

Strict Compliance

People, Welfare & Training

How we support our people

Employee welfare and well-being:

Training and awareness:

Diversity and inclusion:

282

Flexible Work Options

Community Engagement

How we support and uplift our community

Supporting education and future talent:

Sustainability advocacy and knowledge sharing:

Investing in local development:

Education Partnerships

Industry Collaboration

Risk & Compliance Management

How we manage Risk & Compliance

Robust risk management framework:

Whistleblowing and ethical conduct:

Regulatory compliance and ESG integration: