Earlier this month, Citizen Watch joined the Leather Working Group (LWG), an international non-profit organisation focused on promoting sustainable leather usage and preserving the environment.
The LWG comprises tanneries, traders, suppliers, technical experts, brands, and retailers, and has over 1,800 members across 65 countries worldwide.
To earn LWG certification, tanneries must meet stringent global standards that evaluate their environmental measures, including chemical usage, wastewater treatment, and energy consumption.
Citizen is committed to sustainability and actively using eco-friendly materials to build a more sustainable society. Currently, 60% of the leather used for their watches is procured from LWG-certified tanneries, and Citizen aims to increase this to over 90%. By joining the LWG, Citizen aims to promote sustainability across the entire leather industry.
Citizen has long prioritised environmental sustainability, dating back decades. The company introduced Eco-Drive technology in the 1970s, a revolutionary light-powered technology that eliminated the need for battery replacements, reduced landfill waste, and revolutionised watchmaking.
As part of the company’s Earth Month initiatives, Citizen is encouraging consumers to pledge to prevent one million batteries from entering landfills by 2024 through the battery rescue initiative. Citizen is also launching the ‘Every Citizen Plays a Part in Sustainability’ campaign, encouraging everyone to participate in creating a more sustainable planet, starting with the Citizen Eco-Drive watch they choose to wear.