Collaboration Partners: Harold’s Bags GmbH / EU Worth Partnership Project
Project Type: Circular Design & Product Development
Sustainable Leather Futures is a practical-research project focused on supporting brands with the transition to a more sustainable and circular fashion industry within the leather and alternative materials context. Considering the holistic approach throughout the whole supply chain, the project shows that when applying sustainability, the product design phase is the most significant stage to implement change.
/ Design / Leather handbag collection, inspired by sacred geometry and considering the ‘second-life’ of each product to make the best use of materials and resources.
/ Textiles & Production / Integrated material strategy – Cradle-to-Cradle certified tanned leather, and a vegan alternative to leather made of pineapple fiber (Piñatex®). Prototype production was made in-house in Germany by high-skilled expert craftsmen.
/ Marketing & Business / The project incorporates a uniquely designed Circular Business model to ensure the safe return of the products and the use of their materials for a second-life collection.
Ensure production of leather goods that do not harm the environment, and consequently entering the food supply chain on local communities.
Ensure healthy lives by protecting workers from harmful chemicals and unsafe practices throughout the production process.
Protect drinking water by implementing closed loop water systems and responsible sanitation for communities.
In 2019, Sustainable Leather Futures won the EU Worth Partnership, and is currently under further development. For more information visit: EU Worth Project Second Life Bag