MATERIALS MATTER

Materials matter.

All of my materials, right down to the backing fabric, are sourced within Europe. My aim is to source as much as possible from Scotland.

Everything I create is made from start to finish in the UK, supporting our local industries and makers.

ALL PACKED UP

Every item will be delivered in a fully recyclable Kraft box made of between 40%-99% recycled boxboard. The logo on every box is hand stamped using vegetable-based inks. For padding I use Kraft paper, die-cut to expand into a honeycomb structure, which provides protection without the need for plastic or foam. If you order a Swing Case it will come in a fully compostable mailer.

I use FSC certified tissue paper and stickers which are acid, sulphur and lignin-free. Both are printed with vegetable-based inks. The tissue paper is made from recycled materials and both tissue and stickers are compostable. For every packaging order placed, trees are planted in areas in need of reforestation.

Your orders all come with a handwritten note and a card with care instructions. These cards are made from discarded residue of the leather manufacturing process! Naturally biodegradable, each card is made using 25% leather biproduct (of traceable Italian origin) and 40% recycled pulp. These cards are made with 100% certified green energy.

THE LEATHER

The leather I use is vegetable tanned: an age old method that is regarded as the most sustainable means of leather making. I am conscious of using materials that are made to last and while the leather I use is strictly a bi-product of the meat industry and sourced within Europe, I understand this material comes with its own controversies. I choose to use leather as the alternatives are currently not as robust, long-lasting or biodegradable and often contain plastics. I respect that we all need to make our own informed decisions to make the least impact on our planet. The leather I use is sourced from Scandanavia and tanned in Tuscany using natural vegetable tannings found in bark, plants, berries and fruits. The vegetable tanned leather I use is aniline and has no coating other than natural oils. Over time it will develop a patina that is unique to you and your use. This means that no two bags will ever be the same.

I am currently working to source my leather closer to home. The leather will come from farms who work to regenerative farming practices, and will be vegetable-tanned in the UK. The whole process will be traceable and as low impact as possible.

THE TANNERY

The tannery I work with are a family run business whose original founder, Giovanni, (the great-grandfather of the present owners) had been working in the leather industry since the early part of the 20th century. The tanning method they are most famous for is patented and is a closely guarded secret. It is still the market leader in natural Vachetta leather - an untreated Italian leather of the highest quality. The formulas for its production were found in the top breast pocket of Giovanni when he died, and subsequently were stolen, resulting in a long and protracted court case. Today the tannery is a member of the esteemed Tuscany Vegetable Tanners Consortium which ensures the entire process is made in Tuscany. This also requires the tannery to adhere to strict regulations on chemical and physical standards to guarantee the quality we have come to know Tuscan leather for.

THE COTTON

The cotton I use is woven in Scotland by a company founded in 1900 and to this day is woven on looms over 100 years old. The textiles industry employed 90% of Scotland’s manufacturing workforce in the early 1800s. After a century of prosperity the industry began to feel the effects of the European depression, of world wars, international competition and the fluctuating nature of the garment industry. This had a profound effect on the Scottish textile industry and it is with great pride that I support the industry today.

THE LINEN

Each bag comes with a protective linen dustbag. I make these using offcuts from the last linen mill in Scotland - sadly now closed (thankfully I have stash!). Each dustbag is made from the odd ends and offcuts of previous projects which would otherwise be deemed waste. Scottish Linen was established in 1825 and until 2020 they continued to use traditional weaving methods that Scotland was once renowned for. Made from the entire flax plant, Linen has a lower carbon footprint than many other materials. Flax requires little energy or water and after hemp, is considered one of the most productive crops per acre.

THE ZIPS

The zips I use are sourced from Switzerland by a company founded in 1936 who patented the first ever die cast zipper on Nylon. They won the Swiss Technology-Award in 2004 and are now known for their high quality products synonymous with the luxury market.