Think small is where RLSD takes a look at some of the companies around the world that we think are doing the right thing with leather. This is a greenwashing free zone – no matter what they produce, sustainability is at the heart of what they do.
Think Small: Behno
What makes your company different?
Behno means sisters in Hindi. At our partner factories, female colleagues are referred to by their first name followed by the suffix of “behn” (sister). In plurality, they become a community of sisters.
We’re pioneering a new standard for manufacturing in the global garment trade, revolutionizing the way garment workers and artisans are viewed, employed, and treated.
Why is leather so important to you and what other materials do you use?
Recycling plastics, metals and leathers isn’t easy. It requires diligent time and effort implementing processes and protocol, which our partner factory is committed to. They’re also constantly working toward reducing their carbon footprint by utilizing state-of-the-art, energy saving machinery and infrastructure.
Our leathers come from some of the world’s finest tanneries. Located on the outskirts of the iconic canal city of Venice and near the port city of Chennai, our principal tanneries are critical members of our supply chain.
They are members of the Leather Working Group, a consortium of stakeholders that develop and maintain rigid protocols to assess the environmental compliance and performance capabilities of leather manufacturers. The Leather Working Group (LWG) works with leading technical experts and industry leaders to promote sustainability and transparency.
Earning a status with the LWG is rigid. It means tanneries heed much attention to their environmental and chemical management systems, ban restricted substances, minimize their energy consumption and water usage, focus on materials traceability, and ensure the safety, health, and emergency preparedness of their workers.
What is your signature product?
Our Ina and Tina bucket bags come in a range of sizes and colours for every occasion in supple Napa leather or pebble grain leather.
What do Behno say?
Inspiring change not only by example at our own factory, we also partner with other international factories adhering to rigid compliances striving to improve factory conditions in developing countries.
What does RLSD say?
Bright and vibrant, beautifully designed and crafted, these premium leather products come from a company with a conscience.
Find out more here.
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