ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
We aim to make great products, while minimising harm to the planet and its inhabitants, by:
1. Designing and making durable and versatile bags that last for years.
Creating long-lasting bags that can be repaired rather than replaced helps to reduce the total number of bags being produced.
2. Using fabrics made from recycled plastics
There is already too much plastic in the world, so we take existing plastic and put it to good use.
3. Creating leathers that are vegetable-tanned.
We start with hides that are a natural byproduct of farming. Then, we use vegetable tanning to turn them into leather.
There are two ways to produce leather: vegetable tanning or chrome tanning. Vegetable tanning is a more natural way of transforming animal hides into a soft and durable leather that will last longer and wear better than chrome-tanned leather.
Chrome tanning uses chromium, a toxic chemical. If the wastewater from chrome tanning isn’t disposed of properly, that toxin can find its way into rivers, lakes and oceans. That’s why we only use vegetable-tanned leather. Instead of toxic chromium, we use a mix of tree barks, water, and other natural ingredients to create our leather.
4. Making packaging from recycled materials.
We package and transport our products in boxes and bags that are made from recycled materials.
5. Partnering with customers to take mutual responsibility for the lifecycle of our products.
We work with our customers to help with repairs, reuse and recycling so we can minimize the amount that is going to landfill.
We know that with extensive use over time, materials will wear and sometimes things break. That’s why we offer a repair service for the life of the product. This service – free for the first five years, and charged at cost after that – helps to keep Troubadour bags in use year after year.
6. Never resting on our laurels.
We’re always looking for new ways to minimise our use of energy, water, and raw materials. And we’re constantly working on innovative approaches to every aspect of our product design, making sure that sustainability is a fundamental part of what we do.
