British heritage brand Mulberry has unveiled its first 100 percent
sustainable leather bag, as part of its ongoing sustainability efforts.
The Portobello Tote has been designed to be a more streamlined,
luxurious and sustainable option to the plastic shopping bag, and has been
made entirely in the UK, at Mulberry’s carbon-neutral factories in
Somerset, using heavy grain leather from a gold-rated tannery and the
material is a by-product of food production, explained the luxury label.
While 50 percent of its collections are made in Somerset, this marks the
brand’s first fully sustainable bag, as the leather has gold standard
rating, awarded by the internationally recognised Leather Working Group
based on the environmental operations and output of the tannery, and the
unlined design has been stitched with Epic EcoVerde thread, a recycled
polyester fibre.
The creation of the Portobello bag is inspired by Mulberry Green, the
brand’s responsibility commitments that focus on creating a positive change
and a sustainable legacy through the care and attention it takes in
designing, sourcing and manufacturing each collection.
Commenting on the design, Mulberry’s creative director, Johnny Coca said
in a statement: “Our starting point for this family was the ultimate
everyday item, the plastic bag – functional, but throwaway. The Portobello
keeps the beautiful utility of this silhouette and elevates it into an
elegant tote that is practical and, more importantly, made to last.”
Mulberry unveils its sustainable Portobello Tote bag
The tote also features double loop handles and a shoulder strap, so it
can be carried or worn across the body, and is available in a range of
signature and seasonal shades, explained Mulberry including black,
midnight, chestnut, Nordic blue, crimson, tangerine orange and Mulberry
green.
Thierry Andretta, Mulberry chief executive, added: “I am delighted to
oversee the creation of Mulberry’s first completely sustainable bag.
Through our Mulberry Green responsibility commitments, we are continuing
our innovative approach towards design and manufacturing in a conscientious
way, ensuring we will provide truly luxury, truly responsible products for
our customers.”
As part of its commitment to ensure the price for responsible sourcing
and production is not passed on to the consumer, Mulberry has also added
that 100 percent of net proceeds from the sale of the bag will go to the
World Land Trust, a conservation charity that funds the creation of
reserves and provides permanent protection for habitats and wildlife.
To further highlight its sustainable credentials, Mulberry is also
placing a spotlight on its lifetime restorations services, which it states
is part of its dedication to “product durability and longevity” where it
offers repair service including replacing screws, components and straps to
allow customers to “revive, rather than replace, a well-loved bag”.
The Portobello Tote is available in-store and at mulberry.com, with
prices starting at 795 pounds.
This is Mulberry’s latest sustainable product, in November it launched
its new men’s collection in responsibly sourced Econyl regenerated nylon, a
durable, sustainable material crafted from ghost fishing nets retrieved
from the ocean and other salvaged waste. The Como Check capsule collection
featured five key silhouettes including the brand’s heritage backpack and
city tote, in a new print with traditional tartan overlaid with
camouflage.
Images: courtesy of Mulberry
