For all the products made through our programme, we involve product designers from the industry as well as local experts to ensure all processes use environmentally-friendly methods. We favour natural, local and organic materials.

We work with a network of communities specialised in recycled materials and we encourage new ideas to re-use discarded materials. We are constantly innovating new techniques that are more considerate towards the environment such as natural dyes and manual processes.

Impact Assessment

We have a tailor-made Social Impact Assessment developed in collaboration with a panel of regional experts including doctors, professors and environmental specialists. Using this tool, we regularly assess the impact of the project on the lives of the communities as well as the environment around them.

Following Industry Standards

Because we work within a network of experts from the industry, the more established community groups operate according to strict industry guidelines.

This applies particularly to production processes involving leather (vegetable tanned when possible) and cotton (organic if available). With informal groups, we work with them to help them to achieve industry standards.

Carbon Footprint

Reusing and recycling are a way of life among those with whom we work. Skills are almost entirely manual, and most sewing machines are treadle-operated. The use of electricity and water – such precious resources across Africa – is minimal.

The communities we work with travel by foot, by bicycle or by public transport, whether in Kenya, Uganda or Geneva. A small core of the team does fly; mostly long distances between Europe and Africa. Stringent planning ensures every trip is maximised. Through all our operations, we stress an environmentally