Resource efficiency
Humanity’s usage of natural resources currently exceeds the regeneration capacity of the Earth by 1.5 times. We want to do our part to help the planet through circular economy, where the generation of waste is minimised and the need for new raw materials is reduced. Leather is a traditional and durable material that provides a sustainable alternative for products made using fossil or other non-renewable raw materials. Timeless design ensures long-term use.
We believe in resource-efficiency in all we do. We aim at the highest possible efficiency and eco-friendliness in the use of energy, water, and raw materials in our operations. Our goal is to always get as close to zero residual waste as possible. Thanks to process development, we can now produce more end products from the same amount of raw materials. The environmental impact has also been reduced.
Raw material
All of our raw material is other people’s waste. We live in symbiosis with hunters, nomads, and local abattoirs, processing the hides and skins that are a side product of their operations.
We buy elk hides directly from hunting clubs that regulate the size of elk populations in accordance with the principles laid down in the Finnish natural resources directives. Tradition requires hunters to respect the animals they kill, and the Hunting Act also forbids causing unnecessary pain and suffering to them. Hunters keep the meat, but processing of the hides is often too laborious for private individuals. As the result, without an outside buyer the hides would be left in the wilds to rot. We want to make the work of hunters as easy as possible. Every year, before the start of the hunting season we provide hunting clubs with the salt needed for proper processing of the hides. Every autumn, after the hunting season we collect the salted hides from along forest roads using our own vehicles. Elk does not require care or resources from humans, as they live free in the wilderness. Hunters move in the wilderness on foot: the use of vehicles or machinery in hunting is forbidden. Raw material is procured ecologically and with respect for the environment.
Yaks also graze free in the wilderness. Apart from protection against predators, the herd does not need any other care or resources from humans in order to survive. Nomads still have a very personal and respectful relationship with the animals, and they even give names to individual members of the pack. The yak is a utility animal for the nomads. Their milk and meat are used as food, the wool for making cloths, the fur as insulation in the yurts, and the manure as fuel. Yaks are spared the unpleasant trip to the abattoir, as they are slaughtered on location. We buy all yak hides directly from the nomads. The sale is completed without intermediaries ensuring that the entire purchase price goes to the nomads. This way we also participate in preserving the traditional lifestyle and culture of the nomads.
We only use cowhides that are a side product of the milk and meat industries, i.e. the animals are not reared for hide production. We buy hides from local abattoirs that provide the farms with instructions on ensuring the wellbeing of the animals.
Energy
In our production we only use green energy with a guarantee of origin.
To visit the website of our energy supplier, click here.
Water
Finland is a country with thousands of lakes. Our lakes are also among the cleanest in the world. This is a source of national pride for us, and we want to do our share by minimising the impact of our operations on the waterways.
All water used in our production is collected and cleaned in our own waste water treatment plant. Any harmful substances contained in the process water is filtered both mechanically and chemically. Any remaining materials, such as chromium and sulphides, are collected and modified in sedimentation tanks, and all organic waste and by-products are transferred to a nearby biogas plant.
Both of our tanneries have an environmental permit that specifies limits for emissions to air and water and for environmental noise.
Chemicals
We aim to consciously increase the use of ecological tanning in all of our products. Vegetable tanning is a centuries-old method, but the correct use of it requires in-depth knowledge of traditional crafts. Combining these skills with modern production planning enable a smaller ecological footprint.
We only manufacture chrome-tanned leather for special purposes where the end product needs to be heat- or water-resistant for example. All of our chemicals are purchased from within the EU, and comply with the highest environmental standards. The chemicals we use in chrome tanning are certified by the European Union’s Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation.
Logistics
Together with our partners and suppliers, we aim to continually develop our logistics practices to be as ecological as possible. We procure the products and accessories that we need from local companies whenever we can. We collect nearly all raw materials that we use with our own vehicles, and according to a precise route plan. The transport of yak hides is organised in large batches, which reduces transportation emissions.
Social responsibility
Our aim is to be an excellent place to work. We provide further training for our staff and are strong supporters of apprenticeship tradition. All of our employees are insured against accidents, and we also offer them extensive occupational health services.
Together we support an active culture of getting things done. Diversity is our greatest strength. Openness and cooperation with various cultures and operators is a natural part of our operations. The staff of our production facilities includes 12 nationalities, and we trade with 25 countries.