At Watson & Wolfe we believe that not only should our product be environmentally friendly, but so should our suppliers. That’s why we are transparent about our supply chain. We want our suppliers to be as focused on the environment as we are, and we want you to trust that our materials are sourced from the most reputable producers.
Corn Leather
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Rome, Italy
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The high-performance material we use is the result of years of Research and Development and is a huge leap towards fully sustainable faux leathers. The manufacturer of our eco leather is based in Rome, Italy. With three sites globally, the company is committed to developing materials with the optimal mix of technical performance and aesthetic appeal.
Each global site is fully powered by rooftop generators producing usable solar energy.
The environmental gain from their green energy is quantifiable, and gives a total Co2 saving of 1.023.990 Kg per year.
Only low environmental impact LED illumination is used throughout the group.
They have their own intensive Research & Development program, pushing the boundaries of sustainable production of leather.
They are aiming to develop a 100% solvent-free product and an article for shoe lining with 80% of BIO content.
Raw Material
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North America
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The plant material used to make our corn-based leather is sourced from North America. The oil extracted from yellow dent corn represents up to 45% in the range of material we use on our collections.
Yellow Dent is a type of field corn with a high soft starch content. It received its name because of the small indentation (“dent”) at the crown of each kernel on a ripe ear of corn.
Yellow Dent grows on over 99% of North American Continent corn field acres and is therefore a prime location for this core ingredient.
Field corn is not for human consumption, it is in fact produced for ethanol purposes and other manufactured goods.
This raw material has a smaller environmental footprint than its petroleum-based alternatives, saving CO2 emissions.
Cactus Leather
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Guadalajara, Mexico
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The cactus plants are grown at a ranch in Zacatecas, Mexico. The process of growing and harvesting the cactus is sustainable and renewable. The cactus raw material (30%) is combined with polyurethane, a blend which provides a long lasting, durable material.
The ranch only plants native cactus from the region to promote existing biodiversity of wild flora.
Cactus plants are grown without the use of chemicals such as herbicides or pesticides.
Cactus is a natural carbon sink and has a great CO2 sequestering capacity. The 14 acres on the ranch can absorb 8,100 tons of CO2/year while only generating 15.30 tons of CO2 annually.
They have their own intensive Research & Development program, pushing the boundaries of sustainable production of cactus leather.
RPET Lining
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Bursa, Turkey
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In 2021 the production of our rPET fabric was moved from Taiwan to Bursa in Turkey, reducing the supply chain by more than 7,865 kilometers. Now the material travels less than 160km to reach our factory.
The mill is family run and operated by the third generation. They are led by sustainability and work with some of the foremost innovations in sustainable textiles and yarns, including TENCEL®, MODAL® and REBIBRA®, as well as yarns from LENZING® and sustainable FILAMENT VISCOSE.
GOTS certified, member of the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) and OEKO-Tex 100 certified.
Production systems which consume less energy and gas.
Fabric dying processed that require 60% less water than conventional systems.
Due diligence of their supply chain to minimise damage to the environment. Checking certifications and demanding ethical production of all yarns they buy.
Ethical Craftsmanship
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Istanbul, Türkiye
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In fashion today, it is important that we understand how our supply chain affects people and ask, “who made my clothes”. Our manufacturing plant in Türkiye is a small, fair wage employer of local people. They have decades of experience working with global luxury brands.
Owner-managed with 10 members of staff
Fair wage and all government taxes and benefits are paid
Excellent working conditions
Skill is nurtured and respected
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Guangzhou, China
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Veshin (pronounced V-shin) is a manufacturer specialising in luxury vegan leather bags & accessories. Built on a philosophy centered on sustainability, transparency, consciousness & environmentally progressive values, they use only premium vegan and recycled materials.
Fair wage and all government taxes and benefits are paid
Excellent working conditions
10 years experience in premium leather goods
Aiming to be the first fully sustainable vegan factory in the world
