Mulberry unveils first 100% eco leather bag

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Dec 6, 2019

Brands are racing to establish their sustainability credentials in the face of a consumer who’s becoming increasingly eco-conscious and who’s expecting the companies they buy from to lead the way.

And on Friday, Mulberry announced that it has launched its first 100% sustainable leather bag. The Portobello Tote can be carried in the hand or worn across the body and is part of Mulberry Green, the label’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”.

So what exactly has it done to make this bag sustainable? It's made completely in the UK, at the brand’s carbon-neutral Somerset factories. And it uses Heavy Grain leather “from a gold-rated tannery”, that gold rating having been awarded by the internationally recognised Leather Working Group based on the environmental operations and output of the tannery. Meanwhile the leather itself is a by-product of the food industry. 

The company has also used Epic EcoVerde thread, a recycled polyester fibre, and the bag isn’t lined, nor does it come with the metal hardware usually found on Mulberry bags.

And to add to the feel-good factor around the item, the company said that it's committed to ensuring the price for responsible sourcing and production is not passed on to the consumer and that 100% of net proceeds from the sale of the bag will go to the World Land Trust. This is a conservation charity that funds the creation of reserves and provides permanent protection for habitats and wildlife.

“Our starting point for this family was the ultimate everyday item, the plastic bag – functional, but throwaway,” said creative director Johnny Coca. “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.”

With a starting price of £795, it’s available in signature and seasonal shades, including Black, Midnight, Chestnut, Nordic Blue, Crimson, Tangerine Orange and Mulberry Green.