BCORP Certified Leather handbags made in Europe

Traditional animal leather is often deemed unsustainable, yet some fashion brands using this material have achieved B Corp Certification. This may seem paradoxical, but it's not, and here's why.

B Corp Certification evaluates a company’s entire social and environmental impact. Unlike other certifications, B Lab measures a company's performance across various factors, including employee benefits, charitable giving, supply chain practices, and input materials. To achieve this certification, a company must:

1. Demonstrate High Performance: Achieve a B Impact Assessment score of 80 or above and pass a risk review. Multinational corporations must also meet baseline requirements.

2. Make a Legal Commitment: Change their corporate governance structure to be accountable to all stakeholders, not just shareholders, and achieve benefit corporation status if available in their jurisdiction.

3. Exhibit Transparency: Make information about their performance publicly available on their B Corp profile.

B Corps build trust with consumers, communities, and suppliers, attract and retain employees, and draw mission-aligned investors. The certification process is rigorous, with ongoing verification every three years. B Corp Certification is holistic, addressing multiple social and environmental issues, and promotes continuous improvement.

Fashion industry is deeply involved in manufacturing or sourcing physical products and therefore face challenges related to supply chain transparency, fair labor practices, and environmental impact. Ensuring suppliers meet B Corp standards can be complex, but it’s a crucial step in achieving sustainability and ethical practices in fashion.

If you are a conscious consumer that does not want to give up on traditional leather products, I am handpicking for you some brands that are BCORP certified and making their handbags products in Europe.

Let's start with Modher, an Italian brand that prioritizes eco-consciousness and social responsibility when choosing materials for their leather goods. In terms of materials used, they utilize Italian Leather: sourced from Tuscany, Italy, known for high-quality craftsmanship and strict environmental standards as well as Certified Vegetable-Tanned Leather and Top-Grain Leather for luxurious texture and unmatched durability.

The brand also states to use Mirum™ which is a Plastic-Free Alternative but I would not be entirely sure for which components of the final product.

The MODHER Collection features elegant, sustainable handbags, including totes, cross-body bags, and clutches, all crafted by skilled artisans along the Arno River in Italy’s historic leather district. Despite being a small collection with moderately high prices, each piece embodies meticulous craftsmanship and modern design.

Discover more about their artisan labs and commitment to quality on their website.

O My Bag is a Dutch brand that creates sustainable and ethically made leather bags and accessories. Their products are handcrafted by a team in India, and they focus on positive change for people and the planet. Whether you’re looking for natural or vegan leather options, they offer a wide range of bags for women, from mini bags to office bags and backpacks.

By producing in Kolkata, India, O My Bag connects small community producers to the global market, creating fair jobs and linking the brand's success to positive impacts in India. They offer training programs focusing on skills building and gender equality, ensuring artisans receive the support and opportunities needed to thrive. Their factories are certified by Social Accountability International (SA8000), guaranteeing ethical standards and fair working conditions. O My Bag also emphasizes environmental responsibility by using eco-friendly materials, avoiding chromium in leather tanning, and utilizing rainwater to reduce water consumption.

O My Bag offers a wide range of timeless women’s bags made of approx 90 items, perfect for various occasions. Whether you need a weekend bag, a work tote, or a mini bag for a party, they’ve got you covered, and they ship internationally as well!

Neri Karra is a luxury brand that represents a testament to resilience, love, and craftsmanship. Founder Neri Karra's journey began in provincial Bulgaria. Her life took a dramatic turn when her family, Bulgarians of Turkish ethnicity, was forced to leave. Settling in Istanbul with just two suitcases, they faced uncertainty. Neri's entrepreneurial spirit led her to create connections and grow the family business. After earning a business management degree in the US, she returned to Turkey and founded the Neri Karra brand, driven by hope, inspiration, and empowerment.

Each bag takes around 50 hours to create, starting in their studio near Florence, Italy, known for its leather-making tradition. From design conception to sample production, the brand invests time, skill, and care to ensure style and quality.

Neri Karra’s commitment to sustainability includes using high-quality leather, emphasizing the longevity of their products. Feel free to explore their online collection; my favorite is the Monceau bag!

I hope this post has inspired you to explore European brands are committed to creating beautiful, high-quality leather handbags while maintaining rigorous social and environmental standards.

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