Matt & Nat: vegan accessories and shoes

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS

The brand does not disclose exact factory locations, but confirms production in:

Romania
Italy
Possibly other countries

WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES

MATT & NAT places great importance on building strong relationships with its factories, ensuring ethical production remains at the heart of its operations. The company’s CEO visits each factory 2 – 3 times a year, fostering close connections with the factory owners, who are considered part of the MATT & NAT family.

To maintain high ethical standards on a daily basis, locally based managers oversee factory operations, ensuring that working conditions align with the brand’s principles. This approach guarantees that while customers receive high-quality products, the people involved in their production are treated fairly.

Accountability is a key priority. To uphold ethical standards, audits are conducted twice a year, verifying that wages are fair, workplaces are safe and hygienic, and child labour is strictly prohibited. One of MATT & NAT’s factories already operates under the SA8000 standard, a globally recognised certification for fair working conditions, and the company aims to expand this practice across more of its production in the future.

MATERIALS

Polyurethane
Polyvinyl butyral (PVB)
Nylon
Rubber
Faux Suede (supposedly biodegradable)
Faux Suede (recycled PU)
Faux shearling
Recycled insole logo label.
Fruit skin fibres (like UPPEAL™, derived from apple waste)

While PU is a step up from PVC, its environmental impact remains significant, especially concerning microplastics and water use.

PVB is made from 100% recycled windshield glass resin. This material was first introduced in the FW20 Purity collection as part of MATT & NAT’s move away from PVC. By SS21, the entire Women’s Dwell collection transitioned from PVC to PVB, ensuring that most of the collection is made from recycled materials, except for hardware.

PACKAGING

Products are protected in 100% organic cotton dust bags.

WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS

PU production requires large amounts of water and harmful chemicals. The brand does not disclose data on water management or chemical reduction efforts.

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN

Most handbags are made from material blends, which makes recycling difficult.
Some recycled materials are used, but this alone does not ensure circularity.

All bag linings are made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, with approximately 21 bottles repurposed per bag, reducing plastic waste and supporting circularity in fashion.

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS

No take-back program, repair service, or resale initiative is mentioned.

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN

Production: Italy and Romania, other countries possible
Some materials are sourced from Italy
Headquarters: Montreal, Canada.
Matt & Nat sells in: Europe, Canada, the USA, the UK and Australia

TRANSPORTATION

The brand doesn’t disclose any information on shipping methods or carbon footprint.

Matt & Nat uses no animal-based materials. It’s important for them not to use leather, to ensure animal welfare, making them vegan. They are PETA approved.

They state they care deeply about animals and the welfare of the planet. However, PU and plastic-based materials contribute to pollution, indirectly harming wildlife.

PRODUCT DESIGN

The brand aims to create timeless designs.

MATT & NAT believes in creating products that go beyond seasonal trends. Each piece is designed to last for years, undergoing strict quality control tests to ensure durability and long-term wearability. By focusing on recycled materials, the brand tries to improve its environmental impact.

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES

Vegan leather alternatives tend to wear out more quickly than traditional leather and can be challenging to repair, raising concerns about product longevity. Additionally, synthetic materials used in these alternatives may contribute to microplastic pollution, impacting the environment. There is also a lack of information on whether on-demand production methods or durability-focused measures are implemented to extend the lifespan of these products.

TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT

Some product pages state “Made in Italy” or “Made in Romania”, but details on the full production chain are lacking. Furthermore, the website shows a minimum of material information.

TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES

The website includes a section on ethical workplaces, but no clear supply chain transparency. This goes for every step of the production process.

Conclusion

Matt & Nat is recognised for its vegan and minimalist designs, but there is room for improvement in transparency, material choices, and circularity. While the use of recycled linings is a positive step, the PU-based materials still pose challenges for sustainability. The brand has a long way to go in terms of supply chain transparency, packaging, and long-term durability.

Curious to explore Matt & Nat’s collection? Find them on the COSH! map below.