PRODUCTION LOCATIONS
- Italy
WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES
Atelier Content states that every pair of shoes is manufactured in small family workshops in Italy. Their website provides individual information about some of their manufacturers, helping consumers to understand the process behind creating each product.
Nele Content states that she regularly travels to Italy to help ensure good working conditions and high quality products.
MATERIALS
- Leather
Atelier Content state that they only use locally tanned nappa leather. Nappa leather is typically made from calfskin, sheepskin, or goatskin. According to the brand, the CO2 emissions from nappa leather are more than three times lower than those of cow leather.
PACKAGING
Atelier Content has not provided information about their packaging materials on their website.
WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS
Atelier Content states that they use chrome tanning for their leather. Chrome tanning uses chemicals to treat the leather, and when the residual toxic water is discharged it can harm both ecosystems and human health.
Atelier Content states that they use a low chrome content, meaning that less chromium or other heavy metals are released during the tanning process. Additionally, their leather is tanned in Europe, meaning the likelihood of pollution is reduced as European environmental regulations are among the strictest in the world.
The brand has informed COSH! that they previously experimented with vegetable tanned leather, but decided to continue using chrome tanned leather due to the improved look and quality.
CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN
Atelier Content’s shoes are 100% leather. Monomaterials are easier to recycle, so these shoes are less likely to generate excess waste at the end of their lifespan.
CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS
Atelier Content has not disclosed any circular business models on their website.
DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN
Production locations:
- Italy
All Atelier Content’s production is based in Italy, and the brand state that they use 100% Italian leather. As their headquarters are located in Belgium, the overall supply chain is relatively short.
TRANSPORTATION
Atelier Content does not disclose what transportation methods are used in their supply chain or for e‑commerce. However, as their production is based in Europe, transportation related emissions are reduced.
- Leather
Atelier Content states that they use Italian leather, although they have provided no further details regarding their material sourcing on their website. Additionally, the brand has not published an animal welfare policy on their website. This is detrimental to our understanding of the animal welfare aspect of Atelier Content.
PRODUCT DESIGN
Atelier Content states that their shoes are designed to be worn frequently, actively, and for a very long time. They also focus on timeless designs to help ensure that their products are kept in use for as long as possible.
All Atelier Content’s shoes are available in sizes 36 to 42. The brand also has a range intended for wider feet, and some items available up to size 44, helping to promote inclusivity.
SLOW FASHION PROCESSES
Atelier Content releases winter and summer collections, and there is a sales section on their website as their shoes are not made to order.
TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT
As every product is manufactured in Italy, you can be sure to always know the production country of your specific purchase. Each product page also states what materials are used for the main body of the shoe, and elsewhere on their website Atelier Content state that they use Italian leather.
TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES
Atelier Content does not publish an annual report on the environmental or sustainability aspects of their brand, and does not disclose details about where they source their materials from on their website. They do, however, provide insights into their production processes and give information about some of their team members in Italy.
Conclusion
Crafted in Italy from Italian leather, this Belgian brand aims to deliver high quality leather shoes. With a focus on elegance, comfort, and timeless designs, each pair of shoes is designed to last. What’s more, Atelier Content only works with a small number of workshops, who are visited regularly to ensure fair working conditions.
Discover where you can explore an Atelier Content collection near you on the map below -