PRODUCTION LOCATIONS
- The Netherlands
WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES
The exclusive leather products are handmade with great attention to detail in the company’s own workshop in Arnhem by the founder and designer Judith.
MATERIALS
- Leather
The unique bags are made exclusively from carefully selected cowhides from an Italian tannery. If a bag contains a lining, this is made from leftover leather. This saves resources and makes the bags something very special.
PACKAGING
Atelier Judith van den Berg does not disclose what packaging materials are used.
WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS
During production, attention is paid to environmental compatibility, for example by choosing non-toxic, natural or plant-based printing colours and dyes.
However, the processing of leather has a high environmental impact. Leather can either be chrome or vegetable tanned. In vegetable tanning, plants and tree bark are used to preserve the leather. Chrome tanning, on the other hand, uses high volumes of chemicals to treat the leather; a highly toxic method which can damage both the environment and even human health. Both vegetable and chrome tanned leather are used for the creation of these bags.
Fortunately, Atelier Judith van den Berg works with a tannery in Italy, which will follow strict EU regulations for the safe management of chemicals.
CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN
The designer uses leftover material from the leather hides to make small items such as wallets. As every bag is 100% leather, they should be easy to recycle at the end of their lifespans.
CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS
Customers can have their bags repaired free of charge for life. The only thing she can’t repair is the leather itself, but luckily there are many experts who specialise in that!
DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN
Production locations:
- The Netherlands
The studio and shop are located in Arnhem, and the brand sources its leather from Italy. This keeps the overall supply chain relatively short and simple, and the associated emissions lower. The brand does however offer worldwide shipping, increasing the length of their supply chain.
TRANSPORTATION
The products can be conveniently sent by post or collected in person in Arnhem, helping to reduce transportation-related emissions.
- Leather
The products are made exclusively with cowhide, sourced from a tannery in Italy. Unfortunately, there is little transparency in the leather industry, so this does not guarantee the animal-welfare of the cows.
For bags with a smaller impact on both animals and the environment, the brand also sells some products made with overstock leather.
PRODUCT DESIGN
The high-quality natural material can provide many years of pleasure and is also durable in terms of timelessness. The bags are an absolute eye-catcher. They come in beautiful, muted colours and are a fabulous accessory for every season and every style. Nevertheless, the right care is also crucial for leather products in order to enjoy them for a long time. The designer advises taking good care of the products right from the start to avoid stains or drying out and to ensure the longevity of the leather.
SLOW FASHION PROCESSES
Atelier Judith van den Berg does not offer temporary collections; instead, every model that has already been produced can be made again on request, which encourages conscious consumption.
TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT
As Atelier Judith van den Berg always sources its leather from Italy, and produces its bags in Arnhem, you’ll always know where your specific purchase was produced! However, the lack of transparency in the leather industry means that unfortunately the exact origin of the leather is untraceable.
TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES
You are welcome to visit Judith at the studio and shop in Arnhem. Whether you’re looking for a high-quality leather bag or want to take a look behind the scenes, it’s definitely worth a visit. Here you can experience the craftsmanship and dedication behind every single product first hand. This direct contact and the opportunity to observe the fascinating manufacturing process creates trust and transparency in the brand – a real highlight!
Conclusion
Atelier Judith van den Berg impresses with lovingly crafted bags and accessories that are created with a great deal of passion in her own studio in Arnhem. The styles are deliberately kept simple and minimalist to create a timeless and modern aesthetic. Are you looking for a faithful companion? Then take a look at the high-quality leather bags in the online shop or pop into Judith’s shop and let yourself be enchanted.
