Eef Thys

Production locations

• Belgium
• Italy

Working Conditions & Living Wages

The majority of products are made in their own studio in Holsbeek. Additionally, they collaborate with external workshops in Belgium, Vlaams-Brabant.

Eef Theys offers 100% handcrafted bags made in Belgium.

Eef Theys works with two women from Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium, in a partnership that is purely functional. This collaboration promotes local partnerships and adheres to applicable Belgian labour laws, supporting fair working conditions.

Materials

• Cowhide, PU-coated 
• Pigskin

The cowhides have a thin PU coating that supports durability, water resistance and scratch resistance. 
If you want to know more about the tradition of leather, read the article about leather in transition. 

Eef Theys works with leather from an italian tannery, an advanced company in the leather sector committed to more responsible leather production, more environmentally friendly practices, high-quality standards, and more sustainable solutions.
With an LWG Gold Medal and ISO 14001 certification, the tannery meets high environmental standards. Additionally, the ​“Leather from Italy” certificate (UNI EN 16484) confirms the Italian origin of their leather, while the ICEC certifications (TS SC410 and TS PC412) ensure good traceability of raw materials and support deforestation-free supply chains. The UNI ISO / TS 17033:2020 certification guarantees that all hides are by-products of the food industry.

Packaging

Eef Theys uses cotton bags as packaging material. 

Water usage & chemicals

The leather is chrome-tanned, which harbours potential risks such as the release of harmful substances and environmental pollution. If you want to know more about the history of leather, read our fascinating article. 

Circular product design

The PU layer makes coated cowhide more resistant to moisture, wear and stains, but it loses its natural breathability and makes the recycling process more difficult. 

Circular business models

To support the longevity of the bag and prevent lasting stains or discolouration, care and cleaning tips for the leather products are available on the website. If your bag requires repair, you can have it professionally restored at Eef Theys’ studio, giving it a second life. The company also offers a standard two-year warranty.

The Italian tannery Eef Theys collaborates with is part of the circular economy, producing leather from by-products of the food industry. This approach reduces waste and conserves resources.

You can also rent Eef Theys’ high-quality bags at Dressr in Mortsel, Belgium.

Distance & complexity of the supply chain

• Belgium
• Italy
• Headquarter: Atelier Eef Theys, Holsbeek, Belgium

Transportation

• Transport within the supply chain is carried out by car.

• Cowhide with PU coating 
• Pigskin 

The cowhide and pigskin, as by-products of the food industry, come from an Italian tannery. The leather is chrome-tanned, which impacts the environment due to the use of chemicals. To increase durability, water resistance, and scratch resistance, the cowhides are coated with PU. 

Product design

In addition to their versatile leather bags, which can be worn elegantly as a crossbody, stylishly as a shoulder bag, or as a chic clutch, Eef Theys also offers creative DIY kits. With these thoughtfully curated sets, you can design your own bags or create practical glasses cases and cardholders – personalised, unique, and entirely to your taste.

Slow fashion processes

Eef Theys produces items in extremely limited editions. Production is primarily made-to-order, ensuring that each bag is crafted with particular care and personal dedication. This approach intentionally avoids overproduction, promoting a more sustainable use of resources while lending each bag an exclusive quality that highlights its unique character.

Transparency on product

On the product page for the bags, the company provides detailed information about the materials used and the versatile carrying options. Customers are also informed on the website about where the bags are produced.

Transparency on processes

On the website, the label names its partner, the tannery in Italy. 
Most of the work takes place directly in Eef Theys’ studio in Belgium, with support from two women in Vlaams-Brabant. This keeps the supply chain manageable and fully traceable, enabling them to offer customers complete transparency — from the initial material sourcing to the production of each individual piece.