hesa.design

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS 

• Germany: Hesa.design studio in Düsseldorf
• Belgium: Leather suppliers
• Mexico: Cactus leather Desserto

WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES 

All products are personally crafted by Theresa Föhrenbacher in her studio in Düsseldorf.

The brand sources materials from Germany and Belgium, two countries with strict labour laws. The cactus leather from Desserto comes from Mexico, with the brand emphasising that its suppliers there adhere to a strict code of conduct.

Additionally, hesa.design has its cotton dust bags made in a German workshop for people with disabilities.

MATERIALS 

• Vegetable-tanned leather from Germany and Belgium
• Cactus leather from Desserto (contains synthetic components)
• Natural dyes such as rhubarb, oak valerian and tara

The brand relies on high-quality materials with a focus on traditional tanning methods. According to hesa.design, the leather used is biologically tanned and free from synthetic chemicals. The vegan cactus leather from Desserto, according to the manufacturer, contains both plant-based and synthetic components to enhance durability.

PACKAGING 

The brand uses paper and cardboard packaging, which, according to its own statements, is RESY licensed and recyclable.

Customers are encouraged to return packaging to support the circular economy.

WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS 

According to hesa.design, the vegetable-tanned leather is treated with natural dyes. The production process of Desserto cactus leather reportedly requires less water than conventional leather; however, the brand does not reference any independent studies to support this claim.

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN 

The brand follows a zero-waste philosophy, designing products to minimise material offcuts. Leather scraps are repurposed for smaller items or details.

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS 

hesa.design offers a bespoke service, allowing customers to design personalised products. This made-to-order approach reduces overproduction and promotes long-term use of the products.

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN 

• Germany & Belgium: Leather suppliers
• Mexico: Cactus leather
• Germany: Production in her own atelier

hesa.design’s supply chain is comparatively short, as the majority of materials come from Europe and production takes place locally in Düsseldorf.

TRANSPORTATION 

• The brand does not provide any precise information about transport within the supply chain or shipping to customers.

• Belgian leather with LWG Gold certification
• German leather certified by IVN & Biokreis
• Origin of animal husbandry: Germany & Belgium

hesa.design sources leather from two German and one Belgian supplier, who, according to the brand, comply with the REACH regulation. 
The Belgian leather holds an LWG Gold certification, while the German leather is IVN and Biokreis certified. However, according to the brand’s suppliers, only 6% of the German cowhide comes from certified organic farming.

PRODUCT DESIGN 

hesa.design stands for handcrafted accessories created with great attention to detail. Customers have the opportunity to have personalised one-of-a-kind pieces made according to their own ideas.
Additionally, the brand offers a repair service to extend the lifespan of its products, promoting more sustainable use.

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES 

hesa.design stands for high-quality, durable designs and produces exclusively on demand, avoiding mass production. 

Additionally, the brand offers repairs to extend the lifespan of its products.

TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT 

The brand provides information about the materials used and their countries of origin. Customers ordering bespoke designs are actively involved in the creation process.

TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES 

hesa.design does not publish a detailed list of its suppliers but provides certifications for the leather used. There are currently no independent third-party verifications or an annual sustainability report.