Lies Mertens’ bags are designed in Belgium and produced in Europe. The leather is sourced from Italy, Germany and the Netherlands. Each supplier uses a unique laser number printed on each hide to ensure better transparency throughout the production process.
The brand works with production partners in Italy and Tunisia. Lies Mertens works closely with the producers and visits them regularly to ensure fair and safe working conditions. The production workshop in Tunisia is run by a Belgian office in Kortrijk.
Because most of these manufacturers are based in the European Union, they have to comply with E.U. labour rules and legislation. As a result, the bags are more likely to be produced in ethical conditions. Because the Tunisian atelier is owned and regularly visited by Belgian owners, we can also expect fair working conditions here.
The production partners Lies Mertens works with are certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG) with the Silver or Gold distinction. This is an organization that evaluates the impact of tanneries on the environment.
The German producer Hoffmanns obtained the LWG gold certificate. This means that the tannery is making good steps in reducing their ecological impact. One way they do this is by using a closed-loop water system. The system ensures that wastewater is filtered for reuse in the tanning process. This way, the company avoids discharging chemicals in the waste water.
Lies Mertens informed us that their producer Vitelco also obtained the LWG Silver certificate. Moreover, this supplier works with a local supply chain, with the leather coming from their own farm in the Netherlands.
During leather tanning, many harmful chemicals are usually used. But also in the following processes. For instance during the dyeing process, or to make leather more resistant to water and dirt. A more sustainable alternative is vegetal-tanned leather, where only vegetable materials are used in the production process.
Lies Mertens uses chrome-tanned leather for most bags. Because the tanning takes place in Europe, they do have to comply with EU chemical restrictions. The German and Italian producers’ closed-loop system also limits pollution from chrome tanning.
When leather is vegetally tanned, without the use of chemicals, it is biodegradable. However, this is only the case when no chemicals are used in dyeing and post-treatment of the leather either. So Lies Mertens’ products are not all biodegradable, but in principle they are recyclable.
Moreover, the idea is that you cherish your Lies Mertens bag for years and have it repaired when needed. This way, the product stays in the circular cycle longer.
Lies Mertens collaborates with an external repair service, so bags with defects can always be brought in for repair. This way, they ensure you can use your product for as long as possible.
Lies Mertens has a fairly short supply chain. The design team works from Belgium and the bags are made in and close to Europe. The brand works with German, Dutch, Italian and Tunisian tanneries and producers. The Tunisian producer has a Belgian owner, which facilitates communication. Depending on the model of the bag, either the Italian or Tunisian manufacturer is chosen.
Lies Mertens only uses calfskin that is a co-product of the meat industry. In this way, the brand wants to prevent animals from dying for the skin alone. The skins always come from Europe. Lies Mertens thus wants to ensure that the animals have led a better life.
Lies Mertens is also experimenting with vegan alternatives such as material made from mushrooms or VEGEA, a material based on grape residues from the wine industry. A vegan collection made of an even more innovative material was released in 2023! In this way, the brand hopes to become more animal-friendly in the future and add vegan handbags to their collection.
Lies Mertens’ handbags are highly functional. This is because the brand adds several compartments to its designs. This way, you can fit almost everything in your bag, even your partner’s wallet!
The bags are available in different colours and textures. They are always made of cow leather, but the material can take on different textures thanks to treatment. So you can opt for smooth leather, but also for a relief.
Lies Mertens always opts for high-quality materials. So you can be sure that your bag will shine for a long time. The designs are stylish, timeless and versatile. Each design is produced in small quantities to avoid overstock.
To make sure your new purchase stays beautiful for longer, Lies Mertens gives tips and tricks for caring for the leather. And when necessary, you can drop by to have your favourite companion repaired. You can also visit Lies Mertens for complete care of your bag. If you really don’t use your bag anymore, you can hand it in at the shop in exchange fora discount on your next purchase, the handbag will then be recycled.
Lies Mertens operates quite transparently. The brand provides information about their production partners and the origin of the leather. Unfortunately, traceability is still very limited within the leather industry, making it always difficult to trace the origin of the hides.
Lies Mertens works on this by working with suppliers who use laser numbers on each hide. Through this numbering, one can always trace where & how the animal lived and where the leather was processed!
Conclusion
Looking for a quality leather handbag? Want a bag that is practical and stylish all in one? You will find it in the collection of Lies Mertens! Discover where you can buy the brand on the map below.
