PRODUCTION LOCATIONS
- Sarrebourg, France
- Portugal
WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES
The brand has their own production facilities in the EU, which enforces strict labour laws.
The brand has visits its leather tanneries, located in Germany: where safe working conditions are ensured. The store manager responsible for Belgian distribution noted that these tanneries have a difficulty finding new people with the needed knowledge, which could be troubling in the future, if knowledge isn’t passed down. This is why terracare® leather is actively investing in education and training. Every year, up to 6 apprentices join to complete a training as master chemist or leather technicians.
MATERIALS
- Leather
- Cork
- Natural Rubber
- Synthetic lining
- Natural Latex
- Silk Polyurethane
- Silk Thermoplastic Polyurethane
- Silk TR
At least one leather tannery out of 3 certifies its leather under the label terracare® which stands for responsibly manufactured performance leather made in Germany. This certification also means the leather is water-repellent, fireproof, tear proof, durable and breathable.
PACKAGING
Shoe boxes are made of carton and are shipped in a bigger cardboard box. Each package has a cardboard label with logo, and a flyer. The shoes itself are wrapped in silk wrap.
WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS
Some leather used in Mephisto products caries a terracare® label, this ensures:
- 100% transparent raw material origin: 95% German and 5% European raw materials.
- 100% clean auxiliary materials: exclusive use of REACH-certified auxiliary materials in production
- At least 97% recycling / recovery rate: for example to recycle or reuse as biogas, compost, small leather parts or gelatine.
- At least 40% less water consumption than the industry standard. In addition, every litre is cleaned and returned into the natural water cycle.
- At least 30% less CO2 spend than the industry average. The material supplier is able to do this by in-house produced electricity from regenerative sources or neutralizing CO2 emissions.
- PFC-free
- LWG certification
- Ecol Energy Controlled Leather certification
- OEKO TEX Leather Standard
- OEKO TEX Step
- OEKO TEX made in Green
CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN
The brand mostly uses monomaterials like 100% leather, rubber, or cork.
The leather with the terracare® label has a recycling / recovery rate of at least 97%. This means the leather can for example be recycled or reused as biogas, compost, small leather parts or gelatine.
Most products have a removable sole/heel to simplify and encourage repair.
CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS
Most of Mephisto’s shoes have a re-sole option (when the shoe is well maintained) which extends the product lifespan. Customers can hand in their shoes at a Mephisto shop, and they will then take them to a local shoemaker.
DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN
- Production locations: France and Portugal
- Leather: Germany
- Cork: Portugal
- Most raw materials: Europe
- HQ: France
- Mephisto sells/exports: Worldwide
TRANSPORTATION
We have no information on transportation methods within the supply chain, but since most of the supply chain is located in Europe, we can assume road transport as the main transportation method.
For e‑commerce, Mephisto has its own system i place and uses DHL
- Leather, from German cattle
The leather under terracare® note they guarantee the respectful treatment of living creatures and is at a minimum in compliance with German laws. They state the slaughter of livestock is carried out under strict guidelines and in compliance with all legal regulations. Therefore, they accept the slaughter for the production of meat. They believe that out of respect for the animal, everything should be utilized after slaughter.
Terracare® leather refuses to slaughter without stupefaction.
Mephisto itself doesn’t comment on anything specific but has consciously chosen its leather suppliers.
PRODUCT DESIGN
Mephisto makes footwear for men and women. They produce; shoes, sneakers, ballet flats, slip-ons, (ankle) boots, (cork) sandals (with heels), business shoes, outdoor shoes and boat shoes.
SLOW FASHION PROCESSES
Mephisto releases 2 collections per year and has a collection of originals. They recommend people to wear 2 pairs of shoes each season to prolong the life of your footwear and keep up with maintenance.
The brand takes part in limited sales periods, but refuses to take part in promotions for ‘Black Friday’, instead they have opted for Green Friday in the past, where they dedicated the day for footwear maintenance and people could bring in their shoes for a cleaning.
TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT
The brand gives a general material list on each product page.
TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES
On their website the brand has a page dedicated to the long history of Mephisto. On this page visitors can find details on the first Mephisto models, production locations and growth processes.
With COSH! The brand shared further information such as their leather sourcing.
Conclusion
Whether you choose a modern design or timeless style, Mephisto shoes seamlessly combine style and function. Made with natural leather, they ensure a healthy foot climate, keeping your feet fresh and comfortable even during intensive use. After learning about their practises and suppliers, we at COSH! wish for Mephisto to communicate their sustainability efforts with their customers, so they can appreciate their footwear even more.
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