Studio Macnas

Production locations

Production in-studio: Utrecht, Netherlands (Production and Design)

Sourcing Locations:

• Vegtan Leather: Netherlands
• Leather alternatives: Benelux and India

Working Conditions & Living Wages

Studio Macnas’ production is a one woman show, conducted by the founder, with the assistance of one intern and a volunteer from industrial engineering in Delft. This setup ensures detailed oversight and adherence to ethical practices. The sourcing of materials from established suppliers within the EU and from regions known for specific materials, like Malai from India, ensures compliance with strict regulations on ethical workplace practices. Regular interaction with suppliers ensures the ethical sourcing of materials, contributing to the brand’s commitment to sustainability and superior craftsmanship.

This hands-on approach in a small team setting not only ensures high ethical standards but also reflects the brand’s dedication to sustainability and superior craftsmanship.

Materials

• Vegtan Leather: Biodegradable and naturally tanned, ensuring environmental friendliness.
• Postconsumer Leather: Sourced from customers’ old items.
• Biodegradable Leather Alternatives: Including Pinatex, Desserto from Eurolatino, Malai, Leap (beyond leather materials), Terralite from Cosm, and Mycotex.
• 3D Printed Clips: Made from home-compostable material, supplied by a Belgian company with an app to track decomposition.
• Yarn: Includes wood fibres, Malai, and hemp; all home compostable.

These materials, particularly the home-compostable options and the biodegradable alternatives, highlight the studio’s commitment to reducing environmental impact. The founder also makes sure to test new materials before actively using them in products, ensuring durability and biodegradability. The approach of designing from materials rather than for consumers, funded by personal investment in research, underscores a dedication to sustainability.

Packaging

Utilises minimal packaging primarily brown paper stitched closed, sourced as leftover from local businesses. No plastics are used, and whatever minimal shipping materials are needed for e‑commerce shipping are reused boxes, enhancing the brand’s sustainability efforts.

Water usage & chemicals

The Vegetable Tanned Leather uses non-toxic processes, ensuring no water pollution. The brand also uses minimal water in production, only using some for their experimental activities such as for bioplastics and mycelium-based projects.

Circular product design

Studio Macnas integrates circular design principles by encouraging customers to bring in old leather items for transformation into new, functional bags. The studio also utilizes biodegradable leather alternatives that can be composted after their useful life, promoting the concept of zero waste.

Circular business models

The business operates on a made-to-order basis, significantly reducing overproduction and waste. This bespoke approach not only caters to individual customer needs but also includes a strong focus on maintaining the longevity of each product, probably also including repair services if needed. The studio’s personal interaction with customers ensures that each bag is valued and maintained, thereby supporting a sustainable cycle of use and reuse.

Distance & complexity of the supply chain

• Utrecht, Netherlands (HQ and studio)

The supply chain for Studio Macnas is relatively simple and localised, which helps in maintaining transparency and reducing transportation impacts.

Transportation

• In the Supply Chain: Uses DHL for some deliveries; occasionally, pickups are managed personally by the designer.
• In E‑commerce: While many customers prefer to visit the studio in person, local shipping options are used when necessary. 

The vegetable tanned leather is sourced from a well-regarded tannery known for its ethical practices. The transparency in the tanning process ensures that Studio Macnas can rely on ethically sourced leather.

Slow-fashion design

Studio Macnas is dedicated to creating unique, custom-made bags that cater to individual styles and preferences. Their approach integrates biodegradable materials such as cactus leather, appleskin, and mycelium, aligning with their commitment to sustainability. These materials are designed to decompose naturally, leaving minimal environmental footprints. The studio frequently engages in material experimentation, aiming to advance sustainability without compromising on style.

The brand extends its eco-friendly ethos through educational workshops, which enlighten customers about sustainable practices and the value of handcrafted products. This educational approach encourages consumers to cherish their purchases longer, reducing the demand for fast fashion.

The studio does not adhere to traditional fashion seasons but instead adds to its collections gradually. It focuses on made-to-order production, enhancing the exclusivity and reducing waste. Studio Macnas abstains from regular sales, promoting the longevity and timeless appeal of each piece.

Style & branding

Reflecting a bright and personal aesthetic, each bag is tailored to reflect the wearer’s personality and style preferences, making every item distinctively personal and directly connected to its owner.

Transparency on product

At Studio Macnas, detailed material information isn’t typically available on product pages due to the bespoke nature of each item, which is crafted based on individual customer specifications. However, the studio does ensure that it is clear production is carried out in their Utrecht studio, catering to each client’s unique material preferences and needs.

Transparency on processes

The brand enhances its transparency through workshops and lectures, which serve to demystify the production process and material origins for consumers. Studio Macnas has a commendable practice of sharing detailed presentations about material sources and processes, as evidenced by the sharing of material details with COSH! Moreover, all supplier details are openly shared with COSH!, ensuring that every aspect of the supply chain is transparent.