The brand conducts all of its production and sourcing in Italy itself, some of the leather tanning processes also being conducted locally. This ensures that the brand can keep an eye on ethical activities of the working process. One of the tanning factories are supposed to be LWG (Leather Working Group) certified, which ensures living wages and ethical working conditions in the factory.
Hundred only uses genuine leather for all their products. Some of the leathers are conventionally tanned, some vegetable tanned and some metal-free tanned – the latter two being ecologically better alternatives to conventional chrome tanning. The supposed LWG certification would also verify the use of environmentally friendly chemicals and processes while producing the material. The brand also uses natural rubber for the shoes, and cotton laces, both of which being natural materials are easily biodegradable, provided the finishing products allow biodegradability. According to the website, the finishing process is not done with pigments, but rather only dyed in barrels, which implies non-toxic finishing methods, however this is un sure.
Generally, shoe recycling is very difficult, as it is not something explored as much as recycling of normal clothing garments. However, since most of Hundred’s products are stitched together, theoretically they could be dismantled to be sent for further use or recycling. Leather, being a sturdy product, lasts a long time and can be upcycled into something else after the shoe is past its usage. Besides this, the brand does not have a circular business model in terms of a take-back system or repair.
The brand produces all its shoes and materials in Italy. From the website we’d like to assume that the materials are sourced from Italy itself, as the tanning processes are conducted in Italy, however this information is not provided hence we cannot be sure. However, from what we understand, the supply chain length is quite short, which we commend! This also helps the brand avoid high emission transportation methods, such as by air, but we would love to see more details about this.
The brand uses a majority of leather in all their products, however does not mention anything regarding animal cruelty. We can only hope that the leather is a by-product of the meat industry.
These shoes are made with high quality leather, and natural rubber to make the heel comfortable. The insole is anti-shock and removable. The designs keep with the trends, and the materials are durable enough to last many years. The brand does not provide any care or maintenance tips or products.
We would like more information regarding the production facilities and suppliers, and especially about the leather sourcing. There also needs to be more transparency regarding the chemicals used, and packaging materials.
Zaključak
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