SUSTAINABILITY
Ethical and Sustainable Production
Ethical and sustainable production is one of Isaga’s core concerns. This is reflected not only in the artisanal production process but also in the care taken with the raw materials we choose. Our commitment is to continue working hard every day to research new materials and practices, ensuring that we are at the forefront of ethical and sustainable actions (and operations): from extending the lifespan of our products to using the most sustainable materials possible.
Our decades of experience in handcrafting leather through Sapataria do Carmo is one of the factors that sets us apart and makes us stand out. The artisans who produce our bags in the north of the country have the knowledge and expertise that translates into the perfection and detail of the finishes on our bags. We believe that quality is essential in everything we do. That is why we only work with the best specialized suppliers, who work on a small scale and with high-quality sustainable materials. The manufacture of bags with a large manual component, particularly in the finishes, can give rise to some “imperfections” of manual authenticity; these are not defects but rather unique characteristics.
Sustainable Practices and Certifications
In addition to these, other components such as lining, threads and glue also have certifications that ensure sustainable practices and environmental respect.
- Leather Working Group (LWG): Certifies sustainable and responsible practices in the leather industry. The leather used in Isaga wallets is evaluated with scores of 89.98% for crust leather, 81.00% for finished leather, and 90.00% for finished lambskin, indicating high compliance with quality and sustainability standards.
- REACH: Compliance with the European Union's REACH regulation ensures that products do not contain hazardous chemicals.
- RoHS Directive: The reinforcement used in Isaga Wallets meets the requirements of the RoHS directive, restricting toxic substances such as cadmium, lead and mercury.
- Reinforcement Materials: Include vegetable tanned leather, chrome tanned leather trimmings, bone pearl glue, natural latex, fish oil softener and aniline dyes which are water-soluble dyes that penetrate deep into the leather, providing a rich, natural coloration.
Made from recycled leather waste, it reduces waste and is considered more environmentally friendly.
Certifications: Includes quality standards (ISO 9001), environmental management (ISO 14001), health and safety (ISO 45001), food safety (ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000) and social responsibility (SA8000).