SUSTAINABILITY: ONE OF OUR BRAND'S CORE VALUES

Connibì's goal is to depart from the reality of fast fashion by striving to create iconic accessories that stand the test of time while not resorting to unaffordable prices: we believe that every woman should be able to own an item of quality and design that accompanies her every day.

We want to produce one-of-a-kind pieces that are in line with our vision based on protecting the environment and valuing ethical craftsmanship. We have taken care to follow these principles without compromise, knowing that there is always more we can do to make a positive impact on our planet-and the people who inhabit it-but we are proud of what we have achieved so far.

LEATHER: IS IT A SUSTAINABLE MATERIAL?

The fashion industry, in an inherently contradictory process, is producing from scratch materials--of various natural and nonnatural compositions--that are too easily referred to as "green" or "eco." 

In truth, leather is a waste material derived from the food industry, and therefore a truly circular matter. Without tanning and its upcycling activities, leather would be reduced to a waste from the livestock supply chain that must, in any case, be disposed of. Tanning, therefore, enhances a leftover that is in itself natural and unique, and Connibì is committed to reducing the processing of "plasticizing" and cutting skins in a way that makes full use of this valuable, unique and imperfect material. 

In addition to being a sustainable material by nature, leather is considered a slow-fashion material because of its resistance to wear and tear over time, becoming an investment that transcends "fashions of the moment," and if cared for properly according to our directions, our bucket bags can last season after season. 

THE LEATHERS WE USE

The hides we use come 100% from Italian tanneries committed to sustainability from a social-environmental perspective. We work with one of the most renowned tanneries in northern Italy that qualifies for the Gold Leather Working Group standard. This means it has received the highest international sustainability certifications in all aspects of production: from traceability to chemical use, from worker safety to waste.

 FABRICS

To increase the possibilities of eco-sustainable choices, we decided to initiate a collaboration with the historic Italian weaving mill Teseo, a leader in the production of high-quality Made in Italy fabrics since 1953, creating a limited edition capsule that reuses prestigious archival yarns that therefore do not involve new production processes. We give new life to historic, precious and discontinued fabrics-that's why they are available exclusively in limited numbers.

The other fabrics used and the linings are from an Italian supplier on the BCI portal who uses mappable and traceable raw material and uses finishing processes that do not contain banned or restricted substances. This is currently our only responsible alternative since it has not been possible to coat our bags with natural materials. However, our research is evolving and we hope as soon as possible to incorporate 100% eco-friendly fabrics.

OUR PACKAGING

In keeping with the Connibì philosophy, we have sought to create environmentally friendly packaging using recyclable, biodegradable cardboard made from sustainable materials and with the assurance that these materials come from responsibly managed forests. We use a globally recognized FSC®-certified box for our shipments, which supports small farmers and indigenous communities and promotes the sustainable management of reforestation areas.

SUPPLY CHAIN

 Our production and supply chain are based near Milan, in northern Italy. All our creations are made in a small artisan workshop with just a few employees, which allows us to source and select all our materials by hand. The artisans are the heart of our brand: we know them personally and visit the workshop regularly to follow the handmade process and to make sure all our workers are satisfied. Most of our employees have been working with Italian leather goods all their lives and are experts in their profession. We are happy to contribute with them to the preservation of the Italian craft tradition, preserving and handing down skills and crafts that go back generations.

 

OUR MISSION IS CONSTANTLY EVOLVING BUT WE ARE INCREASINGLY DETERMINED TO RAISE AWARENESS, MONITOR AND ENGAGE ALL OUR SUPPLIERS TO ACHIEVE TOGETHER THE GOAL OF IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE, RESPECT FOR THE PLANET AND FOR PEOPLE.