British luxury brand Mulberry says it has launched its first fully sustainable handbag called the Portobello. This follows the brand’s promise to become more sustainable in designing, sourcing and manufacturing its products.
It says the tote bag is made entirely at its carbon-neutral facility in the UK and uses heavy grain leather from a tannery that's been rated gold by environmental auditor Leather Working Group. The material is also a by-product of food production.
The Portobello is unlined and stitched with recycled polyester thread. And like all Mulberry bags, it falls under the brand’s lifetime restoration service so the bag can be repaired and revived, rather than replaced.
Mulberry has also committed 100 per cent of net proceeds from the sale of the bag to the World Land Trust. The UK-based conservation charity funds the purchase of land around the world to create protected areas for at-risk plants and wildlife.
Design-wise, the tote features double loop handles for hand carry as well as a shoulder strap so it can be worn across the body. It comes in classic and seasonal colours including black, blue, orange and green.
“Our starting point for this family was the ultimate everyday item, the plastic bag – functional but a throwaway,” says Mulberry creative director Johnny Coca.
“The Portobello keeps the beautiful utility of this silhouette and elevates it into an elegant tote that is practical and more importantly, made to last.”