New Zealand-owned boutique bag and accessories label Saben, is launching a second capsule collection of handbags made entirely from recycled leather offcuts. Conscious consumers will be able to purchase these pieces in Saben stores, selected retailers and online from February 2021. Leading the pack with an early release is a re-run from the first drop, of much-loved Jade Tote.
Jade is beautifully crafted with leather created through an innovative upcycling process; industrial leather glove offcuts are combined with a natural binding agent sourced from rubber trees, to produce a high-quality, supple, second-generation material.
Additional styles are currently being wear-tested for release later this year.
Saben director Roanne Jacobson, who founded the brand in 1998, says sustainability has always been at the core of Saben’s design philosophy, and she is excited to be part of a movement of designers exploring alternative solutions to waste in manufacturing.
“Our design ethos has always been fewer-more-beautiful designs that people will love and use for a really long time, regardless of seasonal trends. This upcycling initiative is both exciting and stunning and demonstrates that it’s possible for materials like leather to have a second life, without sacrificing the quality or aesthetic.”
Saben’s repurposed leather is created in partnership with a company that produces various eco-positive products through the recycling of natural leather fibers. The leather is officially certified as Recycled Leather, meaning it has met the Recycled 100 Claim Standard.
As well as reducing manufacturing material waste, the manufacture process reduces water usage by 90%, and creates durable yet light leather products that retain the look and feel of genuine leather.
“Saben customers tend to buy less and choose well - we often hear stories of Saben bags that are passed down from mother to daughter - and they are increasingly eager to choose options that are kinder on the environment. We have designed this mini collection with those values in mind” says Jacobson.
Saben’s recycled leather tote are available in stores and online with more pieces being added to the collection early February 2021. Prices start from $379
