Hans Ubbink launches sustainable Mongolian leather footwear collection
26/01/2015
“During a research trip in Mongolia I saw an excess of hides from horses, sheep and cows that have grazed freely for years on the Mongolian highlands,” said Mr Ubbink.
“Only a quarter of the Mongolian hides available is processed into leather. Those hides that are processed are often tanned by means of outdated tanning methods. I want to help change this. I accepted the invitation to work together with Mongolian herders, tanneries and workshops in order to create sustainably produced leather clothing and accessories.”
He visited the country to source manufacturers, and was pleased to find shoes made to his quality standards.
The shoes and clothing will be marketed under the Aduu Mal label – aduu meaning ‘horse’ and mal meaning ‘livestock’ in Mongolian – and will be available to buy this spring.
As part of the project, chemical company Stahl educated Mongolian tanneries on the production of chrome-free leather and on the processing specific horse hides that would otherwise have gone to waste.
Mr Ubbink added: “We will track every step of the process: from the origin of the hides, the processing of the leather, up to the production of clothing, shoes and accessories. With the Aduu Mal label you will not only know from what workshop your purchase originates, but also exactly which herd was at the foundation of your new bag, jacket or shoes.”
The upcoming edition of World Footwear's sister title, World Leather, will feature a full report on the project.
Share this story:
