Each of the materials we use has been chosen for its sustainability and durability
From the internal lining on your laptop sleeve to the box your Thread & Tonic piece arrives in, the materials used for every single element have been carefully considered and extensively researched.
We do not claim to be perfect, but we do continue to ask ourselves ‘how can we do better?’. We'll share the results with you as we research, test, develop and discover new materials.
The materials we use are fundamental to the longevity and functionality of our products. We source the highest-grade materials; leathers from Italy, the strongest grade of thread, tactile organic linings and precision zips. We vigilantly test all materials and constructions. Dedication to quality is paramount so we can assure the longevity of each piece so that you can have confidence in buying from us.
PURE LEATHER™
This is our custom developed, Chrome Free Italian Eco Leather. It is unique to us and took months of research and development to produce. The leather tanning process we employ is chrome free, utilising environmentally friendly procedures which reduce hazardous chemical output resulting in toxin free wastewater which does not harm plant or aquatic life. In addition to this, the leather biodegrading process is both shorter than that of synthetic materials and no harmful toxins are released.
We have 70+ years of experience working with leather. We love leather, its feel and durability, but we don’t like the fact that animals are harmed — hence we want to use all our collective knowledge and expertise to develop vegan materials. In the meantime, it goes without saying that all our leather is a by-product of the meat industry.
Source: Italy
Materials
All of our hardware is nickel free. Custom developed with our Green Leaf certified partner; it’s made from pre-consumer recycled zinc alloy.
Source: Hong Kong
Our linings are custom developed and made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. These take up to 1000 years to breakdown in landfill, so each time we reuse them we’re reducing the impact on landfill and our oceans.
Source: China
Our dust bags are made from GRS certified and 100% Recycled pre-consumer waste. They have been designed specifically for T+T items and will help ensure your pieces last as long as possible.
Source: India
Our products are sent as flat as possible to reduce fuel consumption and emissions when delivering them to you. We use all recycled materials for our boxes, but we are also looking into even better options such as box recycling schemes where you can give them back to us easily.
Source: United Kingdom
Both our hang tags and care cards are made from recycled coffee cups. GF SMITH - Extract is a pioneering paper inspired by our environment. It is a dynamic combination of chemistry and artistry that takes disposable paper coffee cups destined for landfill and transforms them into beautiful paper. With ten colours drawn directly from nature, the product is the result of a unique collaboration between consumer, recycler and papermaker. Using CupCycling ™ technology, we are taking 90% of the waste from each cup and converting it back into FSC certified paper fibre. This means every sheet of Extract in 380gsm paper contains at least five upcycled coffee cups. The remaining 10% of waste - which is plastic - will become something else entirely. It is a zero-waste process, so the more Extract that gets used, the fewer cups go to landfill or incineration.
Source: United Kingdom
You can plant the tags that come with your bag. Yes, plant. You can put them into a little bit of soil at home and watch them grow. Our seed tags are made by Pepaa who make plantable seed paper. Our particular seed tag contains basil seeds which can be easily planted and grown into your very own basil plant.
Source: India
The teeth are made from solid brass and polished using precision sanding cubes, inside of which the teeth are tumbled to smooth off any rough edges, which ensures a seamless glide. Every tooth in the zip has been individually brushed and polished before assembly on the chain. The quality control checks are rigorous and include tests for resistance to heat, humidity and tarnishing. To finish, an invisible coating is applied to the zipper, to protect it from any chemicals found in leather goods ensuring it won’t corrode. The sliders and pullers are custom developed with durability and functionality in mind.
Source: Hong Kong
Thread is thread, right? No, not when it comes from A&E Gütermann. For more than 275 years, this German company has been at the pinnacle of traditional and experienced sewing thread manufacturing. They employ over 10,000 employees worldwide. We use recycled Gutermann thread on all of our products.
Source: Germany
Every T+T product has a special RFID lining that protects cards from wireless skimming and private data theft. The products are designed to help insulate people from electronic pickpocketing, thus keeping personal information safe from high-tech thieves.
Source: Hong Kong
We only use water-based glues that are eco-friendly. When required for durability, we also use hot-melt glue which is derived from natural rubber.
Source: India
The biodegradable nylon we plan to use is made from industrial wastage. It’s fishing nylon that’s been recovered from both oceans and through recycling centres.
We are also working with companies such as ECONYL® whose brand vision aligns with our values - to make the world a better place by pioneering closed loop regeneration processes and delivering sustainable products.
Source: Italy.
We intend to phase out animal leather and develop our own vegan leather that is just as strong, durable and well-aging. Our materials go through stringent wear testing for a minimum of six months.
We will keep you updated on our progress using vegan leather.
We will also be using 100% biodegradable materials in our next collection.
Source: India
