Hello. I'm Samejima, a designer at andu amet. Today, I'll share about a day visiting the local tannery in Ethiopia that supports our high-quality leather bag production.
Product Development Meeting: In Search of Better Ethical Leather
First thing in the morning, a meeting with the Product Development Manager to discuss developing new leather for a new product. We spread sample leathers across the entire desk and thoroughly debated texture, color, and finishing methods.
We wanted to improve it to be more stain-resistant and colorfast without compromising the unique appeal of Ethiopian sheepskin—its softness and that moist, velvety feel. With that goal in mind, we made countless fine adjustments.
Meeting with the Production Manager ── A Bitter but Important Discussion
Next is a meeting with the factory manager. We've been experiencing ongoing issues with leather defects and delays lately, so this will be a fairly in-depth discussion. It's not a pleasant topic, but I believe these candid exchanges are the foundation for building a good relationship.
On the other hand, I also heard some positive news: “As a power outage countermeasure, the government has started supplying electricity directly to the tanneries,” and “Through a Japanese support program, staff are scheduled to come to Japan next month for training.”
Tanneries Inspection: Inside LWG Gold Certified Facilities
Finally, we toured the factory.
This tannery holds the highest “Gold” rating from the Leather Working Group (LWG), the most internationally trusted leather certification.
The LWG is an international standard that comprehensively assesses environmental protection, water management, proper chemical use, and working conditions. Gold is a strict certification awarded only to factories achieving the highest level of sustainability. In Ethiopia, only four companies hold it, and in Japan, only two.
This factory implemented thorough management down to the smallest details, including a closed-loop system that filters and reuses water, strict chemical management, and a stable power supply.
The Perspective of Selecting Materials ── Leather as a Material That Carries On Life
Leather is not just a material. It is an irreplaceable legacy left behind by a life.
That is precisely why we strive to maximize the inherent suppleness and rich texture of the leather without overprocessing it to the point of erasing its individuality.
What matters most to andu amet when selecting materials isn't efficiency or trends, but “how can we draw out the unique charm only found in this leather?”
The bags born from this philosophy gradually mature in someone's hands, slowly transforming over time into a look uniquely their own. New life takes root there. It was a day that reaffirmed our desire to continue creating in this way.
