Sustainability

Since establishment in 2012, andu amet has been committed to being ethical and sustainable in all processes involved, from the procurement of raw materials and production, to after delivery to customers. There are our constant desire to bring true beauty and fullness to our customers through andu amet's products behind its commitment. We believe that a product is truly beautiful not only because of the color and shapes you see, but also shining countless stories behind the product. It is fullness to enjoy your items which has special behind-the scenes stories and memories even if you have less items.
Here we would like to share with you four most important perspectives of our ethical initiatives.

Ecology

Perspectives on Natural Environment

As leather uses a large amount of chemicals and water in the tannning process, it is essential for tanneries (leather factory) to have a system to properly purify water after use and return it to nature. However, tanneries in most developing countries often do not have sufficient purification systems, resulting in water pollution in the surrounding areas. In addition, there are some cases where purification system are astensibly in place, but in reality they do not operate.

andu amet makes contracts with only tanneries that have taken encironmental measures that neet our standards. Even after the contract is concluded, we visit all tanneries on regular basis to confirm directly that they meet the standards before purchasing leather from them.

We are also committed to encironmentally friendly business activities, such as using renewable energy for electricity in our workshop, office, and concept store, using plastic-free wrapping materials, and promoting a paperless.

Animal Rights

Perspectives on Animals - Gratitude and Respect for the life we recieve -

Have you ever thought about how much meat you eat in a year and what happens to the leather from that meat? It may not be widely known that excess leather (mainly cowhide) is being disposed of while the amount of meat consumption continues to increase worldwide.

All of the leather used by andu amet comes from the by-products of meat production. We believe that paying attention to these resources and bereathing new life into them to use up every last bit of leather including even the substandard and small scraps, is a way of expressing gratitude and respect for the life we have received.

In the future, it is necessary for each of us to make efforts to reduce meat consumption. At the same time, it is equally important to eat a "conplete meal" with a sense of gratitude for them, to choose leather products made from by-products of meat, and to use one leather product for a long time.

Fair Trade

Perspective on the Production area

Although Ethiopia is the premier producer of sheepskins, the country's lack of domestic technology has made it dependent on expoer in the form of raw product, just leather. The exported leather is made into bags and jackets outside of Ethiopia, where it adds high value, but it does not bring wealth to Ethiopia, nor does it nurture skilled craftspeople.

andu amet has established a directly-managed workshop in Ethiopia, directly employs local young people, and provides them with technical skill training which will be accepted all over the world. In addition to payng them appropriate remuneration, we also strive to develop their skills and improve their livelihoods by creating an envitonment in which they can work with prode and joy as a craftman.

We conducts occasional activities that contribute not only to our own workshop but also to the community as a whole, such as a promotion in which a portion of the proceeds are donated to an NGO in Africa, and the distribution of masks and hygiene products to the poor in our neighborhood.

Slow Fashion

Perspectives on the Market

Since establishment in 2012, andu amet has been committed to "being a luxury brand". We believe that the ultimate sustainability is to provide our customers with products that will stay with our customers for the rest of their lives for a long time.

Even if a product is made from fiar trade or sustainable materials, if it has a quality or design that makes it difficult to use for a long time, or if it is swallowed up by the wave of mass production and consumption, resulting in waste every season, can it really ve called "sustainable"?

andu amet's products are not in the affordable price. That is why we offer products that can last with our customers for a lifetime as a precious partner. Specifically, we develop original designs that are not influenced by trends, use high-quality materials that can be handed down from generation to generation, sew graciously by skilled craftsmen, and provide Indefinite after-sales service.

andu amet will continue to be a one-of-a-kind luxury brand that offers products that will become your lifelong, treasured partner.

Actions

Fair Trade

At our directly-managed workshop in Ethipia, we directly employ local young people and provides them with technical skill training which will be accepted all over the world. In addition to payng them appropriate remuneration, we also strive to develop their skills and improve their livelihoods by creating an envitonment in which they can work with prode and joy as a craftman.
Craftmanship

We respect handcraft. We try to incorporate techniques and skills that have been passed down from generation to generation, such as Japanese marquetry.
Contribution to Community

In Ethiopia, we are working with local people to solve community-wide problems and improve the environment by actively employing people from the local area and distributing masks and hygiene products to the poor in our neighborhood.
Fostering high-value-added products

We are committed to creating high-added value products and fostering industries locally, by breaking away from the exsting business model in Ethiopia, which has been dependent on the export of raw materials (raw hides) with low added value. We process just raw materials to the final products and exporting them directly.
Supporting Fair Trade producers around the world

In addition to our own workshop in Ethiopia, we supports producers and organizations that promote fair trade and ethical fashion around the world. We continue to sell products purchased in various contries and regularly hold fairs with African and ethical themas.
Zero waste with the proper amonut of production

As a result of our commitment to "production in proper quantities" since our establishment, we have never disposed of excess inventory or had a discount sale. We will continue to strengthen our production system to avoid overproduction and waste.
Natural Leather

Unlike synthetic fibers and synthetic leather, which deteriorate after a few years and emit microplastics when washed or disposed of, leather is said to be mankind's first eco-friendly material that can be used for a long time and finally returned to the soil. The leather we use does not contain carcinogenic dyes and has passed residue tests for harmful chemicals.
Animal Rights

All of the leather used by andu amet comes from the by-products of meat production. We believe that ethical means not wasting these by-products, which have not been fully urilized, but rather using them up to the end with gratitude.
Only deal with environmentally friendly leather tanneries

We procure hides only from tanneries that have water pollution treatment measures that meet our standards. Even after the contract is concluded, we visit all tanneries on regular basis to confirm directly that the tanneries are not polluting rivers or the land before purchasing leather.
Upcycling

Even the substandard and small scraps, which are generally discarded, are proactively concerted into our products through design and technical innovations. We make full use of resources.
Renewable Energy

Both in our office and concept store in Tokyo and the workshop in Ethiopia, we use renewable energy sources that do not emit climate-warming gases.
Donation

We conduct promotions on an irregular basis to donate a portion of the sale of our products to organisation that we agree with their activities. We always visit them to confirm firshand that they are conducting appropriate activities.
Ethical Wrapping

We aim to reduce pankaging waste by eliminating paper shoppers, which are likely to be thrown away, and wrapping made of environmentally hazardous plastic materials, in favor of cloth dust bags that can also be used as storage bags. These cloth dust bags are also made through fair trade at local workshops.
Indefinite after-sales service

To ensure that our products acan be used for as long as possible, we hold workshops with expaerts on care and handling, and offer an inefinite after-sales service.
Advocacy for all

andu amet concept store continuously holds events to intoduce the appeal of "ethical fashion" and the realities of the production process to let as many people as possible to know us. We also hold regular study sessions and debriefing sessions within the company.

Innovative Empowerment

How we expand possibilities in the atelier

All andu amet products are produced in our own atelier located in Ethiopia, Africa.
Ethiopia is considered the birthplace of humanity and boasts beautiful nature and culture. However, it is also one of the poorest countries in the world. With an unemployment rate of 4%, which is particularly high among African countries, the lack of employment opportunities for young people is a significant social issue. To address this challenge, andu amet provides training for advanced manufacturing skills of leather products, and supports self-reliance. Many employees join us without much experience in employment or education, but they now possess top-level skills within the country, and can support themselves and their families.

All Employees are Full-time workers

All artisans in our atelier are employed as full-time employees. We promise not only their stable employment and income but also their social security benefits, such as pensions and long-term career growth.
From Novice to Master Artisan

Most employees join without prior work experience. Through on-the-job training (OJT) from top-level senior artisans, they gradually acquire skills such as cutting and sewing.
Balancing Work and Education

To ensure that employees can continue their education while working, those attending evening schools are granted reduced working hours.
Balancing Health and Work

During sick leave or injury, regardless of the nature or timing of the work, employees are paid 100% of their wages. Maternity and childcare leave are also well-established, allowing many women to work vigorously while taking care of their children.
Flexible Work Options According to Preference

Artisans can choose between fixed salaries and performance-based pay according to their preference and lifestyle. Even if those on performance-based pay become unable to work due to illness, pregnancy, etc., we have a system to ensure their livelihoods.
Provision of Interest-free Loans

In addition to salaries, interest-free loans are offered to those who wish. We encourage our employees to use them for planned purposes such as their children's education or family healthcare.