Since its founding in 2012, andu amet has placed great importance on being ethical and sustainable at every stage—from sourcing raw materials, to crafting products, and even after delivering them to customers.
This is because of our unwavering desire to deliver true beauty and richness through our products. We believe that a product is truly beautiful not only for its visible design, but also when the people and stories behind it shine as well.
We believe that owning fewer but meaningful items, cherishing them for a long time, and living together with their stories represent the kind of richness we should pursue in the future.
Here, we introduce four ethical perspectives that andu amet especially values.
1. Ecology
Perspectives on the natural environment
In the leather tanning process, large amounts of chemicals and water are used, so facilities to properly treat the used water and return it safely to nature are essential for tanneries.
However, in developing countries, adequate purification systems are often not in place, or they exist only in form and are not actually in operation, leading to problems of water pollution.
At andu amet, we work only with tanneries that implement measures meeting environmental standards, and even after entering into contracts, we regularly visit the sites to directly confirm that these standards are being met.
In addition, we use renewable energy in our workshops, offices, and concept stores, and thoroughly promote environmental consideration throughout our business activities, such as adopting plastic-free wrapping and advancing paperless practices.
2. Animal Rights
Perspectives on animals
We may not often have the opportunity to be conscious of how much meat we consume in a year, or how the leather that results from it is handled.
While global meat consumption continues to increase, there is a reality that much of the cowhide, which is a by-product of the meat industry, is not used and is instead discarded. All of the leather used by andu amet is generated as a by-product of meat production.
We believe that giving new value to resources that have not been fully utilized until now, and using even out-of-standard leather and small offcuts without waste, is an expression of gratitude and respect for the lives that have been given.
In the years ahead, it is important to reconsider the amount of meat we consume. At the same time, we believe that eating with gratitude, choosing leather products made from by-products of meat production, and using each product carefully for a long time are also sustainable choices.
3. Fair Trade
Perspectives on the producers
Although Ethiopia is one of the world’s leading producers of sheepskin, it has long been forced to rely on exporting leather in its raw state due to insufficient domestic technical capabilities.
As a result, the high added value created through product manufacturing has been generated outside the country, and sufficient wealth and technology have not been returned to the place of origin.
andu amet has established its own workshop in Ethiopia, directly employing young local artisans and providing technical training that meets standards applicable in Japan and around the world. In addition to paying appropriate wages, we create an environment in which artisans can work with pride and joy, supporting both the improvement of their skills and the stability of their lives.
Furthermore, we engage in activities that contribute to the wider community beyond the workshop itself, such as donating a portion of our sales to NGOs and delivering hygiene supplies to the surrounding areas.
4. Slow Fashion
Perspectives on the market
We believe that the ultimate sustainability lies in customers being able to use one item for a long time with care. Andu amet's goal in manufacturing is to deliver products that can be a lifelong companion.
Even if products are fair trade or made from sustainable materials, if their quality or design does not allow for long-term use and instead leads to surplus or waste, they cannot truly be called sustainable. Although andu amet products are by no means inexpensive, we value that they become items that accompany one’s life over time.
Timeless designs that are not influenced by trends, high-quality materials that can be passed down through generations, careful stitching by skilled artisans, and unlimited aftercare. andu amet will continue to be a one-of-a-kind luxury brand that delivers products to serve as lifelong partners.
Fair trade
We directly employ young local artisans, foster Japanese-quality craftsmanship, and create an environment in which they can work with pride while ensuring fair compensation.
Craftsmanship
We value handcraftsmanship, actively incorporate techniques that have been passed down, including traditional Japanese methods, and pursue the creation of products that are loved for a long time.
Contribution to the community
We continue to support the livelihoods of the entire community by prioritizing the employment of people from around the workshop and distributing daily necessities.
Development of high value-added industries
In a country that had relied on exporting raw hides, we have established a system to produce finished products for export and are working to create new value and foster industry locally.
Support for global fair trade
We also provide ongoing support to producers and organizations beyond our own workshop and hold fairs that promote ethical craftsmanship around the world.
Zero waste through appropriate production volumes
We strictly maintain a production system that avoids overproduction, and since our founding, we have never disposed of excess inventory or held sales, practicing waste-free manufacturing.
Natural leather
We mainly use natural materials such as leather and cotton that can be used for a long time and eventually return to the soil. We do not use carcinogenic dyes, and our products have also passed tests for harmful substance residues.
Animal rights
We use only leather that is produced as a by-product of meat production, and make full use of out-of-standard materials and offcuts without waste. In doing so, we give form to our respect for the lives that have been given.
Environmentally responsible leather tanning
We conduct business only with factories that meet water pollution control measures, and we procure materials after directly confirming through regular visits that environmental standards are being upheld.
Upcycling
We creatively utilize out-of-standard leather and offcuts that are generally discarded by turning them into products, working to ensure that resources are not wasted.
Renewable energy
We use renewable energy in our offices and stores in Japan as well as in our workshop in Ethiopia, and are advancing efforts to reduce environmental impact across our entire business.
Donation
We donate a portion of our sales to trusted organizations. We always conduct on-site visits and select our partners only after confirming that appropriate support is being carried out.
Ethical wrapping
We have eliminated paper bags and plastic packaging, and instead use fabric dust bags that can also serve as storage bags. This reduces waste and also enables fair trade production in our workshop.
Unlimited after-sales support
To ensure that our products are used for a long time, we offer care workshops and unlimited after-sales support, and continue to support our customers in using them with care.
Internal and external advocacy
We hold events to widely promote ethical fashion. By creating opportunities for learning both inside and outside the company, we carry out activities that expand understanding and empathy.