UB Goes India
Here at United Brands, we are committed to producing sustainable, resource-efficient and fair products. Our values are based on respectful treatment, including respect for the human rights of every individual who works for or with us. To see this for ourselves personally, we regularly travel on site to the countries where our production facilities are located.
Over the past 10 years, India, particularly around Kolkata and Bantala, has emerged as a huge industrial hub. The Kolkata Leather Complex is home to the leather goods industry. Up to 1,000 tonnes of hides are processed daily, which is about 25% of the country’s total production.
THE TANNERIES
As the tannery is the first step in the leather making process, this was our first port of call. During our visit, we looked at many different types of material and learned a lot about the process of turning raw material into leather. Tanning is the long-term preservation process of animal skin using chromium mineral salts, which stabilises the skin structure and allows leather to be made. The European Union has set a REACH standard of a maximum of 3 mg of chromium (VI) per kg of leather.
During production, we fall below this standard with an average of 0.1 – 0.5 mg of chromium. can be produced. The European Union has set a REACH standard of a maximum of 3 mg of chromium (VI) per kg of leather. During production, we usually fall well below the maximum value with an average of 0.1 – 0.5 mg. In the meantime, it is even possible for our production to manufacture almost chrome-free and thus vegetable leather (vegetable tanning).
OUR LEATHER MANUFACTORY
Afterwards, we had a meeting with our long-time main producer in Bantala, where the finished leather pieces are processed into the final product. The structures in our production facilities are simple but clearly defined. It is clean and there is enough space. Here, the employees earn above average compared to other production sites, so they can live a good life. There is even the possibility for employees to accommodate their own children during working hours in a children’s room with lots of toys!
Just about everything here is handmade and of an excellent quality that goes with it. From the first step of sample creation to the final series production, work is done here with the most precise accuracy. A specific department is responsible for each step of the process.
Usually significantly exceeds the maximum value. In the meantime, it is even possible for our production to manufacture almost chrome-free and thus vegetable leather (vegetable tanning).
First the leather is cut by hand and the lining by machine. Then the individual parts are folded and glued together. In the next step, the logo is embossed and the handle and frog bag attachments are attached. Finally, the edges are finished, the lining is sewn on and the bag bodies are finally sealed together. The result of each individual product is then checked in the quality department for unclean edges, protruding threads or glue residues. As a result, high-quality products are made by hand.
In summary, it was a very impressive and exciting journey. Once again, we became more aware of the fact that our orders make a big contribution to maintaining jobs in the production facilities and that our quality standards are met. We were able to initiate many things and help shape great new developments in our leather factories. Above all, however, we were once again able to convince ourselves, and we are very proud of this, that we produce under such good and fair working conditions.
Want to know more about us? Check out our blog post about our move or stay up to date with our warehouse sales.
