Code of conduct

Why we started

The motivation behind the brand was founder Mark Musgrave’s experience of working in high street fashion retail, and the lack of transparency or concern for how products are made. By whom? In what conditions? And at what cost to people and our planet?

We wanted to create an alternative to unsustainable, unethical fast fashion. We believe that being paid fairly, treated with respect and having a safe working environment are fundamental rights.

So beyond mere fairness, we set our sights on creating a small collection of beautifully functional products, made from natural and sustainable ingredients: backpacks and clothing designed for the commute and wilderness pursuit. Inspired by seasons found in nature, rather than those in fashion.

How our products are made

Our backpacks are handmade to order in Britain by our master makers, using materials and components made in Britain and Europe, from waxed organic cotton woven in Dundee to 316 stainless steel buckles cut in Sheffield.

This approach lets us craft products with real attention to detail and share the stories of the expertise that goes into each one, restoring a greater connection between makers and wearers. Products with a personal story and a dignified maker.

Making in Britain and Europe also brings the benefits of more stringent labour laws and a lower environmental impact, as everything travels a much shorter distance.

Supplier Code of Conduct

Our Code of Conduct sets out the principles all of our suppliers must agree to before working with us. Whilst we aim for much more than the basics below, we hold each of our suppliers accountable to the following:

1. No child labour

   There shall be no recruitment of child labour. Children under the age of 15 shall not be recruited or employed (or higher age if required by the law). Children and young persons under the age of 18 shall not be employed at night or in hazardous conditions. The policies and procedures shall conform to the relevant International Labour Organisation (ILO) policies.

2. Employment is freely chosen

   There shall be no forced, bonded or involuntary prison labour. Workers must not be required to lodge deposits or their identity papers on commencement of employment. Workers must be free to leave their employer after reasonable notice.

3. Freedom of association and employee representation

   Suppliers should respect the rights of employees to join or form an association of their choosing (such as a workers council, union or workers association). Where law restricts the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining, the employer should facilitate, and not hinder, the development of parallel means for independent and free association and bargaining. Representatives must not be discriminated against and must have access to carry out their representative function in the workplace.

4. No discrimination

   There must be no discrimination in hiring, compensation, access to training, promotion, termination or retirement based on race, caste, nationality, religion, age, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, union or political membership.

5. Wages and benefits of employment

   Wages and benefits paid for a standard working week must meet, as a minimum, national legal requirements or industry benchmark standards, whichever is higher. Wages should cover basic needs and some discretionary income. All workers should be provided with written and understandable information about their employment conditions and wages before employment, and with wage slips for each period they are paid. Deductions from wages as a disciplinary measure are not permitted, except those required by law, and must not be taken without the expressed permission of the worker concerned.

6. Hours of work and regular employment

   Accurate attendance, payroll and production records shall be maintained. Suppliers must commit to working towards compliance with ILO guidelines and national laws, whichever offers greatest protection. Overtime must be voluntary and paid at a premium rate, and all employees should receive at least one rest day in every seven. To every extent possible, work should be performed on the basis of a recognised employment relationship. Obligations to employees under labour or social security laws should not be avoided through home working schemes, subcontracting or apprenticeships where there is no intent to provide regular employment. The conditions for terminating a contract should be laid out before employment commences and conform to established, transparent company practices and local law.

7. Discipline

   Employee abuse in physical, sexual or verbal form of intimidation is not acceptable and is prohibited.

8. Health and safety

   A safe, clean and hygienic environment should be provided, taking into account the specific hazards of the industry. Adequate steps should be taken to prevent accidents and injury to health at work. Workers should receive regular and recorded health and safety training. All workers should have access to clean toilet facilities and drinking water. Where provided, accommodation should be clean, safe and meet the basic needs of workers. A senior manager should be appointed as the Health and Safety representative for the company.

9. Whistleblowing

   We require our suppliers to provide an internal mechanism for reporting, investigating and remedying any wrongdoing in the workplace, and to ensure that whistleblowers do not suffer any detrimental treatment as a result of raising a genuine concern.

10. Environment

    We take the environmental impact of our operations very seriously and work hard to minimise it as far as possible. This is why 96% of our products’ ingredients are either certified GOTS organic cotton, wool, chromium-free leather, FSC wood or recycled polyester. We’re working on the 4%. As a minimum, we expect all suppliers to comply with local and national environmental legislation.

11. Anti-slavery and trafficking

    We are committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in our own business or in any of our supply chains.