In today’s world, launching a brand without a stainability strategy is almost unthinkable. It’s no longer just an option—it’s an expectation. Yet, as anyone in the industry knows, sustainability is complex. Claims can be easy to make, but delivering on them requires effort, innovation, and honesty. At THE RATIO, we’ve learned from our years of experience in fashion that there’s no perfect solution, only a continuous pursuit of progress.
In this post, we’ll share what we’re doing to reduce waste and improve sustainability, where we’re facing challenges, and how we’re striving to create the most planet-friendly luxury fashion brand possible.
Sustainability Starts with On-Demand Production
The foundation of our sustainability efforts is simple but revolutionary: we only produce what has already been sold. Our on-demand production model ensures that every bag we make has an end customer. This eliminates the waste associated with overproduction, excess inventory, and unsold stock.
The Pitfalls of Inventory Waste
When brands mismanage inventory, the environmental and economic impacts are significant:
- Overproduction: Unsold products often end up in landfills or are incinerated, wasting resources and contributing to pollution.
- Discounting: Excess inventory leads to markdowns, undermining the perceived value of a product and creating a culture of disposability.
- Logistical Waste: Overproduced items require storage and transport, increasing carbon emissions.
- Packaging Waste: Every unsold item contributes to unnecessary packaging and resource use.
By avoiding these pitfalls, we’re able to focus on creating value without excess waste.
Upcycling: Giving New Life to Abandoned Materials
At THE RATIO, we’re committed to minimizing waste by upcycling unused materials. We source high-quality leather from overruns and unused stock from big brands, giving abandoned materials a new life. This approach not only prevents these valuable resources from ending up in landfills but also adds uniqueness to every bag we create.
Why Upcycling Matters:
- Resource Efficiency: By using existing materials, we reduce the demand for new resources, lowering our environmental impact.
- Unique Design: Since no two batches are exactly alike, each bag carries a story and an individuality that cannot be replicated.
- Reduced Waste: This practice prevents perfectly good materials from being wasted, supporting our mission to create purposeful luxury.
This approach allows us to blend modern luxury with sustainable innovation, ensuring that every piece is not just beautifully crafted but also responsibly made.
Hedonistic Sustainability: Better for the Planet, Better for the Product
We’ve partnered with visionary producers who embrace cutting-edge technology to minimize waste and enhance craftsmanship. Here’s how we’re doing it:
- CAD Layouts for Maximum Material Use: Our detailed CAD designs ensure that leather patterns are optimized for minimal waste.
- Laser Cutting Precision: State-of-the-art laser cutters reduce material waste while improving precision, which enhances the quality of hand stitching.
- Enhanced Craftsmanship: Precision from technology leads to better final results, aligning with the concept of "hedonistic sustainability"—where sustainable practices create superior outcomes.
The Sustainability of Quality
Quality and sustainability go hand in hand. A well-made product doesn’t just look better—it lasts longer. By focusing on craftsmanship, we create bags designed to endure decades of use. This means fewer replacements, less waste, and more enduring value for our customers. Investing in quality is one of the most impactful ways to reduce fashion’s environmental footprint.
Challenges We’re Facing
We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we know there’s room for improvement. Here are some of the challenges we’re actively addressing:
- Packaging: While we’re working towards using 100% recycled materials for our packaging, we currently use plastic envelopes to protect bags during international shipping. Unfortunately, biodegradable alternatives that meet our standards for durability and moisture resistance are not yet available.
- International Shipping: Shipping by air contributes to carbon emissions. While we use commercial flights that are already in operation, we acknowledge the environmental impact and are exploring carbon offset programs to mitigate it.
- Dustbags: Our recycled cotton dustbags are designed to be reused, not discarded. Whether for bag storage, small laundry items, or even Lego storage, we encourage customers to find creative ways to repurpose them.
Call for Collaboration
Sustainability is a shared journey. At THE RATIO, we believe in transparency and collaboration. If you have insights into materials, packaging, or processes that could help us improve our environmental impact, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can push the fashion industry toward a more sustainable future.