At Parker Clay, we believe our products should have a positive impact — not just in your life but in the lives of those who help bring our sustainable leather goods to life. As a certified B Corp, we have mindfully curated every aspect of production, from working with local farmers and artisans to shipping items when they arrive on your doorstep, to ensure our products have a positive impact every step of the way.

The term “sustainable fashion” can have a broad definition, depending on who uses it. So what does it mean to Parker Clay? As you’re shopping for a new backpack, you may discover many companies tout terms like “vegan leather” or “vegan backpacks” and present them as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional leather. However, that’s not the case. Vegan leather textiles are often made with plastic — like polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) — and harsh chemicals. They may be made with harsh coatings that harm the planet during production and end up in landfills within a short time because they aren’t durable — making them far from carbon-neutral or sustainable.

At Parker Clay, we go beyond minimizing harm with sustainable sourcing and natural materials. We ensure that we support the farmers and artisans who make our business possible. Here’s a look at Parker Clay’s commitment to truly sustainable backpacks and leather goods.

Support for Local Farmers and Artisians: We partner with local Ethiopian farmers and artisans to support them and their local economy. Many of our artisans are local women who have been impacted by human trafficking. We provide them with competitive wages and other benefits like transportation, coffee breaks, education, and more. We believe it’s important to do more than just provide living wages and safe working conditions — we want those who bring our products to life to thrive and have the resources to support their families.

Sustainable Sourcing: Our leather is sourced from animals raised primarily for farming, rather than explicitly for leather production. Because Parker Clay leather is a byproduct, it’s inherently more sustainable for the planet. This minimizes impacts and works toward the circular economy idea of zero waste, especially compared with other leather companies that raise animals with the sole intention of making leather goods.

Impactful Production: Sustainable practices don’t stop at sourcing. Every step of the production process and supply chain has an impact — and we want ours to be positive. Rather than using harsh chemicals and machines, our leather goods are crafted by hand with gentle dyes and eco-friendly materials. Our processes minimize environmental impacts, emissions, landfill waste, and pollution. Sustainable production also utilizes recycled materials — at Parker Clay, we use recycled water to further reduce waste.

Mindful Packaging: Parker Clay’s initiatives to minimize environmental impact continues when your item lands on your doorstep with zero-waste packaging. All products are shipped in a reusable organic cotton storage bag and recyclable cardboard.

Artful Ethiopian Handcrafting: Each item shows a unique story about where it came from and how it was made. From different grains in the leather to how it wears over time, the beautifully handcrafted goods from our artisans in Ethiopia are more than just bags and accessories — they’re works of art.

Designs for a Lifetime: At Parker Clay, our products are all created with high-quality, sustainable leather that’s meant to last a lifetime (and beyond). We don’t just believe that products should wear well over time — we believe they should get