Insignis is committed to sourcing materials responsibly, supporting skilled craftsmanship, and creating products designed to last for many years. Our approach prioritises durability, traceability, and responsible sourcing over volume production or trend-driven materials.
Insignis exists to make things that last. In a market built on volume and replacement cycles, we take the opposite position: fewer objects, made better, sourced responsibly, designed to be used for decades. That is our contribution: not to sustainability as a concept, but as a practice, built into every material choice and every hour of work.
Insignis products are designed to serve their owners for many years — ideally decades. Durability is a fundamental part of responsible production. By creating long-lasting goods in small quantities, Insignis aims to reduce material waste and avoid the cycle of disposable consumption common in mass-produced accessories.
Material choices therefore prioritise:
Leather is the primary material used in Insignis products. Most hides are a by-product of the food industry rather than the result of animals raised specifically for leather. This distinction is important and is communicated honestly to clients when asked.
When selecting leather suppliers, Insignis prioritises:
Where possible, Insignis seeks suppliers connected to the Leather Working Group (LWG), which audits tanneries for environmental management, chemical handling, and traceability.
Current preferred suppliers:
Leather tanning can involve complex environmental processes. Insignis therefore favours suppliers that demonstrate responsible environmental practices: water treatment systems, responsible chemical management, and compliance with regional environmental regulations.
Both vegetable-tanned and chrome-tanned leathers may be used depending on the intended performance of the product, provided they originate from reputable tanneries operating within responsible standards.
Insignis will not knowingly work with suppliers associated with forced labour, unsafe working conditions, or exploitative employment practices.
Preference is given to suppliers based in regions with strong labour protections, transparent working practices, and established manufacturing standards. UK-based suppliers are preferred where quality and traceability standards are met.
Metal hardware, threads, and secondary materials are selected based on durability, reliability, and responsible production. Insignis prioritises suppliers who comply with relevant chemical safety regulations such as REACH in the UK and EU, provide clarity regarding material composition, and demonstrate consistent manufacturing quality. These materials are chosen to ensure products remain structurally sound throughout years of use.
Zip hardware standard: RiRi (Swiss, founded 1936) or Lampo (Italian, founded 1887), sourced through UK stockists including London Trimmings and MacCulloch & Wallis. Both brands are used by major tailoring and leather goods houses and meet the standard Insignis requires.
Packaging is selected with simplicity and responsibility in mind: recyclable materials where possible, responsibly sourced paper products (FSC-aligned preferred), and minimal packaging design with no excess void fill or decorative waste.
Current packaging is supplied by Tiny Box Company (off-the-shelf, FSC certified). Branded Insignis packaging, sourced through Tiny Box Maker (semi-bespoke, FSC, up to 70% recycled pulp), will be introduced once product dimensions are finalised.
Insignis maintains internal records of all key suppliers and materials. This includes leather origin and tannery, hardware manufacturers and certifications, packaging suppliers and environmental credentials, and relevant certifications where available. These records are reviewed whenever a new supplier relationship is established or an existing one is renewed.
As the business develops, Insignis will continue to review and refine its material sourcing practices. This may include improving traceability as supplier relationships deepen, identifying materials with improved environmental performance, and strengthening supplier audit practices.
Insignis recognises that responsible sourcing is an evolving process. The commitment is to make informed improvements over time — not to make claims that cannot be substantiated.
Insignis communicates material choices honestly and without exaggeration. Rather than making broad environmental claims, the focus is on transparency about what we know and what we don't, durability as the primary sustainability argument, and responsible sourcing as an ongoing practice, not a marketing position.
Clients are welcome to enquire about materials and origins. If you have questions about a specific material or supplier, write to us via the enquiry page.
Now accepting a limited number of commissions. Current lead time is approximately four weeks.
