Burberry’s charity division has announced a new a five-year partnership with London-based sustainable accessories brand Elvis and Kresse to help tackle leather waste.
Elvis and Kresse, known for re-engineering waste material through innovative craftsmanship, has received a grant from the Burberry Foundation to support their work.
The brand will also receive at least 120 tonnes of leather off-cuts from the production of Burberry items to convert into a range of accessories and homeware.
While the new products will be designed and sold by Elvis and Kresse, half of the profits will be donated to charitable causes focused on renewable energy.
The remaining half will be reinvested by Elvis and Kresse to expand their work in reducing and reusing waste, protecting the environment and inspiring craftspeople.
“We are delighted to be supporting the work of Elvis and Kresse and providing them with the leather off cuts to create truly innovative products,” said Burberry Foundation trustee Christopher Bailey, who is also president and chief creative officer of the retailer.
“Leather is a precious material, yet many of the off cuts generated by the design process are seen as worthless.
“We believe that this can change, and we are proud to lead the way in showing how creativity and craftsmanship can play a part in solving this issue.”
In addition to creating new leather products, the partnership will also generate apprenticeship and work experience opportunities with Elvis and Kresse and aim to reach thousands through public events, competitions and workshops.
“Elvis & Kresse was founded to rescue London’s fire hose. When we decided to tackle the much, much larger leather problem, we knew we would need a brave partner,” Elvis and Kresse co-founder Kresse Wesling said.
“We are grateful for the support of the Burberry Foundation and are truly excited to scale this solution, and magnify its impact. This is the kind of work we are made for and this is the kind of partnership that will change the future of luxury.”
The move comes after a recent United Nations report said at least 800,000 tonnes of leather waste is produced by the global leather industry.
