Trade body Leather UK has announced a collaboration with Mary’s Living and Giving shops for the charity Save the Children. By ILM.

The initiative focuses on restoring and reviving leather bags donated to the charity, promoting sustainability through repair rather than replacement.

Leather UK members have restored a selection of leather bags, which have been placed back on sale at the Mary’s Living and Giving shop in Chiswick, where they were initially donated, and will be sold at a premium.

The restoration work was carried out by the Leather Repair Company (LRC) in its Hull workshop and by artisans from Mulberry at the Lifetime Service Centre at The Rookery, one of its carbon-neutral Somerset factories.

Through this project, Leather UK hopes to inspire consumers to consider pre-loved leather items as a sustainable fashion choice. Each repaired bag will carry a “Leather for Life” swing tag, part of Leather UK’s campaign to provide consumers with accurate information about leather production.

Dr Kerry Senior, Director of Leather UK, said: “Leather’s durability makes it an ideal material for long-term use. Unlike plastic-based alternatives that degrade over time, leather develops a unique patina that adds character. By restoring and reselling these bags, we’re demonstrating the role leather can play in a more sustainable fashion future.”