The cooperation with the Indian manufactory in Calcutta began in 1998. Three young brothers were looking for a partner in Germany. They contacted Harold's, because they saw in us a partner who could provide them above all with the know-how of craftsmanship. We first started with the production of simple shoulder bags, in order to gradually build up know-how in the young production. In the course of the following years, the collection was enlarged and the manufactory was introduced to more sophisticated bag models and leather materials.
In this process, mainly waxed and oiled cowhide, vegetable tanning were used. These open-pored leathers, typical for Harold's, are characterized by their high usability and durability. Harold's has supported the careful development of the manufacture with an evenly distributed order book, above all in order to preserve the know-how that has been built up. The retention and further development of know-how among the craftsmen is the cornerstone for the consistently high quality of workmanship of Harold's bags.
The common path finally led to a new factory building in 2005. Since then, our partners have been working with SEDEX and the Veritas office. Both organizations pursue a concept that serves as a basis for companies to integrate social and environmental concerns into their business activities on a voluntary basis. The current 67 employees work for a salary that is higher than the legally required minimum wage. This is monitored by the state at regular intervals. The contracts include social, health and accident insurance, as well as 15 paid vacation days. Maternity leave includes 90 paid days. Workers receive copies of their employment contracts, as well as monthly pay slips. The standard working time is 48 hours/week (8 hours x 6 days). Overtime is allowed max. 2 hrs/day and is charged at double the hourly rate (200%). The minimum age is 14 years,
from the age of 18, however, only full working hours may be demanded and performed. There is no home work and no migrant work, which promotes a high quality of workmanship.
There is a workers' committee in the company that meets monthly and negotiates tariffs and concerns of the workers. This is laid down in a contract. Working hours and breaks are regulated, overtime is paid and does not exceed the legal requirements.
An equal opportunity policy is practiced to avoid discrimination. Workers have a contact person to whom they can turn in confidence. Illnesses, such as HIV infection, have no impact in terms of employment and working conditions.
The cow in India is sacred. However, the Indian population consists of 13% Muslims. For this percentage of the population, herds of cattle are kept in eastern Indian areas for food production. The utilization takes place in governmental slaughterhouses, where the rawhide is produced, which is further utilized by our partners.
With the new factory construction and the cooperation with SEDEX/Bureau Veritas, the greening of materials gradually came into focus. The conversion takes place in three areas:
Changeover from semi-vegetable leather to fully vegetable leather
Use of organic cotton fabrics as inner material for bags
Use of sustainable, flexible packaging made from organic cotton
