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Measuring Impact for Bayswater Bags
- Client
- Mulberry
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Sector
- Textile
"Measuring Impact: Mulberry Bayswater" is an LCA-based project that evaluates the environmental footprint of Mulberry's iconic Bayswater leather bag. The study assessed alternative raw materials and design modifications to guide more sustainable production choices while maintaining the brand's premium quality standards.
The challenge
Luxury fashion brands face increasing pressure to combine timeless design with environmental responsibility. Leather products, particularly handbags, are associated with high carbon emissions, land use, and water impacts due to the intensive nature of animal agriculture and tanning processes. Mulberry sought to quantify the environmental footprint of its best-known product — the Bayswater bag — and explore how different material and design decisions could reduce its impact. The challenge was to do so without compromising on product quality, durability, or the brand's heritage identity.
Our solutions
We conducted a full cradle-to-gate Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for the Bayswater bag, covering material sourcing, manufacturing, and packaging stages. The study used both supplier-specific and literature-based data, focusing on the impact of different types of leather and potential alternative materials. We also evaluated design interventions such as material efficiency and modular construction. The analysis provided a comparative view of carbon footprint, water usage, and other key environmental indicators for different scenarios. These insights were used to support decision-making in sustainable material selection and product redesign efforts.
Impacts of project
The project helped Mulberry better understand the environmental hotspots in the production of the Bayswater bag, with raw material selection emerging as a key factor. Although specific figures were not definitive, the findings provided valuable direction for ongoing improvements in material sustainability and product design. The LCA also contributed to internal capability building, equipping the Mulberry team with a structured framework to integrate environmental criteria into product development. As a result, the project supported the brand's broader vision of sustainable luxury through evidence-based decision-making.