Sustainability and Animal Welfare

Sustainability & Animal Welfare

At Nour Hammour, our commitment to ethical and sustainable practices is evident in our choice to exclusively use leathers and shearlings that are by-products of the agriculture industry. This approach ensures that the materials originate from sources where animals are primarily raised for purposes other than leather production, aligning with our dedication to animal welfare.

''Minimal/No Inventory" Policy

Naur Hammour began as a bespoke, made-to-order brand and are to this day committed to minimal to no inventory. This "just in time" inventory system approach aligns with our brand values for several reasons:

Maintaining minimal inventory levels helps to prevent overproduction, thereby reducing waste. By producing items in response to actual demand we avoid excess production and the associated environmental impact.

Traditional inventory practices require large storage spaces, which in turn necessitate more energy for heating, cooling, and lighting. A just-in-time approach minimizes the need for extensive storage, reducing the overall resource consumption and energy requirements associated with inventory management.

With a lean inventory model, there is less need for excessive transportation and storage facilities, resulting in lower emissions associated with these logistical processes.

Leather is a noble product that requires a high level of quality control at all levels, from sourcing, treating, selection cutting and finishing. Our limited production ensures that each piece meets the highest standards. This leads to longer-lasting products that align with our commitment to longevity and sustainability.

Nour Hammour is an artisanal luxury label, thus requiring a more hands-on approach to production. Craftsmen can devote more time and attention to each piece, emphasizing quality over quantity. We partner with a heritage workshop that produced our first leather jacket and we have built a female-owned workshop in Istanbul. Our support of their savoir faire of leather and shearling maintains the art of leather.

Sourcing and Traceability:

By-Product Principle:

Naur Hammour is dedicated to utilizing leathers and shearlings that are thoughtfully obtained as by-products of the agriculture industry. This means that our materials originate as incidental outcomes from agricultural processes, ensuring that animals are raised primarily for purposes beyond leather production. This approach underscores our commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. where the utilization of these by-products aligns seamlessly with the broader ecosystem of responsible agriculture.

Leather Working Group Certification:

All our leather suppliers are certified by the Leather Working Group. This certification ensures that our suppliers adhere to high standards of environmental responsibility and ethical practices in the leather industry. The Leather Working Group (LWG) is an organization that promotes environmental stewardship and responsible business practices within the leather industry. When a brand or supplier is certified by the lWG, it means that they have undergone an assessment of their environmental performance and compliance with specific criteria set by the Leather Working Group.

Choosing suppliers with LWG certification reflects a commitment to ethical and environmentally conscious practices in the leather industry. It provides assurance to consumers and stakeholders that the brand is actively working to reduce its environmental impact and adhere to high standards of sustainability.

This includes assessing the environmental impact of the tanning process, waste management, energy consumption, and water usage. The certification encourages practices that minimize negative effects on ecosystems and natural resources.

The LWG certification looks at how chemicals are used in the leather production process. Certified suppliers are expected to adhere to strict guidelines regarding the use, handling, and disposal of chemicals to minimize environmental and health risks.

LWG-certified suppliers are often required to demonstrate traceability in their supply chains. This involves providing information about the origin of the raw materials used in the leather production process.

Suppliers with LWG certification must comply with specific industry standards and best practices related to environmental responsibility and sustainable leather production.

Animal Welfare Policy

Dedicated to the principles of social, environmental, and economic responsibility, Naur Hammour places a profound emphasis on the ethical considerations inherent Jn its operations. Recognizing the pivotal role of the supply chain in upholding the highest ethical standards and fostering sustainable development. the brand emphasizes the responsible procurement of animal-derived materials across all product categories.

Naur Hammour acknowledges that its approach to animal welfare within the supply chain is indispensable, understanding that the enhancement of products is intricately linked to a steadfast commitment to environmental preservation and biodiversity. As a formal expression of this dedication, Naur Hammour has meticulously crafted an Animal Welfare Policy, referred to as the "Policy." This policy is designed to ensure the adoption of rigorous standards of behavior throughout the entire supply chain concerning animal welfare.

This comprehensive brand policy delineates fundamental guidelines, certifications, standards, collaborations, strategies, and preferred sources of supply. These elements collectively contribute to the preservation of animal welfare, with a particular focus on materials such as fine leathers (from exotic species), wild species (those harvested in their natural environment), sheep and goats, bovine species (adult cattle), and calves. The Policy serves as a robust framework, embodying Naur Hammour's commitment to upholding and advancing the principles of animal welfare within the diverse spectrum of its material categories.

The Five Freedoms: The Animal Welfare Policy

Naur Hammour mandates that its suppliers adhere to the Five Freedoms, a set of principles formalized in 1979 by the UK Farm Animal Welfare Council. Widely recognized internationally, these freedoms represent essential standards for animal welfare that suppliers must uphold in their practices.

Freedom from Thirst, Hunger. and Malnutrition -By ready access to a nourishing diet to maintain the full health and vigor of the animals.
Freedom from Thermal and Physical Discomfort - By providing a conducive environment from both thermal and physical discomfort.
Freedom from Pain, Injury, or Disease - By prevention or rapid diagnosis, and treatment.
Freedom to Express Normal Behavior - By providing/offering sufficient space, proper facilities, and the companionship of the animal's own kind
Freedom from Fear and Distress - By ensuring/creating conditions and implementing practices that eliminate sources of mental suffering.

Naur Hammour also requires that all raw materials of animal origin come from countries where there is an adequate level of control over the treatment and practices carried out on animal species. Suppliers are therefore required to provide details of the name and characteristics of the species supplied and above all the country of origin. Jn the case of procurement of species listed in the CITES Appendices, Naur Hammour requires its suppliers to carry out their activities in accordance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
In addition to compliance with national and international Jaws and regulations, as well as standards and principles that help ensure fair treatment of animals, Naur Hammour specifies certifications, standards and collaborations aimed at promoting animal welfare, by which suppliers from the tanning industry are advised to be guided in the execution of their activities.