Sustainability is embedded in Zulucow’s DNA. We believe in a transparent, supply chain; slow fashion and real provenance. Every Zulucow Cowhide bag, belt and accessory is handmade for years of wear, not seasons of waste.
At Zulucow, sustainability isn’t a bolt-on; it’s the backbone of how we design, source and make our cowhide bags, belts and homeware accessories. All our Nguni cowhide pieces are created from a by-product. We do not believe in farming for fashion. We select the finest Nguni cowhides (by-products of the predominantly pastoral farming system) from highly regulated tanneries, operating under stringent government controls.
When you choose Zulucow, you’re investing in enduring materials, heritage, craft, and dignified livelihoods. Unlike fast-fashion factories where goods are mass-produced with piece-work. We teach our artisans to make the entire product; so they become empowered and and financially liberated; with a sense of prided and hope for the future.
ZULUCOW’S PRINCIPLES:
Circular by design. We keep materials in use for as long as possible; cowhide off-cuts become smaller cowhide keyrings, purses and doorstops; and scraps are saved for repairs where feasible.
Pastoral provenance. Zulucow’s cowhides come from the indigenous Nguni cattle, traditionally raised on a pastoral, grass-fed system in Southern Africa.
Traceability Each hide can be traced back to the tannery it came from.
Responsible tanning Our partner tanneries are government-regulated with high standards, and inspected to protect water systems and the local environment.
Small-batch, hand-made. Nothing is mass-produced in our small expert workshop; waste is minimised and quality is maximised.
Creating Sustainable Livelihoods. Your purchase helps create sustainable long term, skilled jobs, financial independence and opportunity.
Designing for durability. Robust natural materials and careful construction. Each Zulucow product serves you for years, not months.
Sustain skilled jobs for Zulu artisans and their families.
Develop craftsmanship in a world of mass-made, disposable fashion.
Build resilience so the Zulu artisans can make long-term, climate-positive choices; not decisions driven by day-to-day survival.
“With the money I saved not buying oil and food, I could build another room for my brother’s house.” — Ma Thandi, Zulucow artisan
ZULUCOW COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
Alongside fair, dignified employment, Zulucow regularly raises funds for our artisans and their families. We ask the Zulu ladies what they’d like financial support for: whether that’s education, housing, food security or tools for work and farming.
ONGOING ZULUCOW COMMUNITY INITIATIVES:
Every year I go out to rural KwaZulu Natal to visit the Zulu artisans in the workshop.
2017: Community Clothing Appeal. Customers sent second-hand bras and clothes, which I took with me on my trip to South Africa.
2018: Artisans’ Children’s Education. Funds raised via JustGiving helped Zulu women buy school uniforms and shoes; Zulucow also donated stationery for every artisan’s child.
2021: Zulucow Food Appeal. We raised more than £1200 to buy cooking oil, mielie meal and other staples; as food inflation rises in South Africa. With savings on these essentials, Ma Thandi used this money to buy building sand and cement for another room for her brother’s house.
2024: Direct Impact and Direct Choice. Over £2,000 raised via the Zulucow JustGiving page. We asked the Zulu ladies what they’d like to spend their share of the the money raised: Ma Thandi used her share on a crop/tick-sprayer for her cattle; Neli, Gcinile, Samoe and Sizwe used their share on building bricks and sand.
Kwandile bought a router so she can study teacher training at night after work. Chi Chi & Carina used their share for medical costs for their father and mother, respectively.
If you’d like to contribute, please join the Zulucow Newsletter and Instagram @zulucowbylucy or visit the Zulucow JustGiving page when live.)
