Is O My Bag ethical?

Overview

Founded in 2011 in Amsterdam, O My Bag was established with a clear mission: to create a positive impact by producing sophisticated bags and accessories that respect both people and the planet. The brand serves as a bridge between small-scale producers in India and the global fashion market, proving that ethical manufacturing can be synonymous with luxury. O My Bag is recognized for its commitment to 'trade, not aid,' focusing on long-term economic empowerment for its manufacturing partners. Their product line has expanded from signature eco-leather goods to include highly-rated textile items like the Ewa Organic Cotton Tote and the Kintaba Ethical Canvas Tote, which consistently achieve top-tier ratings in ethical comparisons.

Certifications

O My Bag holds several of the most rigorous third-party certifications in the fashion industry. As a certified B Corp, they meet high standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability. Their textile products often carry the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification, ensuring the organic status of textiles from harvesting through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing. Additionally, their membership in the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) guarantees that their production partners in Kolkata, India, adhere to the 10 Principles of Fair Trade. The brand is also PETA-Approved Vegan for its non-leather collections, ensuring no animal products are used in those specific lines.

Animal testing & vegan range

While O My Bag is primarily known for its high-quality leather, it has significantly expanded its vegan offerings to accommodate ethical consumer preferences. The brand does not conduct or commission animal testing on any of its products or materials. Their vegan range features innovative materials such as Apple Leather (made from apple waste) and GOTS-certified organic cotton. These products, such as the Kintaba Ethical Canvas Tote, are fully PETA-Approved Vegan. The leather used in their core collection is a byproduct of the local meat industry in India, sourced from tanneries that utilize chrome-free or vegetable-tanning processes to minimize chemical runoff.

Sustainability pledges

The brand is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions and continuously works to reduce its environmental footprint. Their sustainability pledges include a transition toward 100% circularity, implemented through their 'Pre-Loved' program which facilitates the resale of used O My Bag items. They also offer a repair service to extend the lifecycle of their products, directly combating the 'fast fashion' cycle. By 2025, the brand aims to further reduce its CO2 emissions per product and has pledged to maintain full traceability of its Tier 1, 2, and 3 suppliers.

Sourcing & labor

O My Bag operates with a high degree of transparency regarding its Indian supply chain. They partner with small-scale factories and cooperatives, such as Springfield and STC, which are regularly audited to ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and gender equality. The brand pays a 'Living Wage Premium' to workers at their main partner factories, ensuring that compensation covers more than just basic needs. By maintaining long-term relationships with these producers, O My Bag provides economic stability to hundreds of families in the Kolkata region, while also supporting local education and health initiatives through their O My Bag Foundation.

Controversies context

As of 2024, there are no major ethical controversies, environmental scandals, or labor rights violations on record for O My Bag. The brand proactively publishes annual sustainability reports that detail their challenges and progress, maintaining a level of honesty that is rare in the fashion industry. Their open-book approach to their supply chain and their willingness to address the inherent environmental impact of leather production—by moving toward vegetable tanning and vegan alternatives—has kept them in high standing with ethical consumer advocacy groups.

Bottom line

O My Bag stands as a benchmark for transparency and social equity in the accessories market. With exceptional ethical scores for both their organic cotton and recycled canvas lines, the brand is a top choice for consumers who prioritize fair labor practices and certified sustainable materials. Whether choosing their responsibly sourced leather or their PETA-approved vegan alternatives, shoppers can be confident that O My Bag prioritizes the well-being of producers and the integrity of the environment at every stage of production.