Environmental Commitment
Every business has an environmental impact, and starting Patepluma Co. was a challenge due to this reality. However, my passion for craftsmanship drives me to make this business as eco-conscious as possible. Here’s how:
Clean Energy: My workshop runs on 100% renewable energy from Vandebron (solar & wind energy from Dutch producers).
Sustainable Leather: I use vegetable-tanned leather (no chrome dyes) from an Italian supplier committed to minimizing waste by repurposing leather from the food industry.
Minimal Waste: I reuse packaging whenever possible, avoid plastic and foam, and repurpose leather scraps into keychains, pouches, and prototypes.
Efficient Shipping: Wallets are small, minimizing packaging. Orders may take longer as shipments consolidate to reduce carbon footprint.
Local Sourcing: I prioritize European suppliers to lower emissions and costs.
Vegan Leather Consideration: Many vegan alternatives are plastic-based, short-lived, and non-biodegradable. While I remain open to sustainable alternatives, full-grain leather offers durability, biodegradability, and waste reduction.
Lifetime Warranty & Slow Fashion
Patepluma wallets are designed to last a lifetime. If stitching comes undone or buttons wear out over time, I offer free repairs. I want each wallet to be used, cherished, and passed down—not discarded.
Sustainability is a journey, and I am committed to continuous improvement. If you know of better eco-friendly materials accessible in Europe, I would love to hear from you. Together, we can make Patepluma even greener.
ETHICS
Patepluma Co & Taxes
Patepluma Co. is a registered business in the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK: 89939328). I pay 21% in taxes on every sale, knowing that these contributions help support public services and those in need within Dutch and European society.
Patepluma Co & Customers
Customer satisfaction is my priority. I strive to help customers find the perfect product through open and honest communication. As the business grows, I remain committed to transparency—highlighting both the strengths and limitations of each product.
I always recommend the best option for a customer’s needs, even if it means suggesting a more affordable wallet with less profit for me. If a customer is unhappy or changes their mind, returns are welcome (excluding shipping), and I hope to pass that wallet on to someone who will love it.
Patepluma Co & The Environment
As discussed in the Environmental Commitment section, sustainability is a key concern. While I acknowledge the impact of leather production, I strive to minimize waste and honor the material.
Growing up in rural Honduras, I learned to respect animals and nature. I often reflect on the life of the animals whose leather I work with, appreciating that nothing is wasted. If biodegradable vegan leather can match the durability, quality, and sustainability of traditional leather, I would gladly transition to working with it. Ethical sourcing and environmental care remain at the heart of Patepluma Co.
My Personal Ethics
I was raised in a humble yet deeply respected family in Honduras. My grandmother, a guiding force in my life, once told me:
"Your goal in life should be to reach the graveyard without leaving anyone behind who hates you. Some people won’t like you, but don’t make it easy for them to hate you."
I carry this wisdom into my personal and professional life. As an instructor at Hanze University in Groningen, I teach Business Ethics and Intercultural Communication, emphasizing sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical leadership.
With Patepluma Co., I am committed to practicing what I teach—prioritizing people and the planet over profit.
Pricing Transparency
At Patepluma Co., I believe in honest and transparent pricing. Here’s what goes into the cost of each product:
1. Product Cost & Taxes
Pricing is influenced by materials, craftsmanship, and time. Each wallet’s cost depends on:
The number of pockets and features, as more elements require additional leather, thread, and glue.
Production time—for example, a coin pouch takes 30 minutes, while a large wallet requires 1.5 hours to make, all by hand.
In the Netherlands, I must pay 21% VAT on every sale, which impacts pricing. To sustain the business, I must price fairly to cover costs and earn a modest profit.
2. Shipping Costs
Shipping fees may seem high, but they cover more than postage. They help offset:
Ink, paper, and materials for packaging and label printing.
Time spent preparing shipments and trips to the post office.
Partial tax coverage, as I currently absorb most sales tax myself.
3. Competition & Fair Pricing
Leatherworking is my passion, not my primary job—I also teach at Hanze University. While talented artisans in countries with lower living costs can offer lower prices, my pricing reflects European production costs and taxes.
By choosing Patepluma Co., you’re not just getting a beautifully handcrafted wallet—you’re supporting ethical craftsmanship, fair pricing, and my ability to continue creating. Thank you for being part of this journey!