Sustainability

Dark Horse has always been focused on sustainability -Through our R’s Repair, Reuse, Recycle – We constantly work to ensure materials are best used, waste is recycled and what can be repaired is. This ethos is carried through our production and products and is a testament to the hardwearing materials we select and our focus on creating designs that can be handed to the next generation.

This is an essential part of ensuring our planet remains liveable.

We are always active in seeking ways that we can improve our sustainability journey and as such review new materials, suppliers and processes with this lens.

Leather:

The leather we use is locally sourced and a direct bi-product of the meat industry, whilst the tanning process is of international levels and no environmentally harmful chemicals are used.

Steel:

Steel is locally sourced and contains 30% second rate steel (recycled steel). This improves the carbon emissions of the material. Due to the local sourcing nature, the embedded carbon is reduced through closer transport cycles.

Hardware:

Certain hard components such as our buckles, zip pullers and studs are all locally manufactured to our design specifications. Whilst various other hardware and are from local manufacturers. This creates a more holistic supply chain and reduction on carbon emissions through transport and handling.

Packaging:

Lastly as goods are getting ready to ship, we use a  variety of recycled plastics and corrugated board products to wrap and box all units. 

Each process has a recycled waste process and we are either able to turn certain waste into new products or send for recycling.

Circular Economy:

Whilst all of these elements come together to align how we make and process our goods with our goals for sustainable practice, it doesn’t speak to our core drive in being part of the circular economy.

We design and  produce our products to last and thus not be replaced in a quick fashion cycle, leading to more waste through landfills and emissions. We believe that if you buy a product from us it should be part of your journey and it represents the culture of having things that can be repaired and recycled.

Our products are designed in such a way that allows for various components to be resprayed, mended or replaced. This has an incredible impact on the lifecycle of the product and reduces the carbon footprint.

We continue to focus on creating designs that will be loved and used but can be handed to the next generation. 

We’re focused on our sustainability journey and are working hard to become a fully fledged member in 2025. Currently we donate each quarter and love to think that we can help in a broader way by supporting 1% for the Planet.

Greenpop works to restore ecosystems and empower environmental stewards through forest restoration, urban greening, food gardening, and environmental awareness projects across Sub- Saharan Africa. We donate to Greenpop each month and for each sale of a timber product we contribute aswell.