This campaign is closed

The Cow Funder Initiative

Make your bag matter: Buy a cow to support a family business in Bangladesh

You may also be interested in

Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed

The Cow Funder Initiative

The Cow Funder Initiative

The Cow Funder Initiative

The Cow Funder Initiative

The Cow Funder Initiative

Make your bag matter: Buy a cow to support a family business in Bangladesh

Make your bag matter: Buy a cow to support a family business in Bangladesh

Make your bag matter: Buy a cow to support a family business in Bangladesh

Make your bag matter: Buy a cow to support a family business in Bangladesh

Anders Sandlund Tulin Hossain
Anders Sandlund Tulin Hossain
Anders Sandlund Tulin Hossain
Anders Sandlund Tulin Hossain
1 Campaign |
Bagatipara, Bangladesh
$84,479 USD $84,479 USD 369 backers
161% of $52,212 Fixed Goal Fixed Goal
Overview
Would you like to be part of making the most sustainable leather bags in the world? With our social innovation project The Cow Funder Initiative, we at artisan bag makers Sandlund/Hossain want to showcase a revolutionary new way of making leather goods with a long-term positive outcome for all, on all bottom lines. Become a Cow Funder to join our mission. #cowfunderinitiative @sandlundhossain

  THE COW FUNDER INITIATIVE: HOW IT WORKS

It’s simple, really. You make a pledge, a family gets a cow, we make the bags, and the world gets better.

THE BASICS
We need to raise €50,000 to contribute 250 cows to 250 struggling families in rural villages Bagatipara and Chargat, Bangladesh. Pledge €250 to contribute a cow to a family, or buy an exclusive initiative bag or accessory where all profits go to contributing more cows to more families.

THE COW
Just one cow can be the difference between simply surviving to thriving for a struggling family in rural Bangladesh. During the your donated cow’s lifetime, its health and wellness will be carefully catered to by the family, along with a project team on location. At its end-of-life, the family takes care of and sells the meat, and the rawhide is taken care of by the project team.

THE FAMILY
We believe that agency and trust are key to creating strong communities. Therefore, a family which signs up to raise a cow becomes our partners, receiving special education. All families are initiated and trained in the project in collaboration with NGO Thanapara Swallows Development Society. With a cow, the family can earn up to a year’s income from the meat, enabling whole new possibilities. Such as sending the kids to school. Building a new roof. Or re-invest in a new cow. Imagine what 250 families raising 250 cows can do.

THE LEATHER
A wholly traceable and well-kept rawhide is the outcome of working in transparent, dignified partnership with local families, organizations and companies. We are building our own tannery in Bagatipara where the entire process is going to be salt-free with no harmful chemicals. There will be zero discharge. Only renewable energy from biogas and solar power will be used.

THE BAGS
All Sandlund/Hossain bags are made using our custom-developed vegetable leather tanning method. Our signature lining is made by Thanapara Swallows Development Society, a woman-centered cooperative with great experience in textiles. The cloth is made with organic cotton, traditionally hand loomed and coloured with vegetable extracts. We use only YKK Excella zippers. Every aspect is handcrafted to last beautifully for generations to come. If you choose to become a Cow Funder by purchasing a bag from our limited Cow Funder Edition, your bag will be specially embossed with the initiative logo inside, marking your support. Read more about this special collection further down. In the near future, the goal is that all our bags are made by leather ultimately developed through this initiative.

THE CONSUMER
Finally, the leather, bags and accessories made possible through The Cow Funder Initiative will be available to everyone. But naturally, as a Cow Funder, you will be the very first to know and receive a special deal. And the more people that carry the message of social good and sustainability with them through bags that matter, the more difference we can make on all bottom lines, across all borders, for us all and the world we live in.

THE TIMEPLAN
Now-September 30th: Campaign active
October 25th: First delivery of Cow Funder Edition products
December 1st: First distribution of cows to families
≈ Fall 2020: First products made from Cow Funder Initiative Leather

–––––
 

SANDLUND/HOSSAIN: HOW WE WORK

We at Sandlund/Hossain, founded in 2016 by childhood friends Anders Sandlund and Tulin Hossain, are artisan leather bag makers based in Sweden and Bangladesh. Our mission is to make the most durable, sustainable and truly beautiful leather bags in the world.

OUR BACKGROUND
Sandlund/Hossain springs from Böle spruce bark tannery above Sweden’s Arctic Circle. The family-run tannery, which Anders is now proprietor and heir of, has been making leather since 1899. Böle is today the globe’s last standing spruce bark tannery as well as premium leather goods maker and Purveyor to the Swedish Royal Court.

It’s fair to say that we’ve learned a few things along the way. The hardest lesson? There are no shortcuts if you want to make something really good. Daring to take what some may believe the long way around in order to create long-term solutions is what we’re all about. We honour this belief with a deep sense of tradition, knowledge and passion. Together with fellow compassionate people, taking pride and care in what we do. For ourselves, for you and the world we all share.

OUR ORIGINAL COW F(O)UNDERS
Both of us, Anders and Tulin, come from generations of rather uncompromising yet practical people in small villages – Böle and Bagatipara. In 1977 Anders’ parents, Inger and Jan, left Sweden for volonteer work with NGO The Swallows in Bangladesh. One of the assignments to develop the leather sector. The Sandlunds lived in Bagatipara for almost two years, becoming best friends and co-workers with Tulin’s parents, Atiq and Dolly. 40 years later, our parents’ ideas for social development live on with us, where Sandlund/Hossain is the next step.

Let’s be honest. We launched Sandlund/Hossain out of frustration. We first started producing bags for other brands who showed interest in sustainability. However, many times this gave us a first hand experience of the so-called “the race to the bottom” in terms of quality, pricing and ultimately that coveted sustainability. So we decided to pause producing for other brands and attempt to create the bags we wanted to own and carry ourselves. Simply to see if our dream was possible. We launched our first collection in 2016, selling directly to people through our online store. We are forever thankful for the overwhelming response we’ve received from those who buy our bags and those who spread the word. And thanks to all of our customers and supporters, we’re able to launch The Cow Funder Initiative. Hopefully, the initiative can serve as an inspiration to others as well, especially in the tannery, fashion and design industry.

OUR TEAM
Our team is made up of 35 committed individuals, including top management. 32 of these people are skilled and committed staff in our studio. All have proper salaries, paid vacation, sick leave and a savings program. Our people are our greatest assets, so we make sure to take care. Our two main HQ:s are located in Härnösand, Sweden and Dhaka, Bangladesh. We hope to grow, so if you love craftmanship, sustainability och social development the way we do, let us know!


–––––
 

THE COW FUNDER EDITION

If you choose to become a Cow Funder by purchasing a bag from our limited Cow Funder Edition, your bag will be specially embossed with the initiative logo inside, marking your support. All bags are made using our custom-developed vegetable leather tanning method. Our signature lining is made by Thanapara Swallows Development Society, a woman-centered cooperative with great experience in textiles. The cloth is made with organic cotton, traditionally hand loomed and coloured with vegetable extracts. We use only YKK Excella zippers. Every aspect is handcrafted to last beautifully for generations to come.

OVERVIEW

 

SHOULDER BAGS UDDEN & UDDEN TWIN
Get 20% off regular price by supporting The Cow Funder Initiative

Shoulder bag Udden is perfectly sized for your daily essentials. Carry yours as it is or stow it into your briefcase or handbag to keep things organized. Crafted in luxurious full grain vegetable tanned leather, it features a lined interior and an optional shoulder strap for hands free action. Understated and elegant it adds sophistication to your outfit.

 

 

SHOULDER BAGS GRUNNA & GRUNNA TWIN
Get 20% off regular price by supporting The Cow Funder Initiative

Shoulder bag Grunna combines basic functionality with elegance and style. Its size is perfect for everyday use and the generous interior can easily house all your essentials. You can wear it in different ways, over the shoulder or as an envelope bag, as Grunna´s versatile design easily transitions from day to night.


HANDBAG DUETT 
Get 20% off regular price by supporting The Cow Funder Initiative

Its generous size boasts a padded compartment for your 13´ lap top, a zipped inner pocket and plenty of room left for your everyday essentials. In short it´s your ideal companion from the early morning to the late night.

 

HANDBAG SIRI
Get 20% off regular price by supporting The Cow Funder Initiative

The Handbag Siri matches any day of the week and is roomy enough to pack all your essentials for the day; it will take you to the office, gym and back with no effort. Crafted in luxurious full grain vegetable tanned leather, it features open interior pockets as well as a zipped inner pocket, a detachable shoulder.

 

BRIEFCASE INGA
Get 20% off regular price by supporting The Cow Funder Initiative

Briefcase Inga will stay sophisticated and classy for the rest of your working life, because easy luxury never goes out of style. It is comfortably sized to hold your 15″ lap top and documents safe and secure. Handcrafted in full grain vegetable tanned leather, it features two top handles, a top zip closure and a adjustable shoulder strap for those heavy-duty days.

 

WEEKEND BAG BARNHOLM
Get 20% off regular price by supporting The Cow Funder Initiative

Weekend bag Barnholm is ideal for short travels and everyday use. Bring it to the airport, meeting, school – or wherever the day takes you, it´s a great companion for most occasions. Handcrafted in luxurious full grain vegetable tanned leather.

 

WEEKEND BAG KALAHATT
Get 20% off regular price by supporting The Cow Funder Initiative

Weekend bag Kalahatt is your ideal travel companion for weekends and getaways. It is meticulously handcrafted in full grain vegetable tanned leather and minimally detailed created to wear beautifully over time. Its sophisticated and timeless design will undoubtedly stand out on the luggage carousel.


–––––
 

HOW TO FIND OUT MORE


PRESS/INTERVIEWS/QUESTIONS/REQUESTS
Download press kit here.

For interviews, please contact:
Anders Sandlund, CEO
anders@sandlundhossain.com
+46 (0) 73 503 23 34

For general questions or requests, please contact:
info@sandlundhossain.com
+46 (0) 10 458 04 60

SANDLUND/HOSSAIN ON THE WEB
Site
Facebook
Instagram

#cowfunderinitiative
#sandlundhossain
#makeyourbagmatter

Looking for more information? Check the project FAQ
Need more information
Let us know if you think this campaign contains prohibited content.

Choose your Perk

Support a Family, Buy a Cow
featured

Support a Family, Buy a Cow

Currency Conversion $261 USD
€250 EUR
For 250€ you can change a family´s life. When you buy a cow you provide an entire economic support system for a family. You will get updates about your cow and the family’s progress. At the cow´s end life, the family will earn a substantial income and we will re-invest your money in a new cow for a new family. Paying it forward.
Included Items
  • Cow
  • Training and Support
  • Current Updates
  • Veterinary health checks
Estimated Shipping
December 2018
178 out of 250 of claimed
Card Case Assar

Card Case Assar

Currency Conversion $26 USD $52 USD (50% off)
€25 EUR
Get our card case Assar in The Cow Funder Edition. Crafted in luxurious full grain vegetable tanned leather, it holds 4 cards, slips easy into your pocket and will become even more beautiful over time. Measure L:9.5 H:6cm. Colors Tan, Black and Brown
Included Items
  • Card Case Assar
  • Gift Wrapping
  • Cow Funder Edition
Estimated Shipping
October 2018
14 claimed
Ships worldwide.
Shoulder Bag Udden

Shoulder Bag Udden

Currency Conversion $103 USD $131 USD (20% off)
€99 EUR
Get our shoulder bag Udden in the The Cow Funder Edition. Crafted in luxurious full grain vegetable tanned leather it ads elegance and sophistication to your outfit. Adjustable shoulder strap, organic cotton lining with interior zipper pocket. Measure L:24 H:16cm. Colors Tan, Black and Brown
Included Items
  • Shoulder Bag Udden
  • Adjustable Shoulder Strap
  • Gift Wrapping
  • Cow Funder Edition
  • 2 Years International Warranty
  • YKK Excella Zippers
Estimated Shipping
October 2018
32 claimed
Ships worldwide.
Shoulder Bag Grunna

Shoulder Bag Grunna

Currency Conversion $124 USD $157 USD (20% off)
€119 EUR
Get our shoulder bag Grunna in The Cow Funder Edition. Combines basic functionality with elegance and style. Wear it over the shoulder or as an envelope bag, Grunna´s versatile design easily transitions from day to night. Adjustable shoulder strap, organic cotton lining with interior zipper pocket. Measure L:37 H:25cm. Colors Tan, Black and Brown.
Included Items
  • Shoulder Bag Grunna
  • Adjustable Shoulder Strap
  • Gift Wrapping
  • Cow Funder Edition
  • 2 Years International Warranty
  • YKK Excella Zippers
Estimated Shipping
October 2018
8 claimed
Ships worldwide.
Shoulder Bag Udden Twin

Shoulder Bag Udden Twin

Currency Conversion $124 USD $157 USD (20% off)
€119 EUR
Get our shoulder bag Udden Twin in The Cow Funder Edition. Crafted in vegetable tanned leather and perfect size for all your daily essentials. The dual compartments keep things separated and organized, Adjustable shoulder strap, organic cotton lining with interior zipper pocket. Measure L:24 H:16cm. Colors Tan, Black and Brown.
Included Items
  • Shoulder Bag Udden Twin
  • Adjustable Shoulder Strap
  • Gift Wrapping
  • Cow Funder Edition
  • 2 Years International Warranty
  • YKK Excella Zippers
Estimated Shipping
October 2018
22 claimed
Ships worldwide.
Shoulder Bag Grunna Twin

Shoulder Bag Grunna Twin

Currency Conversion $166 USD $209 USD (20% off)
€159 EUR
Get our shoulder bag Grunna Twin in The Cow Funder Edition. It combines basic functionality with elegance and style. Its size is perfect for everyday use and the generous twin interior can easily house all your essentials. Adjustable shoulder strap, organic cotton lining with interior zipper pockets.Measure L:37 H:25cm. Colors Tan, Black and Brown.
Included Items
  • Shoulder Bag Grunna Twin
  • Adjustable Shoulder Strap
  • Gift Wrapping
  • Cow Funder Edition
  • 2 Years International Warranty
  • YKK Excella Zippers
Estimated Shipping
October 2018
7 claimed
Ships worldwide.
Handbag Duett

Handbag Duett

Currency Conversion $208 USD $261 USD (20% off)
€199 EUR
Get our handbag Duett in The Cow Funder Edition. Crafted in luxurious full grain vegetable tanned leather, it ads that sophisticated touch to your style. Your ideal companion from the early morning to the late night. Signature organic cotton lining with zipper pocket and 13” computer pocket. Measure L:35 H:34 W:16cm. Colors Tan, Black and Brown.
Included Items
  • Handbag Duett
  • Gift Wrapping
  • Cow Funder Edition
  • 2 Years International Warranty
  • YKK Excella Zippers
Estimated Shipping
October 2018
23 claimed
Ships worldwide.
Briefcase Inga

Briefcase Inga

Currency Conversion $250 USD $312 USD (20% off)
€239 EUR
Get our briefcase Inga in The Cow Funder Edition. Handcrafted in full grain vegetable tanned leather, it will stay sophisticated and classy for the rest of your working life. Comes with an adjustable shoulder strap, organic cotton lining with one zipper pocket and 15” computer pocket. Measure L:39 H:28 W:7cm. Colors Tan, Black and Brown.
Included Items
  • Briefcase Inga
  • Adjustable Shoulder Strap
  • Gift Wrapping
  • Cow Funder Edition
  • 2 Years International Warranty
  • YKK Excella Zippers
Estimated Shipping
October 2018
24 claimed
Ships worldwide.
Handbag Siri

Handbag Siri

Currency Conversion $291 USD $365 USD (20% off)
€279 EUR
Get our handbag Siri in The Cow Funder Edition. It matches any day of the week and is roomy enough to pack all your essentials for the day; it will take you to the office, gym and back with no effort. Adjustable shoulder strap, organic cotton lining with zipper pocket and 13” computer pocket. Measure L:45 H:29 W:16cm. Colors Tan, Black and Brown.
Included Items
  • Handbag Siri
  • Adjustable Shoulder Strap
  • Gift Wrapping
  • Cow Funder Edition
  • 2 Years International Warranty
  • YKK Excella Zippers
Estimated Shipping
October 2018
6 claimed
Ships worldwide.
Weekend Bag Barnholm

Weekend Bag Barnholm

Currency Conversion $291 USD $365 USD (20% off)
€279 EUR
Get our weekend bag Barnholm in The Cow Funder Edition. Ideal for short travels and everyday use. Bring it to the airport, meeting or school – it´s a great companion for most occasions. Comes with an adjustable shoulder strap, organic cotton lining with one zipper pocket and three open pockets. Measure L:40 H:27 W:16cm. Colors Tan, Black and Brown.
Included Items
  • Weekend Bag Barnholm
  • Adjustable Shoulder Strap
  • Gift Wrapping
  • Cow Funder Edition
  • 2 Years International Warranty
  • YKK Excella Zippers
Estimated Shipping
November 2018
8 claimed
Ships worldwide.
Combo Duett+Udden Twin

Combo Duett+Udden Twin

Currency Conversion $312 USD $418 USD (25% off)
€299 EUR
Get our special combo handbag Duett and shoulder bag Udden Twin in The Cow Funder Edition. The perfect combo that will get you thru everyday of the week. The vegetable tanned leather will develop it´s own beautiful character over time. Colors Tan, Black and Brown.
Included Items
  • Handbag Duett
  • Shoulder Bag Udden Twin
  • Adjustable Shoulder Strap
  • Gift Wrapping
  • Cow Funder Edition
  • 2 Years International Warranty
  • YKK Excella Zippers
Estimated Shipping
October 2018
16 claimed
Ships worldwide.
Weekend Bag Kalahatt

Weekend Bag Kalahatt

Currency Conversion $375 USD $470 USD (20% off)
€359 EUR
Get our weekend bag Kalahatt in The Cow Funder Edition. It is meticulously handcrafted in full grain vegetable tanned leather, minimally detailed created to wear beautifully over time. Comes with a adjustable shoulder strap, organic cotton lining with one zipper pocket and three open pockets. Measure L:45 H:28 W:21cm. Colors Tan, Black and Brown.
Included Items
  • Weekend Bag Kalahatt
  • Adjustable Shoulder Strap
  • Gift Wrapping
  • Cow Funder Edition
  • 2 Years International Warranty
  • YKK Excella Zippers
Estimated Shipping
October 2018
20 claimed
Ships worldwide.

You may also be interested in

Up Caret