FAQs


ABOUT MADE FREE®

 

WHY IS MADE FREE® COMMITTED TO HOLISTIC SUSTAINABILITY?

At MADE FREE, we believe in holistic sustainability—caring for both people and the planet. That's why we create dignified jobs for our makers while thoughtfully choosing materials like organic cotton, recycled materials, and eco-friendly vegetable-tanned leather. For us, sustainability is about what products are made from, how they're made, and the lives they impact.

 

HOW DOES EACH PURCHASE SUPPORT FREEDOM?

At MADE FREE®, our mission is simple: Every purchase supports a day of freedom from human trafficking, slavery and poverty through a self-sustaining job. Research shows that one of the most effective ways to prevent human trafficking is by breaking the cycle of poverty. 

Every purchase helps provide safe, dignified employment, fair wages, and lasting opportunities for makers, reducing vulnerability to exploitation and creating a path toward long-term freedom. 

 

HOW DO YOU FIND THE MAKERS THAT YOU WORK WITH?

We partner with trusted organizations in South Asia that serve vulnerable communities. These partners share our values and help us connect with makers who benefit most from life-changing work.

 

HOW MUCH ARE THE MAKERS PAID?

Our makers earn wages that meet or exceed international fair trade standards and local wage requirements. In many cases, they earn up to five times more than they would otherwise, creating a sustainable pathway toward freedom from human trafficking, slavery, and poverty. 

 

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MAKERS?

Visit our Meet the Makers page to read stories of the makers whose lives are being transformed by your purchases.

 

IS MADE FREE® A BUSINESS OR A NON-PROFIT?

We are a low-profit social enterprise committed to our mission: Every purchase supports a day of freedom from human trafficking, slavery and poverty through a self-sustaining job. 

 

WHAT STANDARDS DO YOUR FACTORIES FOLLOW?

Our factories are SEDEX Certified and meet or exceed World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) standards, including:

  • Livable wages & income security

  • Safe working conditions and the right to unionize

  • Community development and local economic growth

  • Environmental protection

 

SUSTAINABILITY & MATERIALS

 

HOW DOES HOLISTIC SUSTAINABILITY SHAPE MADE FREE® BAGS?

Our approach to holistic sustainability means every bag is thoughtfully made—from the materials we choose to the people who make them. We use organic cotton, recycled materials, and eco-friendly vegetable-tanned leather while creating dignified jobs that support freedom from human trafficking, slavery, and poverty.

 

WHAT IS MADE FREE'S COMMITMENT TO PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT?

We work to reduce our environmental impact by choosing responsibly sourced materials and designing products that last longer, helping reduce unnecessary waste. We believe sustainability is about creating products responsibly while caring for the people who make them.

 

WHAT IS ECO-FRIENDLY LEATHER?

Our eco-friendly leather is vegetable-tanned, chromium-free, and biodegradable. It is made from recycled byproducts of the meat industry, helping reduce waste while creating durable products.

 

PRODUCTS & CARE

 

WHAT TYPES OF BAGS DO YOU OFFER?

Our collections include:

  • Backpacks

  • Tote Bags

  • Hip Packs

  • Leather Goods

  • Market Totes

 

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY MADE FREE® BAG?

Spot clean with water. A fabric or leather protector can be applied to help guard against stains and the elements.

 

DO YOU OFFER A LIFETIME GUARANTEE?

Yes. Every bag is backed by our lifetime guarantee. If something goes wrong, we'll repair or replace it—helping you buy less and carry longer.

 

If you have a question that is not addressed, please email us at:

 contact@madefree.co