Philipp & Lukas are the founders of the Mexican-made ethical jewelry brand
[ CANO ]
Founded in: 2016
Design and office location: Düsseldorf, Germany 🇩🇪
Raw material sourcing location: Sahuayo, Mexico 🇲🇽
Manufacturing and production location: Sahuayo, Mexico 🇲🇽
Meet the founders
Philip Mayer and Lukas Pünder are two school friends who have known each other since they were ten years old. After graduating from high school, they both decided to continue their studies and pursue careers in business. While Philipp studied in the Netherlands, Lukas went to WHU to earn his bachelor's and master's degrees. In his third year of studies, Philipp went to Mexico to study at Tec de Monterrey in Guadalajara, and it was there that he fell in love with Mexican craftsmanship, particularly the huarache—traditional Mexican outdoor shoes dating back to pre-Columbian times.
Back in Düsseldorf, Lukas and Philipp decided to bring the Mexican leather sandal known as the huarache to Europe. A few months later, they were both working as interns at L'Oréal and took advantage of every lunch break to plan their adventure. Once their six-month internships were over, the two Germans hopped on a plane to Mexico to begin their quest and find the best huarache artisans in Mexico... and that is where the CANO adventure began.
About the brand
The founders of CANO wanted to offer materials and production processes of the highest quality so that their products would last longer.
In terms of design, the style is intended to be timeless so that it can be worn through the seasons. CANO represents a traditional and timeless style.
Eco-friendly impact
The brand combines ancient artisanal techniques with innovative production processes to create environmentally friendly and durable pieces, demonstrating that it is possible to create a sustainable future while preserving the wisdom of the past.
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Raw material sourcing
For the jewelry collection, the brand uses 100% recycled silver and recycled brass. The creators source their recycled silver from a supplier located in Taxco, Guerrero. It is a highly renowned silver producer and exporter in Mexico.
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Zero Waste Packaging
The ring boxes and padded shipping envelopes are made from recycled paper. The jewelry is packaged in an un-dyed organic cotton bag and delivered with an FSC-certified paper insert.
The big pluses
- Social Impact & Fair Trade
To create its products, the brand has partnered with two family workshops in Mexico that operate according to labor rights policies. It only works with partners who take care of their staff and share the same values:
- Gender equality: Men and women are paid equally. Mothers who work in the workshops receive maternity leave and are free to work from home to care for their children.
- Safe working conditions: Artisans have a safe and healthy working environment and proper equipment.
- Fair pay: 20% higher than in other workplaces in Sahuayo.
- Reasonable working hours: to maintain a healthy work-life balance and care for their families. Shifts do not exceed 8 hours and include lunch breaks. Overtime is paid, and there are holidays and sick leave.
And of course: No child labor, no forced labor, no modern slavery.
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Transparent and traceable
All their products are completely transparent and traceable. They collaborate with Retraced's supply chain transparency tool. Every product made by CANO is equipped with a QR code. By scanning the QR code, you get full access to the story of your new CANO product: where it was made, by whom, and with what type of materials.
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Valuing Mexican craftsmanship
The jewelry is made in Valentina Huete's workshop. Her creations are inspired by Mexico's paradisiacal beaches and designed in a timeless style.
Valentina is passionate about craftsmanship and wants to make a positive impact on the world. Therefore, she makes each piece entirely by hand and constantly tries to reduce her ecological footprint. Her mission is to present Mexican metals and traditional goldsmithing processes to the world through her creations.
'' It is important to respect everyone's work in the supply chain. I therefore make sure that my materials are obtained fairly and consciously. ''
Valentina
Her workshop is located in Mexico City, where her partner artisans for metal casting and gold plating are also located.
The brand's eco-friendly values:
For the jewelry collection, the brand uses 100% recycled silver and recycled brass. The ring boxes and padded shipping envelopes are made from recycled paper.
All production is carried out locally in Mexico to keep transport short and emissions low, and to ensure the most positive social impact.
The brand aims to preserve traditional Mexican craftsmanship in a modern world.
All products are handmade.
The brand only works with partners who take care of their staff and share the same values.
Cano's partner tanneries have been rated Gold or Silver by the Leather Working Group.
[ Preserving tradition in a modern world. ]
