Ten principles, one promise.

MKS was founded to help economically disadvantaged artisans access overseas markets. We provide regular employment, fair wages, and dignified working conditions to craftspeople who might otherwise be excluded from the global economy.

Our workforce includes women, physically challenged individuals, and artisans from marginalised communities in and around Kolkata.

We maintain open books, honest pricing, and clear communication with every partner. Our production costs, margins, and worker wages are available for audit at any time.

SEDEX 5-pillar audited. WFTO Guaranteed Member since 2015. Annual social audits published to partners.

We invest in our artisans' skills through continuous training — from traditional saddle-stitching techniques to modern production methods. Senior craftspeople mentor juniors in a master-apprentice model.

New artisans train for at least six months before joining the production line. We also run literacy and financial planning workshops.

As a WFTO Guaranteed Member, we actively promote Fair Trade principles to our partners, suppliers, and the wider industry. Fair Trade is not a marketing label for us — it is the foundation of our business.

We participate in WFTO conferences, host factory tours for partners, and educate consumers about ethical sourcing.

Every artisan at MKS is paid above market rate, on time, every time. We do not withhold wages, deduct unfair penalties, or delay payment for any reason.

Wages are benchmarked annually against local living costs. Artisans also receive festival bonuses, healthcare support, and emergency loans.

MKS is a women-led company — founded and managed by women. We actively ensure equal pay, equal opportunity, and a safe, respectful workplace for all genders.

Over 60% of our workshop team are women. We provide maternity support, flexible hours for parents, and zero-tolerance policies on harassment.

MKS maintains a strict minimum age of 18 for employment. We have zero tolerance for child labour, forced labour, or any form of coerced work — in our workshop or our supply chain.

All workers present verified age documentation. Supply chain partners are audited for compliance. Any violation results in immediate termination of the relationship.

Our workshop meets international safety and hygiene standards. Clean air, adequate lighting, safe equipment, and reasonable working hours are non-negotiable.

SEDEX audited for health and safety. Regular safety drills. Workers have access to clean drinking water, rest areas, and first aid at all times.

We use eco-friendly, certified sustainable materials. Vegetable-tanned leather, zero-waste patterning, and upcycled offcuts (Shanti Leather) are central to our practice.

Materials certified by OEKO-TEX, LWG, Control Union, and Global Recycled Standards. Waste leather is recycled into new products rather than sent to landfill.

We preserve and promote traditional Indian crafts — kantha stitching, block printing, handloom weaving, and artisanal leather techniques that carry generations of cultural heritage.

Our products are designed in dialogue with artisan traditions, not in spite of them. We never ask our craftspeople to abandon their methods for speed.