Sustainable Practices
Stick & Ball designs timeless, beautiful pieces using sustainable materials and
partners with artisans to preserve traditional craftsmanship—creating goods
that are made to last in both style and quality.
Our Mission
At Stick & Ball, we thoughtfully design each piece using the finest sustainable materials from around the world. By collaborating with skilled artisans, we help preserve centuries-old craft traditions while supporting fair wages through cooperatives supported by USAID and other organizations. Our commitment brings timeless designs to life—while honoring craftsmanship and sustainability every step of the way.
Sustainable + Artisanal + Enduring

Our Materials
Every detail at Stick & Ball reflects our commitment to timeless design and intentional craftsmanship.
From heirloom-quality alpaca to vegetable-tanned Italian leathers, our materials are sustainably sourced and
handcrafted by skilled artisans—made to last, season after season.

Alpaca Fibers
We choose alpaca for its unmatched blend of performance, luxury, and sustainability. A renewable natural fiber, alpaca is exceptionally soft, breathable, durable, and hypoallergenic—making it a premium choice for long-lasting garments. Our fibers are sourced from the Peruvian highlands, where alpacas graze with minimal environmental impact, leaving root systems intact and requiring no harmful chemicals for cleaning. The alpaca industry supports over 120,000 families in Peru, preserving centuries-old traditions through every step—from shearing and sorting to hand-weaving. By working with local artisans and using 100% biodegradable alpaca fibers, we honor a heritage of craftsmanship while reducing waste and creating pieces designed to last a lifetime.

Vegetable-tanned Leather
Honoring the centuries-old tradition of vegetable tanning—a natural, metal-free process that uses tannins derived from bark, berries, and other plant materials to cure leather. This artisanal method not only produces rich, earthy tones and a signature woody fragrance, but also results in leather that is more durable and develops a beautiful patina over time. Unlike chrome tanning, vegetable tanning takes several weeks, reflecting our commitment to slow fashion and enduring quality. All of our leather goods are handcrafted in Tuscany and certified by the Leather Working Group and the Consorzio Vera Pelle Italiana Conciata Al Vegetale—setting the highest standard for environmental responsibility in the leather industry.

Turkish Cotton
Our organic cotton is grown from non-GMO seeds without the use of harmful pesticides or synthetic chemicals. This sustainable farming method conserves resources—using up to 88% less water and 62% less energy than conventional cotton—while promoting healthier ecosystems and long-term soil fertility. By choosing organic cotton, we not only help protect the health of agricultural workers and surrounding communities, but also support a cleaner, more responsible supply chain from seed to stitch.

Tangius Cotton
Tanguis cotton, developed over a century ago by Fermin Tanguis, is known for its exceptional durability, strength, and breathability. Unlike conventional cotton, it naturally wicks moisture without relying on synthetic fibers, offering a more comfortable, eco-friendly alternative. Grown in Peru’s coastal climate, Tanguis cotton requires less water and can be harvested up to six times per year—making it a more sustainable choice from both an environmental and performance standpoint.
Stick & Ball is the in the process of becoming a Certified B Corporation.