SUSTAINABILITY

Heritage, expertise, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability define DESA, an industrial company founded in 1972 in Istanbul by the Çelet Family. As the only publicly traded leather goods company in Turkey, DESA operates from its headquarters in Istanbul, with additional offices in London, Milan, Düsseldorf, and Sofia. What sets the company apart is its complete control over the entire supply chain, enabling full traceability and quality assurance at every stage—from material sourcing and tanning to finishing and tailoring. This vertically integrated model, supported by an advanced tracking system, ensures exceptional craftsmanship while promoting responsible and transparent production. It is this foundation that has earned DESA the trust of the world’s most renowned luxury brands.

Vertical integration provides DESA with a unique advantage: complete oversight of the value chain, beginning with the sourcing of raw materials—byproducts of the food industry, 95% of which are currently sourced from the UK and Norway. A proprietary barcode system enables full traceability, down to the individual farm, and certifies the ethical treatment and welfare standards of each animal throughout its life.

As a member of the Leather Working Group (LWG), DESA is committed to upholding the highest environmental standards in leather tanning. The LWG annually assesses and certifies sustainability practices, and DESA has proudly earned its Golden Standard—a recognition that reflects sustainable practices across every stage of production, from raw material sourcing to final garment construction.

Leadership continuity strengthens the company’s long-term vision: founded by Mr. Melih Çelet, who currently serves as President, and led by CEO Mr. Burak Çelet since DESA’s public listing in 2003. Since 2022, the company has accelerated its commitment to green transformation, including the installation of photovoltaic systems designed to generate at least 50% of the energy used in its production facilities.

Sustainability at DESA is also people-focused. Through its in-house training academy, the company invests in educating future generations, ensuring that knowledge, skill, and environmental responsibility continue to define the spirit of DESA and 1972DESA.