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recycled materials

Birkenstock’s 250 year focus on sustainable materials

Posted on November 4, 2024

Birkenstock shoe, sole, manufacturing process, environmentally friendly, sustainable materials

Celebrating 250 years of this iconic shoe, the focus for Birkenstock is becoming more and more about the environment and manufacturing their creations sustainably.

Dating back to 1774, every Birkenstock footbed is made of natural cork, natural latex, jute and suede, which is used as the top layer.

BIRKENSTOCK AND SUSTAINABILITY

The brand uses the highest-quality leather, working with textile materials, such as high-quality wool felt, made from pure merino wool. For those customers looking for animal-free products, there is our proprietary synthetic material Birko-Flor®.

RESPONSIBILITY IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN

A high proportion of the natural materials that Birkenstock uses are from sustainable sources: cork, natural latex, jute, leather and wool felt are among their most important materials.

One of the main raw materials used is cork – a natural and sustainable product that boasts high elasticity, outstanding cushioning, and excellent heat and sound insulation. It is comprised of dead thin-walled cells that have been filled with air. The cork layer is reproduced and can therefore be harvested again and again without harming the tree.

A single tree can provide 100 to 200 kilograms of cork during its life. To ensure that the cork is hygienically clean, the bark that has been removed is cooked thoroughly in tanks. It is then cut into strips that will be used to punch the bottle corks.Natural cork oak forests only exist in the western Mediterranean basin. The majority of the cork processed by Birkenstock comes from southern Portugal, the world’s largest raw cork-exporting region. Natural and planted cork oak forests in Portugal cover a total of some 750,000 hectares – about 8% of the total surface area of the country.

Then there’s jute, which provides additional stabilization of the cork and latex core in the original Birkenstock footbed. In addition, the plant fibers improve the moisture-regulating properties of the footbed. Jute is a renewable resource as well.

Natural latex serves as the natural binding agent in the production of the footbed. Like cork, natural latex is also a renewable resource. Natural latex is obtained from the resin of rubber trees.

Homegrown brand Tribe of 6 uses responsibly sourced and recycled materials

Posted on October 28, 2024

Homegrown brands are just the best. Not only do they help keep our carbon footprints smaller by reducing the logistical means of acquiring them, but also, you’re likely to be supporting a small startup with real people at the helm.

With athleisure here to stay it seems, choosing brands that use responsibly sourced materials and adopt sustainable production methods, is the least we can do. Tribe of 6 is a homegrown Dubai brand that uses materials such as Organic Loopback Cotton (certified by Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)) and Jacquard Textured Fabric (made from recycled polyester).

They also integrate a variety of other recycled fabrics from Sedex approved factories and Global Recycled Standards (GRS) certified., such as; Recycled Polyester, which has a sueded and peached effect, providing a soft luxurious feel. Recycled Crinkle Nylon which provides a smooth, comfy finish that is also lightweight and Recycled Polyester Modal Stretch, which offers a premium feel and breathability.

Furthering the sustainability goals of the U.A.E., Tribe of 6 adopts a “limited stock” production strategy rather than mass production, which not only maintains the exclusivity and quality of their products but also minimises overproduction and waste. Some unsold garments are recycled and repurposed to create new products, ensuring that nothing goes to waste and further reducing its environmental impact.

fashion

Oris luxury watches use recycled plastic in their dials

Posted on October 24, 2024

How do we get rid of plastic? Well, we can’t yet – but we can find new purposes for it, like recycling it, to help keep it out of landfills and out of our environment as much as possible.

One such luxury brand is Oris, who as a Swiss watchmaker are determined to keep their creations as sustainable as possible. With roots dating back to 1904, it’s inspiring to see the brand helping to pave the way for real change within its industry.

Oris Aquis Date Upcycle

One of their key creations, the Oris Aquis Date Upcycle, is actually crafted with a vibrant dial made from recycled PET plastic. Each Upcycle model showcases a one-of-a-kind design, housed in their new sustainable watch boxes, made from recyclable cardboard and paper.

This lightweight, modular packaging reduces plastic use by 1.5 tonnes annually and cuts weight by 65%. Its collapsible design also decreases volume by 50%, lowering carbon emissions, in alignment with Global Recycling Day.

Most recently, each watch box now includes recycled paper cards with a QR code for all warranties, and watch details.

Orise Great Barrier Reef Limited Edition IV

Certified climate-neutral by ClimatePartner, Oris aims to reduce emissions by 10% annually through its Emissions Reduction Programme. Oris even partnered with Reef Restoration Foundation in 2018 on their mission to bring Change for the Better. “Oris is climate neutral and committed to the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals,” says Co-CEO Rolf Studer.