PRODUCTION

We believe that world-class manufacturing begins with respect for people and the environment (planet). Therefore, we strive to work with suppliers who share our commitment to respecting the environment and factory workers.

One of the benefits of manufacturing handmade shoes in Portugal is to support local factories in Europe and reduce transportation distances (transportation pollution), compared to producing and shipping from countries further away from Europe such as Asia.

Sustainability is just as much about social standards as environmental issues, hence, working with factories in Portugal gives us the confidence that the EU law regulations and working conditions have to be met.

In other words, we work with factories/suppliers that respect and uphold the rights of employees and workers throughout the supply chain by ensuring they are treated fairly, provided with safe, healthy, and respectful workplaces, and guaranteed a minimum wage.

LEATHER WORKING GROUP

Currently, our main leather suppliers are members of the ‘Leather Working Group’ (LWG). The LWG seeks to improve sustainability within the leather manufacturing industry by providing suppliers with guidelines for continual improvement.

CERTIFICATES

As mentioned, we work with factories that respect environmental factors, working conditions and constantly look for (technological) improvements. Hence, these are some of the sustainability certificates that our partners have: SA8000 / BSCI Social Aspects / UN Global compact / Audits WCA Iso 9001 Environmental Management Systems / Iso 14001 Quality Management Systems.

MATERIALS

We do not use fur, the skins of exotic animals (such as crocodile & python), or those of endangered species. The leather used by our tanneries comes from animals that have been raised for the food industry also known as a byproduct, and whose skin we recycle. We are also very sensitive to animal welfare and only purchase our materials from the most highly-regarded suppliers who can provide the best possible traceability.

As mentioned above our main leather suppliers are members of the Leather Working Group for more transparency and sustainability. Additionally, the newly introduced Nubikk clothing line is made of 100% organic cotton and is also produced in Portugal.

SOLES

Our main sole supplier from Portugal is one of the most sustainable sole suppliers on the market. They work with 100% renewable energy and recover/reuse 72% of their waste. Besides being manufactured sustainably, the soles are also very lightweight and durable.

At the end of 2019, we introduced our most sustainable sole ever, Yucca. Yucca is a 100% Natural rubber (Pura Latex®) sole, which is made of 100% natural rubber from the Hevea tree. Being made of 100% natural latex makes the Yucca sole also 100% recyclable.

Natural latex comes from the milky sap harvested from the rubber tree. Rubber tappers strip a thin layer of bark off the tree to release the latex and collect it from cups. This latex is then processed to become a wide variety of products, from rubber tires to latex mattresses, and of course soles.