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Sustainability

At Sole Purpose, our journey is rooted in embracing more eco-friendly materials that prioritise comfort, classic style, and durability, while championing the enduring benefits of leather.

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Our Commitment

Leather, prized for its durability, breathability and ability to mould to the foot, fosters healthy development from childhood into adulthood and stands as a sustainable choice. Unlike ‘vegan’ alternatives such as PU (derived from petrochemicals), 99% of all leather originates from hides and skins considered ‘waste’, a by-product from the meat industry. 100% of our leather originates from animals primarily raised for food purposes.

This sustainable approach not only underscores our deep commitment to environmental stewardship but also reflects our dedication to responsibly sourced materials, highlighting the durability and sustainability of leather.

End of Life: No Shoe Left Behind

23 billion shoes are purchased each year, and it’s alarming that approximately the same quantity are going to landfills. We believe that every shoe deserves a second chance. That’s why we are inviting you to join our recycling program. Once your children have outgrown their shoes, send them back to us. We can arrange for free postage or offer you a discount on your next pair.

Sustainable Production Materials

We envision a world where children giggle with joy, their feet dancing in durable and stylish shoes as light as their laughter, amidst a cleaner, greener Earth for humanity to thrive. We make this possible by using eco-friendly materials in our footwear and working hard to figure out how to use more recyclable materials in our production process.

Currently, 96% to 100% of our non-leather materials and components are derived from post-consumer waste, specifically PET bottles. This initiative is part of our broader goal to minimise the use of virgin materials and ultimately phase out petroleum-based materials and chemicals in our shoes.

Uppers

Our commitment begins with manufacturing”Plastic-Free” uppers. Instead of synthetic materials, we use 100% responsibly sourced leather (LWG Gold rated tanneries). Leather is soft and moulds perfectly with the foot. It is also more durable than alternatives such as PU/Textile, often made from petrochemicals. Additionally, no animals are killed for their leather. Instead, hides and skins would be considered “waste” from the meat industry. These by-products are ‘upcycled’ into high-quality leather, aligning with our goals of sustainability and responsible use of resources

Linings

96% to 100% recycled polyester (PET) is used in our linings. This innovative use of materials diverts plastic bottles from landfills and oceans significantly reducing the demand for virgin polyester, which is a petroleum-based product. By choosing recycled PET, we can reduce the need to build a material from scratch and reuse waste to build the material.

Laces

Laces are made with certified 100 % recycled polyester (PET) (post-consumer).

Branded Badges

We utilise badges crafted with care from 35% recycled silicon (from certified post-consumer waste material). Each badge adds a touch of style and playfulness to our footwear while ensuring that even the smallest details contribute to a greener future.

Outsoles

Our outsoles are made from FSC-certified natural rubber, pre-consumer waste (i.e.factory waste streams) synthetic rubber and other wood chip, the balance consists of silica and synthetic rubber. We avoid using virgin materials as much as possible at any stage of our manufacturing process. But we need to keep durability/quality in mind and at the moment technology does not allow us to use 100% recycled or 100% natural rubber outsoles with the same level of quality and durability

Elastic Gussets

Our gussets are constructed from certified recycled polyester (PET) and elastane, a material that gently conforms to the contours of the foot, giving your kids a ‘made-to-measure’ feel.

Zips

As for the zippers, we use YKK NATULON® zippers. Crafted from a blend of post-consumer waste, such as PET bottles, and pre-consumer materials and fibres, these zippers are designed to minimise material discolouration and deterioration.

Removable Insole

Our removable insoles are made out of PU foam from certified 100% recycled PU (post-consumer waste) and serve multiple purposes beyond just providing comfort. In addition to offering support for your child’s feet, its removable design allows for easy customisation. This feature is beneficial for those who prefer their own insoles while also facilitating periodic checks to ensure the perfect fit for growing feet.

Invisible Components

We’ve boosted our sustainability initiatives by honing in on different shoe parts, such as ‘invisible components’ like Toepuffs, Back Counters and Insole boards. These are the materials we carefully select to make a positive impact and create a beneficial footprint.

Insole Board

When it comes to crafting durable insole boards which form the base and structure of the shoe, we use 100% recycled paper combined with 100% recycled PET eco strobe (Both TEXON).

Toepuff and Back Counters

The structure in the heel and toe of the shoe contains up to 60% recycled plastic, including reprocessed end-of-life fishing nets as part of the mixture.
Sourced from Milspeed, a premier global supplier of boxtoes (toe puffs) who are committed to eco-conscious recycling practices, our materials reflect our dedication to sustainability. Milspeed diligently collects and recycles our cutting components from our sheets, a process integral to reducing material waste. Moreover, they annually divert over 500 tonnes of European post-industrial food-grade plastic waste from landfills, bolstering our efforts to support the planet.

The Good and the Bad

We want to be transparent in our operations. While we are committed to turning every stone to find the most sustainable alternative for every single component, it is important to note that some materials, such as metals are sourced from virgin resources. Although compliant with the chemical standards, we continue to seek recycled alternatives that have the same quality aspect.

The chemicals utilised in our leather production are not all derived from natural sources, as we have yet to identify an alternative that meets our exact quality benchmarks. However, our sourcing practices from Gold rated Leather Working Group (LWG) tanneries and rigorous due diligence testing guarantee compliance with prevailing industry standards worldwide.

While we maintain visibility into each of our material suppliers, achieving complete traceability throughout the entire supply chain remains a work in progress. Nevertheless, we collaborate exclusively with suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability objectives, and we remain dedicated to enhancing our traceability efforts.

Recyclable Packaging

Our shoeboxes are made from 100% recycled FSC boxes and the inks used to print them are natural. To further our cause, each box contains a treasure hunt, a delightful activity for the little ones. They can also use our shoe boxes for arts and crafts, adding to our commitment to sustainability while also giving the box a second life before recycling takes place.

This initiative ensures that each box enjoys a meaningful second life, filled with creativity and adventure, before it is eventually recycled, aligning perfectly with our mission to promote sustainability in both our shoes and packaging. Through these efforts, we’re proud to contribute to a more sustainable world, where even the smallest actions, like reimagining the life of a shoebox, can make a significant impact.