Beyond advertising, sustainability is becoming increasingly important in companies’ production processes. Faced with a more informed and environmentally conscious consumer, companies around the world are betting on boosting responsibility in their supply chains to reduce the impact of their activity. From the use of recyclable materials to collaboration with local and proximity suppliers, brands are committed to connecting with their audience through more sustainable products.
The footwear brand New Balance has joined this commitment to sustainability by redesigning its 998 sneaker model in a limited edition made from leftover materials. Under the title "Made Responsibly 998", the brand’s aim has been to make the most of production waste, so these shoes are made with a mixture of surplus and new materials extracted from stored materials, such as mesh, and laces, or leather. Elements such as foams and linings are also used for the interior.
New Balance’s Responsible Leadership Program
For years, New Balance has been slowly but steadily building a solid foundation of sustainable actions through its Responsible Leadership program. It is now proud to announce these actions and partnerships. From sourcing renewable energy through its supply chain, to selecting its category of environmentally friendly materials, New Balance continually seeks changes that create both short and long-term impact.
Sustainability has always been one of New Balance's top priorities and its commitment to preserving the planet has never been stronger, according to John Stokes, Head of Global Sustainability at New Balance. For example, on April 9th, 2021, New Balance announced a series of new strategies designed to achieve its climate change goals and help preserve our environment.
New Balance’s leather comes from LWG (Leather Working Group) Gold-qualified tanners. As a proud member of LWG, New Balance works accordingly to make conditions in tanneries and dying practices transparent and more sustainable. To this end, its tanners don’t use critical substances and will reduce water and electricity consumption.
Objectives for 2030
Renewable energy: New Balance will use 100% renewable electricity in all its global operations by 2025 and aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030, as a signatory to the United Nations Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action.
Longevity and circularity: New Balance aims to send zero waste to landfill from its factories by 2025. In addition, it will launch a pilot project to reuse its apparel collection in 2021, as part of addressing post-consumer waste, which will establish higher levels of circularity.
Achieve 100% preferred leather and 50% recycled polyester by 2025: Low-carbon materials: polyester and leather are the two main contributors to climate impact for New Balance. As a first step to reduce their effects, the brand will source 50% recycled polyester and 100% sustainable leather by 2025.
Promotion and conservation: during 2021, New Balance will donate 1% of the MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) of all sales of its Fresh Foam Iron v6 model in the United States to 1% for the Planet, in order to benefit organizations working to fight climate change.
Resilience: New Balance strives to support women's empowerment and foster higher levels of community stability and resilience, and so it’s working to ensure that 100% of women in its footwear factories benefit from education and basic skills training by 2025.