Footwear brands launch 'regenerative rubber' initiative
Footwear brand Timberland has joined fellow VF brands Vans and The North Face in a project to create a "regenerative rubber" supply for footwear.
The VF partnership with regenerative farming consultancy Terra Genesis International (TGI) will work with farmers to incorporate multiple tree species to mimic a natural forest ecosystem.
This revitalises biodiversity and enhances ecosystem services such as soil health, water cycling, carbon sequestration and the creation of favourable microclimate, they said.
The new Greenstride Solar Wave EK+ Collection joins several Timberland styles now featuring Regenerative Leather uppers. The styles also includes GreenStride comfort soles made of 75% renewable materials, a combination of sugar cane and natural rubber from trees.
Regenerative farming practices mimic the natural movement of herds by intensively grazing cattle herds in relatively small areas before moving them to other small areas. This allows for more rest and regrowth of the grasses, which can lead to better food for livestock and healthier soil, said Timberland.
Later this summer, the Timberland PRO line will introduce its first Regenerative Leather work boot, the Gridworks EK+.
The company said: “As Timberland rapidly expands its Regenerative Leather supply chain, the brand hopes to use its global scale and powerful sourcing arm to incentivise the transition of more farmers to regenerative agriculture across the world.”
Timberland has set a goal for 100% of its natural materials to be sourced from regenerative agriculture by 2030.
Photo: A regenerative rubber farm in Thailand. Credit: TGI
