In 2006, we used environmentally superior adhesives in more than 8 million pairs of footwear and saved over 160 tons of solvents.

We have volunteered to eliminate the PVC
from product where suitable alternatives are available by 2008.

Inspired by the leadership of the Organic Exchange , we’ve committed to increase our organic consumption to a minimum of 10% by 2010.

Timberland launched a multi-brand environmental audit for tanneries in 2006.

Chemistry 101
Harmful chemicals are used to manufacture many of the products that we use every day. Something about that strikes us as profoundly wrong. So we dig deep to ensure that we are doing all that we can. Sometimes we find that such chemicals show up as part of our supply chain network—like at a facility of one of our vendors' suppliers. These facilities might be a few degrees removed from our design centers, but we're every bit as committed to making a difference there as we are within our own four walls.

A Better Bond
We've started to reduce our chemical use by minimizing the solvents needed to assemble our footwear. On the design floor we pick materials that are compatible with water-based glues. On the factory floor our chemist, Albert, helps assembly lines convert from solvent-based processes to environmentally superior alternatives. So far, so good. By using these water-based adhesive, our suppliers reduced solvent use by 60% for some styles. In many cases, these new adhesives have actually improved product performance, allowing us to increase our stringent standards for bond strength between the soles and uppers of our shoes. In 2006, we used environmentally superior adhesives in more than 8 million pairs of footwear and saved over 160 tons of solvents.

We’ve also made strides to eliminate PVC. This plastic, found in abundance in every industry from construction to footwear and apparel, is linked to both human and environmental health issues. Timberland has volunteered to eliminate the PVC from product where suitable alternatives are available by 2008.

Leather Tanning
Believe it or not, leather has the largest environmental impact of any material we source. Given its importance to our heritage and to our products, we have invested significant time and resources to identify ways to improve our tanneries. Working with life cycle analysis and leather experts we’ve learned that the best way to minimize chemical use in the tanning industry is to source from the best managed facilities. That led us to help launch a multi-brand environmental audit for tanneries in 2006. This peer-reviewed, multi-brand assessment provides a clear and consistent basis for evaluating the environmental performance of tanneries. And, it has become common currency for brands seeking accurate measures of their tannery partners’ environmental footprint. Through brand collaboration and partnership with the leather industry, tanneries save on reporting requirements and gain a marketing tool for their environmental improvements. And we are able to further the pace and scale of sustainability initiatives across our supply chain.

Going Organic
We want to be sure that our values are evident from head to toe. In apparel, we’re expanding the use of organic cotton across our product line to reduce our dependence on conventional cotton. It’s grown with chemical pesticides and fertilizers—putting farm workers, land, and water supplies at risk. By contrast, organic cotton is grown without harmful chemicals. Healthy workers, healthy planet. And clothing that feels good, looks good and is good.

Over the past few years, we converted over 5% of our overall cotton purchases and 100% of our promotional t-shirts to organic cotton. Inspired by the leadership of the Organic Exchange , we’ve committed to increase our organic consumption to a minimum of 10% by 2010. That’s over 1 million pounds of cotton.

Working with farmers and other brands to forecast long-term demand for organic crops is important. Organic cotton is in great demand these days. Many major manufacturers and retail companies are going green. That’s good for the planet but it presents challenges as we strive to increase our use of organic cotton. We are grateful for the folks at The Organic Exchange who are helping farmers transition to organic farming practices. They are building capabilities, generating jobs and supporting growth in the organic cotton industry. And they are helping us to reach our ultimate goal of sourcing 100% organic cotton.