Timeless Design Meets Social And Environmental Good

Timberland has partnered with Thread International to develop a recycled plastic fabric used in their Men’s Premium Canvas Boot. This is one of several strategies, including Timberland’s recycled tire program, that has made Timberland a leader in Circular Economy and Sustainability.

Thread is a social impact, recycled plastic material supplier that transforms recycled materials collected by workers in Haiti into materials used in footwear, apparel and accessories. Through their collaboration with Timberland, Thread has been able to provide a source of income for 77 Haitians and in the process, has recycled 765,280 plastic bottles. In addition, their 50% recycled PET has saved 30 million gallons of water compared to to using 100% cotton canvas.

This is a classic boot with a twenty-first century update that paves the way forward to a more renewable future with its regenerative plastic canvas.  

The Good

It is awesome to see a brand like Timberland work with an emerging, impact-driven supplier to produce a product that creates a reduced environmental impact. The partnership with Thread and their amazing work really adds to the the product story as does the publishing of their impact study.

Thoughts on where to expand:

Admittedly, it took some digging to understand what was unique about this boot when I first looked into it. I think that a more interactive product page focused on storytelling would help consumers better understand the significance of this product. In fact, the case study page on Thread’s website does a much better job at this than Timberland’s does.

Also, given Timberland’s recycled tire program, I am a bit surprised that these boots do not feature their recycled tire outsole material.. A product that has both features would be amazing.