Timberland unveils full circular shoe, expands take-back program

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Apr 25, 2022

Timberland announced on Friday the launch of several sustainable initiatives to mark Earth Day including the brand's first footwear designed for full circularity, and the expansion of its product take-back program. 

The Timberloop Trekker City Hiker was specifically designed for circularity with an outsole that can be easily removed and disassembled for recycling at the Timberloop take-back facility. It also features a removable inner bootie made of 100% recycled plastic fabric, which is integrated into the shoe through the lacing system for easy disassembly and recycling. 

“We always have and always will create high quality, durable products that stand the test of time. Beyond that lens, we’ve added a focus on eco-innovation that’s a natural progression in how we approach product design,” said Chris McGrath, vice president, global footwear design for Timberland. 

“Timberland has been using recycled materials in footwear for years, but the design of the new Timberloop Trekker puts us on the path to true circularity, where nothing goes to waste.”

The brand also announced the expansion of its Timberloop take-back program to the UK, Germany, France and Italy. The program launched in the U.S. earlier this year with additional European markets, as well as APAC expected to follow.

Through the take-back program, consumers are encouraged to return their worn Timberland footwear, clothing or accessories to Timberland where returned products are either disassembled and recycled/upcycled into new products or repaired/refurbished for resale. 

To further support the resale component, the Timberloop resale website went live in the U.S., enabling consumers to purchase Timberland products that have been repaired or refurbished through the Timberloop program.

“We’ve worked hard to ensure that every touchpoint – from the product take-back boxes in our retail stores to the new Timberloop resale website – makes it easy for consumers to participate in the Timberloop program,” said Susie Mulder, global brand president for Timberland.

“I’m excited to expand the program to select European markets today and look forward to even more consumers joining in our effort to ‘close the loop’ – reducing waste, keeping products in circulation for as long as global possible, and supporting our vision for a greener future.”