Timberland turns recycled plastic bottles into shoes and bags

Thanks to a collaboration with Thread, Timberland is creating shoes and bags from plastic waste collected and recycled in Haiti.

Plastic can be turned into a secondary raw material, is able to create jobs in developing countries and give life to a new, recycled product. This is precisely what Timberland is doing in collaboration with Thread and a great example of circular economy. Timberland has engaged 1,300 Haitians in collecting plastic bottles in order to use PET to make a new fiber and create shoes, bags and t-shirts.

The inhabitants of Haiti, the Caribbean island hit by a terrible earthquake in 2010 and by the Matthew hurricane last year, collect plastic waste along the streets and resell it to 50 collection centres. These centres give plastic waste to Haiti Recycling and Eccsa Haiti, which treat the material to turn it into plastic fiber. At this point, Timberland buys the recycled fiber and uses it to produce its new line of shoes and bags.

At Thread, we believe that dignified jobs cure poverty—and our fabric creates those jobs,” said Ian Rosenberger, founder and CEO of Thread. “Our partnership with Timberland marks a seismic shift in the fashion industry, combining Timberland’s large supply chain and loyal customer base with Thread’s responsible, transparent approach to creating premium fabrics and vital jobs in the developing world”.

The first mile

What distinguishes Thread’s philosophy is the transparency and traceability of the entire supply chain, from raw materials to final products. The company serves as a bridge between workers in developing countries (in the first mile) and big brands, giving the former dignified jobs and the latter quality recycled materials.

A report released by Thread shows that Timberland allowed reducing water consumption by 115 million litres, avoiding using nearly 7 tonnes of pesticides and recycling more than 765,000 plastic bottles – compared to the production of cotton fiber.

Timberland for sustainability

The US manufacturer isn’t new to the philosophy of recycling materials. Its well-known Earthkeeper boots, which represent 80 per cent of the group’s sales, are made with recycled materials, are PVC-free and are designed to be recycled up to 90 per cent. Also, in 2014 Timberland launched a line of shoes made from old tyres, demonstrating that it is possible creating quality and sustainable products from recycled materials, and giving value to unprivileged communities. “I am so grateful to what recycling has done in my life. I am an entrepreneur, and a good one,” said Nadine Phillipe, Collection Center Owner in Les Cayes, Haiti.

Article published on LifeGate.com