2022: A Year In Review
12/16/2022
We’ve been busy.
For us, 2022 was all about growing. We’ve worked hard to improve our practices and have introduced new materials that are kinder to our earth.
Truth is, whatever we make will impact our planet. We want our shoes to be durable but we need them to eventually break down. We have learnt it’s not just about repurposing plastics or offsetting carbon emissions but sourcing bio-based products and reducing our footprint.
A journey that’s far from over, we’ve wrapped up our highlights.
We became Australia’s first B Corp-certified footwear label
And we couldn’t be prouder. We joined a community of like-minded businesses that are dedicated to operating under the highest social and environmental standards. While it didn’t change our practices, it did give us a network to continue to drive our improvements in sustainable initiatives and ethical practices.
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$64,695 donated to The Hunger Project
An organisation that focuses on empowering people to sustainably end their own hunger. We continued to support the Nsondole community in Malawi by donating $50 for every 'Hornbill THP' sneaker sold and $2 for every sock purchase.
With your help, the community successfully reached self-reliance. A massive milestone and we couldn’t be happier.
Since 2019, we’ve donated $373,000.
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Introduced B.plantfoam
The same support you know and love, but kinder to the planet. Our new B.plantfoam™ footbed is made from 72% plant-based materials (USDA Certified Biobased). With a carbon footprint of 3.85kg CO2e, it reduces CO2 emissions by 70% when compared to traditional petroleum-based footbeds.
Launched our first vegan sneaker
A women’s sneaker with a knit upper crafted from recycled plastic, the 'Jinzo' features a 40% sugarcane outsole, a slip-resistant sole crafted from a blend of natural rubber and is fitted with recycled cotton laces. It’s bloody comfy, too.
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$45,000 donated to Greenfleet
Greenfleet is a leading environmental organisation that’s on a mission to protect our climate by planting biodiverse forests across Australia and New Zealand. This year, we offset 2,500 tonnes of carbon emissions, totalling 5,380 tonnes since 2020.
We understand carbon offsetting is only part of the solution, we’re committed to minimising our impact at every level.
Since 2020, we’ve donated $95,000.
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4,800 shoes recycled
We work with Save Our Soles to recycle your pre-loved shoes. The Melbourne-based company transforms them into rubber mats and they’re repurposed for retail flooring.
Thanks to you, we doubled the number of shoes recycled from last year. You’re the best.
Recycle With Us
Drop off your old favourites (Bared or not!), anytime at any of our stores.
Since 2019, we’ve recycled 10,640 shoes.
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$23,610 donated to Children’s Ground
We teamed up with contemporary Indigenous artist, Brad Turner, to create ‘Hornbill 2 Brad Turner’ sneaker. A low-profile style that showcased the artist’s commissioned artwork - a pastel-coloured piece that was silent auctioned. We matched the final price and donated all proceeds to Children’s Ground.
Since 2019, we have donated $74,260.
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Donated $10,000 to NSW & QLD flood victims
Our hearts went out to those affected by the NSW and QLD floods. The damage left families with nothing, destroying their homes and leaving them with only the clothes on their backs.
We donated to Red Cross Australia to support the incredible work they did on the ground.
Introduced Flufftails
Comfy just got cosier. Crafted from 100% faux fur made from GRS-certified 100% recycled polyester, the 'Flufftail' slippers are kinder to our planet and your feet, too.
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Opened Fortitude Valley, Brisbane Store
Brisbane, we made it! After years of requests, we finally touched down in the sunny state. We launched our first weekend with 10% of sales donated to The Hunger Project and threw a party to celebrate.
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Launched a recycling program
We partnered with TerraCycle, a global waste management company that collects and repurposes traditionally non-recyclable waste. Our Melbourne team have access to the recycling program to help keep waste out of landfills.
Opened Armadale Men’s Store
It was about time our men’s Armadale space got an upgrade. Featuring dark timber panelling, exposed brick and mature greenery, we were joined by Aussie legend, Nazeem Hussain for a few laughs and indulged in Four Pillars negronis on the rocks.
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We joined Shoe Factory Waste Program (FDRA)
An ongoing course for our factory in China that focuses on reducing our environmental impact by eliminating waste in the production and manufacturing phases. By empowering our factories to identify, sort and recycle waste to keep it out of landfills, the program provides our suppliers with a key tool to increase environmental sustainability at the factory level.
We stand with Fashion Declares
We have joined a network of individuals to take action on the climate, ecological and social crises we face. We declare;
“The Fashion industry needs an upgrade. It’s time to put an end to the exploitation of people and the planet and work towards a fully circular and zero-waste industry. The Fashion Declares movement plays a crucial role in leading the way, we must unite and implement measurable action to stand a chance. The power is in our hands to make an impact."
That's a wrap!
Thank you to everyone that supported us, shopped with us and walked with us. We love doing what we do and couldn’t do it without you.
Wishing you a happy holiday season, can’t wait to see you in the New Year!!