Our Material Policies
We’re committed to removing harmful chemicals from our products to protect the health of our customers, makers, and the planet. We know that managing chemicals in a complex supply chain can be tricky, but we’re dedicated to making it right.
To do this, we’ve created a detailed Restricted Substances List (RSL) as part of our strategy. In 2024, we updated our RSL to meet the highest global standards for environmental impact, health, and safety.
All of our suppliers and factories must follow our RSL guidelines, so we can ensure that every step of our production process is responsible, safe, and aligned with our commitment to sustainability.
Chemical Monitoring with the Leather Working Group
We source 100% of our leathers from Tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group.
The Leather Working Group (LWG) monitors chemical usage through its comprehensive audit protocol, which assesses tanneries on their environmental performance, including chemical management. They require detailed documentation of chemical inventories, usage, and storage practices. The LWG also evaluates the implementation of best practices for handling hazardous substances, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
You can view the LWG Ratings of our tanneries in use for 2024 here.
Why aren’t 100% of our leathers sourced from Gold rated tanneries?
The majority of our leathers are sourced from Gold Rated LWG Tanneries, with 100% of our women’s leathers coming from these top-tier suppliers. We work with a select group of trusted tanneries to ensure the highest standards of quality and sustainability.
However, for our men’s range, produced in Portugal, many tanneries rely on municipal wastewater treatment systems, which can affect their environmental ratings, particularly in how wastewater is managed. As a result, some of these tanneries may not achieve a Gold rating under the Leather Working Group (LWG) certification. We are actively working with our factories in Portugal to increase our usage of gold-rated tanneries.
Wherever possible, we prioritise sourcing leather from tanneries within the country of production. This approach not only helps minimise transportation emissions but also reduces labor risks associated with global sourcing.
Chemical Testing
Our chemical policy is designed to ensure that all materials, leathers, and components used in our products are safe for both our customers and the environment. From AW25, we test all materials, including bulk leathers and components, for chemical compliance before they are incorporated into finished products. Our testing strategy includes both random and scheduled checks to ensure that all materials are consistently safe and free from restricted substances.
By ensuring the compliance of materials prior to production, we are able to narrow down the cause of any RSL noncompliant footwear to our production line. It also allows us to avoid any waste potentially caused by non-compliant final products.
We require all suppliers to adhere to local and international chemical regulations, ensuring that their materials are free from harmful substances. This includes compliance with the Restricted Substances List (RSL), California Prop 65, AFIRM, and REACH standards. Our RSL specifically targets the eradication of PFAS and VOCs from our supply chain.
We are dedicated to improving our chemical practices over time by working with experts in the field, conducting regular audits, and staying up-to-date with evolving regulations and best practices.
Our commitment to chemical safety is a continuous journey, and we do our best to ensure that our products meet industry standards for quality, safety, and sustainability. We remain open to learning and improving, always striving to make responsible and thoughtful choices in our practices.
Certified Materials
Wherever possible, we source materials with certifications that help monitor chemical usage throughout the supply chain. We’re committed to improving our practices and are always looking for ways to be more transparent and responsible. You can learn more about our certified materials here.