Monica DeVreese, brand manager at Simple Shoes, confirmed that “consumers are demanding businesses take a more responsible role when it comes to protecting the planet. This is our future or there will be no future!”
A number of footwear and accessories manufacturers who are exhibiting at the upcoming WSA Show are taking this message to heart. Some, such as Brown Shoes' Dr. Scholl's line, utilize chrome-free leathers that are environmentally friendly. Others, such as Dan Post Boots' Code West boots, Teva's Curbside line, or Etonic Worldwide, utilize recycled materials for outsoles and linings.
Recycled automotive tires are a favorite component. Etonic and Aetrix Worldwide, which is introducing FDA-tested socks lined with Cooper Sole Technology to eliminate almost all bacteria and fungi, also package their products in boxes made from recycled paper.
There are even companies such as Earth and Charmone that produce “vegan” shoes made without the use of animal products. Earth utilizes high-quality microfibers that resemble leathers and suedes. For every Earth Vegan pair sold, the company will donate $5 (up to $25,000 for 2007) to Earth Share to support environmental causes."
"Charmone also produces vegan shoes and will add a Brazilian collection in fall/winter 2007/08 to its existing Italian line. Both collections feature hand-crafted shoes produced in “sweatshop-free” environments. Charmone notes that “from last boards to boxes, everything is made with recycled materials wherever possible.”
-Ltd..jpg?tr=w-120,h-60,c-at_max,cm-pad_resize,bg-ffffff "Thermore (Far East) Ltd.")
.jpg?tr=w-120,h-60,c-at_max,cm-pad_resize,bg-ffffff "Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Limited (TSllC Ltd)")
.jpg?tr=w-120,h-60,c-at_max,cm-pad_resize,bg-ffffff "Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF)")
