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Timberland

At Wedge, we have gathered and analyzed the following information on Timberland to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of its sustainability efforts.

Timberland

As you may know Timberland is a part of the VF corporation which is an American global apparel and footwear company founded in 1899. The company's 13 brands are organized into three categories: Outdoor, Active and Work. The company controls 55% of the U.S. backpack market with the JanSport, Eastpak, The North Face, and Vans brands.


Carbon Emissions:  

  • Timberland's parent company, VF Corporation, is working hard to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases they produce. They've set a goal to reduce their emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to what they were producing in 2017. As of 2022, they've already reduced their emissions by 66%.

  • They're also working to reduce emissions from their suppliers and transportation by 30% by 2030 compared to 2017 levels. As of 2021, they've managed to reduce these emissions by 8%.


Carbon intensity measures greenhouse gas emissions in relation to a company's revenue or employees. It helps assess a company's carbon footprint and commitment to reducing emissions. 


Timberland has a goal of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030. In 2021, the company's CO2 intensity was 1.2 kg CO2e/€1000 revenue, which is lower than the average for the apparel industry. However, Timberland's CO2 intensity is higher than some of its competitors, such as Patagonia (1.1 kg CO2e/€1000 revenue) and Arc'teryx (0.9 kg CO2e/€1000 revenue).


Labor Practices:

Timberland's commitment to ethical labor practices includes: a public commitment but doesn't include: an action plan and separate labor costs. Living wage paid rating of 1/5.

For more details, visit the brand's Fashion Checker page.

Renewable Energy Sources:

Timberland has a goal of using 100% renewable energy by 2025. In 2021, the company used 30% renewable energy. Timberland is working to increase its use of renewable energy by investing in solar and wind projects.


Transparency: The North Face's Fashion Transparency Index score is 65.8- better than 99% of the other brands in the index. The index assesses brands' transparency regarding their social and environmental policies. For more information, visit the Fashion Revolution website.

Sustainable Materials:

The company has a goal of using 50% recycled or renewable materials by 2025. In 2021, the company used 30% recycled or renewable materials. Timberland is working to increase its use of sustainable materials by developing new materials and working with suppliers to source sustainable materials.

  • Recycled Materials: VF Corporation is aiming to source 50% of their polyester from recycled materials by 2026. As of 2021, they've already achieved 36%.


  • Other Materials: Top materials used by weight:

    • Rubber: 40%

    • Polyester: 18%

    • Cotton: 15%

    • Leather: 5%

    • Paper: 4%

    • Nylon: 3%

    • Foam: 2%

    • Wool: 1%

    • Down: 1%

    • Others (including brass, polypropylene, etc.): 11%


Animal Welfare:

Timberland has a commitment to animal welfare. The company only uses down that is certified by the Responsible Down Standard (RDS). The RDS is a global standard that ensures that down is sourced from animals that are not force-fed or live-plucked. Timberland also only uses wool that is certified by the Wool Standard. The Wool Standard is a global standard that ensures that wool is sourced from animals that are raised in a humane and sustainable manner.


However, some animal rights activists argue that no matter how well-regulated the industry is, it is still cruel to use animals for clothing. They argue that animals should not be killed for their fur, feathers, or skin, and that there are many vegan and cruelty-free alternatives available.


Timberland is aware of these concerns, and it is working to find ways to reduce its reliance on animal-derived materials. The company is investing in research and development of new materials, and it is working with suppliers to source more sustainable materials.


Here is a neutral summary of Timberland's animal welfare policy:

  • Timberland has a commitment to animal welfare.

  • The company only uses down that is certified by the Responsible Down Standard (RDS).

  • The company also only uses wool that is certified by the Wool Standard.

  • However, some animal rights activists argue that no matter how well-regulated the industry is, it is still cruel to use animals for clothing.

  • Timberland is aware of these concerns, and it is working to find ways to reduce its reliance on animal-derived materials.

  • Overall, Timberland is making progress in its commitment to animal welfare.