From the sole up, the lightweight Blueridge Low Lady ES combines Hanwag’s core values:

high quality, durability and reliability with innovative developments. The stand-out sustainability feature is the 100 percent recycled EcoShell membrane, which offers waterproofing and breathability without using PFCs. This hydrophilic membrane absorbs body moisture and moves it to the outside via evaporation.

100% Made in Europe

In order to cut transport and CO2 emissions, Hanwag makes its footwear at its own production sites in Vierkirchen and Hungary. Furthermore, it works with selected manufacturers, who work exclusively for Hanwag, such as a family-owned shoemaking business in Croatia that has been making Hanwag boots – and nothing else – for over 30 years. Manufacturing in Europe only, is something that is not to be taken for granted in these times where many companies move their production to far-flung corners of the world. Hanwag sees this as its responsibility and commitment to sustainability. It also has many advantages, as being near to production partners means that employees can manage processes more effectively and skills and long-term expertise are easier to pass on – not to mention the fact that it is more

environmentally-friendly. Hanwag has always aimed to keep all its important steps within Europe – from research and development, via sourcing and supplying raw materials, to manufacturing itself. No matter which criteria you apply, the Bavarian bookmaker can say that all its models are ‘100% Made in Europe’.

Sustainable materials and long-term partners In addition to manufacturing, raw material production and material selection also have a large impact on the environment. Hanwag chooses to use materials that are as eco-friendly as

possible, providing that they ensure the required functionality and quality. Hanwag uses naturally long-lasting, high-quality leather, but also has as many parts as possible made from recycled materials. Many of them are certified by the ‘Global Recycling Standard’, which means that the Bavarian brand can guarantee that the recycling process is verified according to strict standards and requirements. Moreover, Hanwag ensures that it selects its materials according to the key factors for making high-quality footwear: durability, consistency and traceability. In order to have materials with traceable origins, you need to have long-term relationships with reliable suppliers. All of Hanwag’s raw materials come from companies in Europe, the only exception is yak leather, which is sourced in Mongolia. Thanks to the longstanding and sustainable partnerships with its partners, Hanwag is able to consistently maintain the high quality of its footwear. Resoling – giving old boots a new lease of life Everyone is talking about ‘circularity & repairability’, Hanwag’s resoling service serves as a prime example of sustainability. With functional footwear, if a sole tread wears out and becomes unsafe, then it no longer fulfils its intended purpose; the footwear gets disposed of and is replaced by a new product. This is bad for the carbon footprint of the old footwear. With its resoling service, Hanwag restores the full functionality of old footwear. By having them fitted with new soles, Hanwag users see their favourite mountain boots gain a new lease of life. As such, instead of lasting just six years, they might be worn for 16 or even 26 years. You don’t really get more sustainable than this. In addition, the topic of shoe care is an important part of Hanwag’s brand communication. This is because, by carefully cleaning and looking after their boots, users can also extend their service life. From leather to EcoShell Leather is one of the most important materials that Hanwag uses. And Hanwag is committed to

having the most sustainable manufacturing process possible. This is why the entire supply chain for Hanwag leather is based in Europe – from the raw materials, via the tanning process in gold-rated Leather Working Group tanneries, to production. Moreover, leather is a byproduct of the meat industry, as such shoemaking is based on using a waste material.

Hanwag Eco-Shell footwear is a further example of its commitment to sustainability.

In 2018, Hanwag launched this proprietary PFC-free polyurethane membrane that is ideal for outdoor footwear and requires no fluorinated chemicals.

Fair Labor Association

We are a member of the Fair Labor Association (FLA), an NGO that aims to improve worker rights and working conditions worldwide. In doing so we have committed to the implementation of the FLA guidelines, and which are monitored throughout the entire supply chain. Once a year, the FLA also carries out an unannounced compliance audit through

independent auditors.

We are also a member of various associations, initiatives and organisations dedicated to minimising negative environmental impact.

• HANWAG is a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC). The coalition’s mission is to use the Higg Index to make sustainability quantifiable and transparent to end consumers. There are various tools that can be used along the value chain to achieve this.

• Our parent company, the Fenix Outdoor Group, is a signatory of the UN Fashion Charter for Climate Action (UNFCCC): the United Nations’ international environment treaty aims to prevent dangerous disruption of the climate system, slow down global warming and mitigate its consequences.

• The Fenix Outdoor Group is also a member of the Swedish Textile Initiative for Climate Action (STICA), which strives to help apparel and textile organisations reduce their climate impact while strengthening their global competitiveness.

• In the North American market, we cooperate with the Outdoor Industry Association‘s Climate Action Corps which means we commit to measuring and reducing our CO2 emissions and sharing our progress yearly.

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