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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.

Waste Management: VF Corporation is working to reduce waste. Since 2015, they've managed to recycle or reuse more than 86,000 metric tons of materials that would have otherwise ended up in the landfill. As of 2022, they're recycling or reusing 97% of the waste from their distribution centers.

Across all their activities, they're recycling or reusing 90% of their waste as of 2022.

They're also aiming to get rid of all unnecessary single-use plastics in their operations and events by 2024.


2nd-hand Services:

Timberland offers a number of second-hand support options, including:

  • Timberland Renewed: This program offers refurbished Timberland products at a discounted price. Products in this program are inspected, cleaned, and repaired by Timberland before being sold.

  • Timberland Worn Wear: This program allows customers to sell their used Timberland products. Customers can either ship their products to Timberland or drop them off at a participating retailer. Timberland will then inspect the products and offer a price. If the customer accepts the price, Timberland will sell the product on its Worn Wear website.

  • Timberland Gear Upcycling Program: This program allows customers to donate their used Timberland products to be recycled or upcycled. Timberland will then use the donated products to create new products or to support environmental initiatives.

Warranty:

Timberland offers a limited lifetime warranty on most of its products. This means that if your product is defective, Timberland will repair or replace it for free, no matter how long you have had it. There are a few exceptions to this warranty, such as products that have been damaged by accident or neglect.

Offsetting Carbon:

Carbon offsetting is the process of compensating for greenhouse gas emissions by investing in projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. The North Face has a number of carbon offset projects, including:

  • Planting trees: Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The North Face has planted trees in a number of different locations around the world.

  • Investing in renewable energy projects: Renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind farms, do not produce greenhouse gases. The North Face has invested in a number of renewable energy projects around the world.

 

Timberland surpasses the average score in 6/10 sustainability parameters we evaluate.


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