Better choices begin with better information.

The right material must perform, last, and meet the product’s purpose. Our direction is to understand composition and source more clearly, reduce avoidable harm, and improve how materials become finished products.

MATERIAL HIERARCHY

Use less. Use well.
Know more.

Avoid

Remove unnecessary components, finishes, packaging, and materials that add impact without meaningful value.

Reduce

Improve patterns, specifications, and packing so the same function uses fewer inputs and creates less waste.

Prefer

Choose credible recycled, traceable, responsibly sourced, or lower-impact options when they meet performance needs.

Verify

Keep evidence for composition and claims, understand certification scope, and test product quality before scale.

Leather

Use only where its durability, feel, and performance fit the design; improve traceability and look for credible environmental and chemical-management evidence from suppliers.

Textiles

Explore recycled or responsibly sourced fibers where suitable, while protecting strength, colorfastness, comfort, and care performance.

Rubber & soles

Balance grip, flexibility, abrasion resistance, weight, and lifespan; investigate recycled content and more efficient compound use where technically viable.

Synthetic materials

Use deliberately for function and consistency, seek recycled or lower-impact alternatives where evidence supports them, and avoid vague “eco” descriptions.

Metals & trims

Reduce unnecessary decoration, specify durable finishes, document composition where possible, and design attachments to resist early failure.

Packaging

Right-size boxes, reduce plastic and mixed materials, increase recycled and recyclable content, and keep the product protected through delivery.

Close-up of Apple Shoes footwear in a social campaign

RESPONSIBLE MAKING

Quality is part of impact.

Production decisions shape both footprint and product life. We want approved manufacturing partners to work toward clear expectations for quality, legal compliance, worker health and safety, fair treatment, chemical controls, waste handling, and traceable records.

First-time-right quality and fewer rejected units
Efficient cutting and responsible scrap handling
Controlled chemicals and safer workplace practice
Energy and water awareness where most relevant
Transparent subcontracting and supplier records
Corrective action with clear owners and deadlines