Two New Boot Models Further LOWA's Social Responsibility Commitment

LOWA is not an environmental company. They use raw materials, energy and create waste. However, there is a saying that a bird does not soil its nest and LOWA takes that seriously. In their case, the nest is Jetzendorf, the community LOWA has called home for 90 years – so over the last decade, they have invested almost a million Euros in machinery to clean the air and water that leaves the factory.

The stream that runs along their factory property, whose water the cows drink from, stays clean. The crops that grow in the fields on the other side of the stream remain safe to harvest. Their thrifty Bavarian culture certainly helps; the packaging has been made with recycled paper for so long no one can remember when it was not. Many LOWA employees ride bikes to work. Others van-pool in company-supplied minivans. They still do not call themselves a “green” company, but they are trying to take lighter, greener steps wherever they can.

Not long ago, they began to ask their suppliers about using more sustainably-produced materials. They found that the supply chain for “sustainable” materials was not there and even today, it is very rough. So, as a project, they challenged themselves to re-work the Trekker and Lady Sport, the classic trekking boots that helped define the LOWA brand, using more sustainably-sourced materials. This project became their “concept car” Trekker Nature Line® and Lady Sport Nature Line® – a step in the direction they are asking their suppliers to take with them and a useful template for their own more responsible processes and products.

Nature Line® highlights;

• Heinen “Terracare® full grain leather that is tanned in Germany under fair-labor standards with natural tanning agents (no chemicals), low water and low energy consumption.

•Glove leather linings made with only plant-based tanning agents.

•Open cell cushioning foams for comfort and breathability made with 16% palm oil.

•Insoles made in Germany under fair-labor standards primarily of natural materials and recycled raw materials.

• VIBRAM® Ecostep rubber outsole made from 20-30% recycled rubber.

•Ankle cuff made with 100% recycled polyester and laces with 98% recycled PET bottles.

•Toe bumpers made with a Thermoplastic PU with percentage of renewable materials between 30 and 90%.

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LOWA Boots, L.L.C. • 86 Viaduct Rd • Stamford, CT 06907 • USA

toll free: 888-335-LOWA • fax: 203-353-0311 • www.lowaboots.com