Our Brand
Birkenstock and sustainability
The protection of our natural resources is one of the most pressing issues of our time. We constantly work to improve production processes, products, packaging and logistics. A high proportion of the natural resources that we use are from sustainable sources: cork, natural latex, jute, leather and wool felt are among our most important materials.
RESPONSIBILITY IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN
BIRKENSTOCK, a company with a long tradition, has set ethical and social rules for us and our business partners and developed a Code of Conduct.
Complaints in accordance with the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG) due to actual or imminent human rights or environmental incidents in connection with our own activities or suppliers of BIRKENSTOCK can be reported via the protected SpeakUP Line provided by the BIRKENSTOCK Group B.V. & Co. KG.
Further information on how we deal with complaints related to the LkSG can be found in our Rules of Procedures for Complaints.
German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act guides us to monitor and report on human rights and environmental risks in the supply chain.
Hereby, we present our disclosures:
- Birkenstock LkSG Report 2023 (in accordance with Section 10 Article 2 of the LkSG)
- Grundsatzerklärung (in accordance with Section 6 article 2 of the LkSG)
Modern Slavery Statement
BIRKENSTOCK has taken steps to ensure that slavery and human trafficking is not taking place in our supply chains or in any part of our business in accordance with Section 54, Part 6 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. This statement is in respect of BIRKENSTOCK’s financial year 2024.
OTHER TOPICS
Birkenstock
Natural Latex Milk
Liquid Rubber with Extraordinary Adhesiveness
Natural latex serves as a natural binding agent in the production of the footbed. Like cork, natural latex is also a renewable resource. Natural latex is obtained from the resin of rubber trees. The milky liquid is emitted as the plant’s natural protective mechanism against bacteria and fungi. Rubber trees are native to tropical regions. When they are harvested, the bark of the rubber tree is scored. The latex milk that is emitted is collected in small buckets. This is first done when the trees are six years old. From then on, a rubber tree will provide about 80 grams of latex each and every day for 25 years.
Birkenstock
Social Responsibility
Social Responsibility
The responsible use of natural resources and compliance with stringent social and environmental standards are two of the core values at BIRKENSTOCK. BIRKENSTOCK was embracing sustainability and social responsibility long before the term “corporate social responsibility” was coined. The exceptionally high degree of vertical integration not only ensures impressive product quality and durability, but also goes hand in hand with extensive monitoring of the value chain, from the purchasing of raw materials through to delivery of the finished product. Thanks to its rigorous commitment to quality, BIRKENSTOCK is making a statement against the throwaway mentality that currently prevails in the global fashion industry and is positioning itself as a pioneer of socially and environmentally responsible commerce.
BIRKENSTOCK also accepts social responsibility above and beyond its business activities. Accepting social responsibility and playing an active role in efforts to solve the challenges facing society, however, is not a faddish activity, but rather a reflection of a corporate ethos that has been deeply rooted for several generations.
Birkenstock
Jute
a Natural Stabilizer from Renewable Textile Fibers
Jute provides additional stabilization of the cork and latex core in the original BIRKENSTOCK footbed. In addition, the plant fibers improve the moisture-regulating properties of the footbed. Jute is a renewable resource as well.
The annual plant is generally grown in perpetually humid tropical regions. The bushes grow to 15 to 20 centimeters before they are harvested after about four months. Before the fibers can be spun, the plant textile fibers are first roasted, peeled, combed and cleaned. The natural fibers are then softened. During the production of the footbeds, two layers of jute fiber braid are used to stabilize the top side and underside.