This is a guest article written by the Lakeland footwear team.
Established around 6 years ago by a well established manufacturer in Sri Lanka with over 60 years experience of manufacturing vulcanised rubber footwear, which includes wellingtons, flip flops and canvas footwear. They have a small UK office based in the rural and green part of Enfield where all website sales and day to day requirements are managed. They have been successfully supplying wellington boots to a varied customer base which includes the humble gardener, festival goer, dog walker, farmer and also the equestrian community.
In 2020 Lakeland Footwear recognised that consumers were becoming increasingly concerned about the environment and the impact of products containing plastic contributing to polluting our seas and waterways. As a modern and innovative brand, Lakeland wanted to create footwear that left a minimal carbon footprint and also focus on using plant based, renewable and sustainable resources. They also reviewed all their packing methods and moved away from any plastic packaging. This is still a challenge with paper shortages and increased costs but remains the ultimate goal.
Collaboration between the R&D and design teams in the Sri Lankan factory followed, and the decision was made to design a new FSC rubber wellington boot and use FSC certified rubber from a nearby FSC certified rubber plantation, also using organic certified cotton for the linings. The factory also gained vegan certification.
FSC certification guarantees that the rubber is sourced from plantations that adhere to strict guidelines that make re-forestation and social responsibility at the core of their business. Additionally, it provides a consistent source of income to the rural rubber farming communities of Sri Lanka.
The FSC audit process ensures the chain of custody for the journey of the FSC rubber product is followed strictly and this reassures customers they are investing in an ethical and sustainable brand.
The FSC audit also ensures all health and safety is considered for employees working in the supply chain with training required for both fire safety and first aid.
This was a very helpful and informative process with a direct positive impact which gave a far greater awareness of health and safety standards, for both offices in UK as and Sri Lanka.
Lakeland Footwear launched their new FSC rubber wellington boots in Autumn 2020 and they received a great reaction with many positive comments from customers about the ethical and sustainable approach. Customers were pleased to find an alternative to the usual PVC wellingtons and also the very expensive branded wellingtons.
Lakeland wellington boots have also been featured on ITV’s “Good Morning” sustainable fashion feature, Gardeners World Magazine top ten wellies and Country File Christmas Magazine. They also have a collaboration with 5 star Hotel Hampton Manor with visitors invited to use Lakeland FSC wellies for their country walks.
Lakeland Footwear believe that using FSC certified rubber and pursuing the ethical and sustainable approach is the correct and positive direction to take even if this does come with managing evolving market challenges!
Discover more about Lakeland Footwear online.