Appeal to Your Environmentally-Conscious Consumers
By placing a focus on sustainability in footwear, a brand becomes more appealing to a growing modern audience of consumers searching for small changes they can make in their everyday lives to contribute to sustainability initiatives.
Sustainability in footwear is nothing new, but the approach we’re taking at Trederra aims to break barriers. As John Wildsmith, owner of high-end English footwear brand Wildsmith Shoes, once said, “You are either in your bed or in your shoes, so it pays to invest in both,” and that’s part of the reason why we’re focused in this area of sustainable fashion.
From hiking boots to tennis shoes to ergonomic flip-flops, rubber-soled shoes are ubiquitous. Times are changing, though, and a growing number of conscious consumers are seeking sustainable footwear brands that prioritize sustainability on all fronts. By making the switch to Trederra outsoles, which are shoe soles made from recycled tires, footwear brands have the opportunity to take a giant step toward addressing the values of consumers everywhere.
Sustainability = Spotlight: How Switching To Sustainably-Made Outsoles Increases Brand Visibility Amidst Consumers
When it comes to sustainability in footwear, the numbers tell a vibrant story: consumers across the board are increasingly willing to spend more for sustainably-made products, thanks in large part to the buying power and influence of Generation Z.
According to a 2022 First Insight survey reported on by Forbes, nearly 90% of Generation X consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products, up from around 34% in 2020. Overall, two thirds of surveyed consumers say they’re willing to pay more for sustainable products, but two thirds of retailers still believe that consumers will not pay more for sustainable products. As consumers literally demand sustainability in their shopping, it’s the ideal time to implement sustainability into your brand.
But when it comes down to it, there is only so much a single person can do; shopping with reusable grocery bags, carpooling to work, and making conscious consumption choices definitely make a difference, but the bulk of the responsibility falls on the big companies; the manufacturers like us. As consumers seek ways to be more sustainable, making your brand a pillar of overall sustainability helps you stand out from the crowds — and Trederra can help you get there.
Proof In The Pudding: Examining The Difference Made By Sourcing Recyclable Materials and a Clean Manufacturing Process
According to an MIT study, producing one pair of typical running shoes creates up to 30 pounds of environmentally-harmful emissions, and the bulk of that is generated by the manufacturing process. Of course, the sourcing of raw materials generates a portion of those emissions, too, but looking at the bigger picture is what has allowed Traderra to make a true difference in the production of outsoles.
- As with other recycled material endeavors, the sourcing, cleaning, and repurposing process traditionally used for tire recycling creates a host of environmentally-harmful emissions. That’s why we created an environmentally-friendly sourcing, cleaning, and manufacturing process that uses recycled water rather than harsh chemicals, reducing overall fossil fuel use.
- We’re selective with which parts of which tires we end up using in our material production, but we never allow our “scraps” to go to waste. Any parts of the tires not included in the outsole production are used for other sustainable projects/products, such as roofing shingles and asphalt. In other words, we make sure every part of the “buffalo” is used.
- Our finished recycled rubber compound, Trederra CT-50, is formulated for use in up to 50% of sustainable footwear outsoles — more than any other brand.
The Bigger Picture
With our approach to sustainability in footwear, two major environmentally-harmful events are addressed: the dangerous disposal of tires in landfills and the production of harmful manufacturing emissions. As you look to increase your footwear brand’s sustainability, consider the bigger picture of what it means to be truly sustainable. With Trederra, you’re getting sustainability straight from the source.
Our main focus is reducing the overall carbon footprint of the footwear industry, and we’d love for you to join us.