Timberland is giving used shoes a second life with its new take-back program dubbed ‘Timberloop’, part of its effort to achieve full circularity by 2030.
The program, initially available only in the US, will collect pre-loved Timberland products before recycling or disassembling them to upcycle into new products. Used items in good condition will also be refurbished for sale on a dedicated website launching later this year.
“With the growing awareness of environmental issues and personal consumption choices, I believe our community will be as excited about the Timberloop program as we are,” said Susie Mulder, global brand president for Timberland.
“This is a huge step as we work toward our vision of a more equitable and green future.”
Each Timberland store will feature donation boxes complemented by a digital ship-from-home option. Online customers can print the free shipping labels before mailing back used products to the company.
Participants in the Timberloop program will also receive a 10 per cent discount toward their next purchase.
In addition, this Earth Day (April 22), Timberland will introduce its latest eco-friendly product called Timberloop Trekker City Hiker. The hiker features a unique sole construction whereby the outsoles can be easily removed and disassembled for recycling through the Timberloop platform.
The brand plans to roll out the Timberloop take-back program in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific in the future to help it achieve a net-positive impact on the environment by 2030.
Timberland joins one of the latest major retailers to introduce recycling/ upcycling program to take customers along with their sustainability journey. Last November, Uniqlo launched ‘Re:Uniqlo’ program, which collect customers’ old clothes and sent to places in need while recycling unwearable items into new pieces.
