Oboz’s commitment to responsible materials

Oboz has set a brand goal to achieve a minimum of 20% environmentally preferred materials (EPM) by weight in all our products by 2030. We are verifying this through certification with global responsible sourcing organisations. This commitment drives us to continually innovate in product design, production methods and material selection to minimise our environmental impact.

Performance highlights 

Last year, Oboz made notable progress toward our responsible materials goals. 

In the Whakatā Collection of off-road sandals, we incorporated 20-40% bio-based Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, made from renewable raw material sugar cane, in the midsoles and uppers. We also incorporated up to 20% recycled rubber in the outsoles. 

The FW23 Bozeman Collection features a 20% bio-based BLOOM foam insole, made from algae, as well as between 50-100% recycled content in the lining materials. The Bozeman Collection also features a 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) insulated membrane, derived from recycled plastic bottles and other plastic waste.  

In FY24, 34% of Oboz’ range has at least 20% EPM by weight. For instance, the Whakatā Ease and Off-Road Styles now have more than 24% and 29% EPM content by weight, respectively. 

Our goal is to achieve 100% of our range with the minimum 20% EPM by weight by 2030, covering the entire product range, including carry-over styles. 

Cottonwood Collection 

This year we launched the Cottonwood Collection. This is the “tip of the spear” as Oboz leans into our strategy to improve product sustainability and circularity. Cottonwood styles feature a minimum of 34% environmentally preferred materials by weight.  

“Cottonwood was the first time we looked at every component with a critical eye,” says Dan Wehunt, Product Management & Design Director at Oboz. 

“In just a few years we’ve gone from recycled laces and webbing to this year working with Leather Working Group gold leather, 100% recycled textiles and other future-forward components. Our goal remains to ensure that the products not only meet but exceed our standards for durability and performance – the most important aspect of sustainable product design - and the Cottonwood does.” 

Leather Working Group  

Oboz purchases 100% of our leather from suppliers certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG) as meeting the ‘Gold’ standard. LWG is a non-profit organisation that promotes sustainable and responsible practices in the leather supply chain through certification and improvement programs. 

‘Gold’ level certification signifies that a tannery excels in all LWG’s requirements, ranging from its environmental management system to its use of restricted substances.  

“Leather stands out as a durable material for footwear,” says Dan. “It is a byproduct, which makes it a renewable resource, as long as it’s sourced responsibly. We’re proud to support responsible leather manufacturing globally.” 

Looking ahead 

Our focus remains on converting materials in selected carry-over styles to meet our 20% EPM content goal. We are also committed to the removal of intentionally added PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as ‘forever chemicals’. 

Our journey towards a fully circular product line is ongoing. We continue to explore new materials, collaborate with suppliers, and test our innovations to enhance both performance and sustainability. 

“Our development team is small but agile. We know where we want to be and are working together to achieve our goals,” Dan says. “We believe that durability is an important part of sustainability; the longer a product remains in use, the more sustainable it will be.”