Iconic Heritage Brand Announces Major Sustainability Plans

Let’s face it. There are loads of trends we wish would just go away. Fanny packs, dad sandals, tie-dye, you name it we’re likely already sick of it. One trend that we’re certainly glad is sticking around is all things sustainability. Back in the day, you were known as a tree-hugging weirdo if you were into eco-friendly living but now, reducing waste and caring about the environment is the hottest topic. Brands and retailers everywhere are making sustainability their personal business and we’re so here for it.

See also: This BIPOC, Female Owned Home and Personal Care Brand Is Paving the Way for Sustainable Business

After all, we’re all living on this planet together and even though it sounds super corny, we need to work together to make it a more sustainable place for everyone. One brand, in particular, has just announced huge plans to make their plans more sustainable by launching their own sustainability initiative.

Hunter Boots, the iconic British heritage brand, has just shared what they plan on doing to ensure a more sustainable and eco-friendly world. Titled Hunter Protect, the sustainability and accountability strategy will detail how the brand will work to protect and support the environment and people around it. “Our history is rooted in protection. For over 160 years we have protected our community from the elements. We will continue to develop this legacy in two ways; by protecting the rights of every person in our supply chain, and by working with charities to protect the things that we value: our people and our planet,” said CEO Paolo Porta in a release.

To start, Hunter has made seven pledges and they are:

1. By 2025, all rubber footwear will be Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) certified. 

2. Hunter pledges to work with World Land Trust to protect endangered forests, the species that depend on them and the people that care for them.

3. In 2022, 65% of the collection will incorporate FSC®-certified rubber, BLOOM algae foam or recycled textiles.

4. By 2022, 100% of packaging will be recyclable.

5. By 2022, the brand will offset all direct carbon emissions from global stores and offices.  

6. By 2022, Hunter will have conducted inclusive worldwide leadership training to all hiring managers in line with its Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and its new HR policies and procedures.

7. Hunter has donated over 150,000 boots to date and every year, pledges to donate a further 15,000 pairs of fully functional boots to global charities, including those that respond to natural disasters, pandemics and the refugee crisis.

The brand is all about fostering positive change in the fashion industry and having a culture where voices are heard. Hunter has also partnered with various charities on both a global and local level to further help amplify the brands ethos. Since 2012, Hunter has been donating boots to charities around the world, including refugees in areas like Kurdistan and farmers in East Timor. They’ve also worked with charitable organizations like OutRight Action International, Show Racism the Red Card and The Prince’s Trust.

While it’s impressive that any brand devises such all-encompassing sustainability priorities, it’s great to see that Hunter really does go above and beyond to not only protect the planet but the people who are on it, too. This is one brand that truly puts their money where their mouth is.