Timberland introduces greener packaging

Beginning this fall, buyers of Timberland footwear will bring their new purchases home in environmentally friendlier packaging boasting a product information label outlining the company’s environmental and community footprint.

The new “Our Footprint” label will resemble the “nutrition facts” label found on food products, the company said. Information will include average amount of kilowatt hours needed to produce the footwear along with the amount of energy derived from renewable energy sources. Factory information as it pertains to the company’s code of conduct, and commitment to community volunteerism will also be included.

Consumers also will find a “call to action” label asking them to reflect on their own environmental and community footprint.

The new packaging will be made of 100 percent recycled material and soy-based inks. No chemical glues will be used.

“Timberland is constantly looking for new ways to reduce our environmental impact in every facet of product development, manufacturing and delivery,” said Jeffrry Swartz, the Stratham-based company’s president and chief executive officer. “We believe that we’re going to see an industry shift towards greater product transparency for consumers and that they’ll come to expect that from all the companies they do business with.” – TRACIE STONE