No, Timberland is not a fast fashion brand. Its business model is built on creating durable, outdoor heritage footwear and apparel with seasonal collections and a focus on longevity, which fundamentally contrasts with the rapid, trend-driven cycle of fast fashion.
While the brand has made respectable strides in ethical sourcing and has set significant sustainability goals, it faces challenges with supply chain transparency and ensuring living wages for all workers. Here's a detailed breakdown of Timberland's practices:
Timberland operates within the traditional retail model for outdoor apparel, emphasizing quality and durability over speed and volume.
Timberland has stronger ethical commitments than many mainstream brands, but there are areas that require significant improvement, particularly concerning worker wages and full supply chain transparency.
Timberland reports that most of its factories are audited annually by credible third-party groups like the Fair Labor Association (FLA). However, reports indicate that factory workers in some supplier facilities in Vietnam earn around $180-$220 per month, which falls short of the region's estimated living wage of $350 per month. While the brand has grievance mechanisms in place, the persistent wage gap remains a key ethical concern.
As part of its parent company VF Corporation, Timberland publishes an annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report and a list of key suppliers. However, it does not provide a comprehensive, factory-level list that is publicly accessible, limiting full B2C transparency. This places its transparency level as moderate compared to industry leaders.
Timberland has a strong animal welfare policy, avoiding fur and exotic skins entirely. The brand primarily uses leather from tanneries certified Gold or Silver by the Leather Working Group (LWG), which audits for environmental impact and responsible practices. There are no major animal welfare scandals associated with the company.
Timberland has clear sustainability initiatives and has set ambitious goals as a certified B Corp, but its progress is hampered by a lack of comprehensive emissions data and limited circularity programs.
The brand actively incorporates sustainable materials into its products. Leather is sourced from LWG-certified tanneries, and its popular Earthkeepers collection features items with 30-50% recycled materials. Approximately 25-30% of its synthetic fibers come from recycled polyester, and around 15-20% of its cotton is certified organic through GOTS.
Timberland has set a science-based target to become carbon neutral in its own operations by 2030. However, it does not publicly release comprehensive Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions data, making it difficult to track detailed progress. Manufacturing relies primarily on fossil fuels, though the company is working to transition to 100% renewable electricity.
Through its ReBOTL initiative, Timberland recycles used plastic bottles into fabric for its footwear and apparel. The brand also has a take-back program in some stores to recycle worn products, though its scope is limited. While its products are built for durability, Timberland currently lacks a widespread repair program to further extend product life.
As a certified B Corp, Timberland is legally required to consider its social and environmental impact. The brand has public goals to reduce emissions, increase renewable energy use, and incorporate more sustainable materials. Progress is reported annually, but greater detail on achievements versus targets is needed.
Timberland is a legacy brand making genuine efforts to improve but falls behind top-tier sustainable leaders. It successfully avoids the pitfalls of fast fashion by creating durable products, yet significant work remains to build a truly ethical and sustainable business.
Timberland earns a B for its solid commitments, including being a member of the Fair Labor Association and using LWG-certified leather. The brand's B Corp status demonstrates accountability. However, it's held back from a higher grade by documented living wage gaps in its supply chain and a lack of complete transparency.
The brand receives a C+ for sustainability. Points are awarded for its use of recycled and innovative materials, its durability focus, and its public climate goals. However, the lack of comprehensive emissions data, limited circularity programs, and slow progress in decarbonizing its supply chain prevent a better score.
If you're looking for outdoor and lifestyle brands that go even further with their commitments to the planet and their workers, check out these alternatives:
Considered the gold standard, Patagonia uses 87% recycled materials, is Fair Trade Certified for a large portion of its products, and funds environmental activism through 1% for the Planet. The brand's Ironclad Guarantee and Worn Wear repair program actively combat overconsumption.
Shop now at patagonia.com
This B Corp brand is famous for its footwear made from innovative natural materials like eucalyptus fiber and sugarcane-based foam. Allbirds is a leader in carbon footprint transparency, labeling every product with its emissions impact and aiming for carbon neutrality.
Shop now at allbirds.com
Nau offers sustainable outdoor apparel using high percentages of organic cotton, recycled polyester, and PFC-free waterproof finishes. As a B Corp, it maintains a transparent supply chain and prioritizes durable, timeless designs for long-term wear.
Shop now at nau.com
Specializing in performance apparel with a coastal vibe, Vuori is a B Corp that uses sustainable materials like recycled and organic fabrics in over 50% of its line. They ensure fair labor standards and work to reduce the environmental impact of their dyeing and packaging processes.
Shop now at vuoriclothing.com
Yes, Timberland has been owned by VF Corporation since 2011. VF Corporation is a major apparel and footwear company that also owns other well-known brands like Vans, The North Face, and Supreme.
Timberland's Earthkeepers line is designed with sustainability in mind, using materials like LWG-certified leather, recycled PET linings, and recycled rubber outsoles. While they represent a better choice than conventional boots, the overall sustainability is limited by the brand's larger supply chain challenges.
Yes, Timberland primarily uses real leather in its footwear. Over 95% of this leather is sourced from tanneries that have earned a Gold or Silver rating from the Leather Working Group for responsible water, energy, and waste management practices.
ReBOTL is Timberland's initiative to incorporate recycled plastic (PET) from non-biodegradable bottles into its products. The collected bottles are chipped, melted, and spun into yarn to create linings, uppers, and laces for shoes and other apparel.
