Footwear, clothing brand launches 'regenerative rubber' pilot

DENVER—VF Corp. has started the world's first "regenerative rubber" pilot via a collaboration between its The North Face Inc., Timberland L.L.C. and Vans Inc. brands, with consultancy Terra Genesis International (TGI).

Under the project, the brands' first regenerative rubber footwear products will launch in 2023, VF stated in its latest sustainability report

The initiative is currently centered on a pilot collection scheme in Thailand, according to the Denver-based apparel, footwear and accessories group.

For its part, TGI stated separately that the project goals included "revitalizing the traditional agro-ecological system" in Thailand.

The pilot, added the firm, would improve rubber farmer and community well-being, while meeting "sourcing requirements for 500 (metric tons) of rubber by 2023."

Regenerative rubber farming incorporates multiple tree species to mimic a natural forest ecosystem and uses indigenous farming techniques, said VF.

The system, it said, "will help to diversify crop yields and provide multiple streams of income to the farming community."

And, using "train-the-trainer" programs, VF aims to transition more plantations to regenerative systems towards tracing the sources of natural rubber across all of its footwear brands.

"In the spirit of collaborating for the greater good," VF added that it will "make this supply system available to other brands across and outside the industry."

More broadly, VF said it aims to source all-natural rubber sustainably, noting that when not managed responsibly, the commodity can contribute to deforestation and negatively impact communities.

VF has previously signed onto the Forest Stewardship Council's (FSC) "responsible natural rubber commitment" and stated its "preference to source FSC-certified natural rubber whenever available."