Timberland to take back its used products

Timberland is launching a global product take-back program as part of its overall sustainability commitment.

Developed in partnership with global innovation company ReCircled, the program provides the infrastructure needed to fuel Timberland’s circular design and development cycle. It also supports the brand’s goal for its products to have a net positive impact on nature by 2030 through a commitment to regenerative agriculture and circular design.

Beginning in August in the United States,  consumers will be able to return Timberland  footwear, apparel or accessories to a Timberland store, to either be repaired or refurbished for sale on a dedicated re-commerce platform, or upcycled/recycled into future products.  A digital, ship-from-home option will be introduced later in the summer.

Following the U.S. launch, the program is slated to expand to Europe later this fall, and to the Asia-Pacific region in spring 2022.

“This take-back program is a critical step in pursuing our 100% circularity goal, while at the same time addressing the ever-increasing consumer demand for responsible design and progressive retail options,” said Susie Mulder, global brand president for Timberland. “Timberland always builds our products for longevity. Now those products will have a second life, whether they are refurbished for re-sale, or disassembled and recycled into something new.”

In Timberland’s journey to have a net positive impact on nature by 2030, circularity will help the brand achieve zero waste/impact. Timberland aims to tip the scales past zero to net positive – actually helping to restore nature – by sourcing 100% of its natural materials through regenerative agriculture.