Circular Economy Organizational Governance

Timberland Gives Worn Items New Life Through Timberloop™ Take-Back Program

Timberloop enables Timberland and its community to work together to keep products and materials in circulation for as long as possible — critical to the company’s goal for 100% of its products to be designed for full circularity by 2030.

Published 4 years ago | About a 2 minute read

Image: Timberland/Facebook

Today, Timberland joins the growing number of apparel brands extending the life of their products, with the launch of its Timberloop™ product take-back program — available both online and in stores across the US. Customers can now return any used Timberland® footwear, clothing or accessories so they can be given a new life. Returned products will either be disassembled — for as many parts as possible to be reused, recycled/upcycled into new products — or refurbished for sale on a dedicated web site launching later this spring.

Following in the footsteps of programs from companies including Barbour, Eileen Fisher, H&M, Levi Strauss, Madewell, New Balance, The North Face, Patagonia, Rapanui and tonlé to name a few, Timberloop enables Timberland and its community to work together to “close the loop,” keeping products and materials in circulation for as long as possible — critical to the company meeting its goal for 100 percent of its products to be designed for full circularity by 2030. Disassembling used products and putting materials back into their respective recycling streams translates into reduced waste and environmental impact.

“Timberland products are already designed to be durable and long-lasting, and I love the idea of extending that even further with a second life outside the landfill,” says global brand president Susie Mulder. “With the growing awareness of environmental issues and personal consumption choices, I believe our community will be as excited about the Timberloop program as we are. This is a huge step as we work toward our vision of a more equitable and green future.”

Clearly marked donation boxes will be installed in each full price and outlet Timberland store, complemented by a convenient digital ship-from-home option. For the digital option, visit timberland.com/timberloop, print the free shipping label, and mail back your worn products to begin their recycling journey. In addition to the feel-good element of helping keep valuable materials in use for longer, Timberloop participants will receive a 10 percent discount toward their next purchase.

Next in Timberland’s push for 100 percent circularity will be the unveiling of the Timberloop™ Trekker City Hiker boot this Earth Day (April 22). Designed for sneaker-like comfort and a more urban outdoor look, the city hiker features a unique sole construction whereby the outsoles can be easily removed and disassembled for recycling through the Timberloop platform — which the company says will roll out in April in Europe, and later this year in the Middle East and Asia Pacific markets.