We have set targets to reduce waste from our manufacturing processes and trace the key materials we use.
In our production processes, we have taken a number of steps to ensure we adopt responsible practices. We partnered with external experts to measure the impact of greenhouse gas emissions of our products on the environment. To do this, we carried out a Lifecycle Assessment of a 1460 boot. Through this assessment, we learned that approximately 70% of the greenhouse gas emissions from the lifecycle of a pair of 1460 boots comes from producing the materials, such as leather and packaging. Our top three most used materials are leather, PVC and polyester. Sourcing more sustainable materials is where we can have the biggest impact on reducing our products’ environmental footprint.
What is a Lifecycle Assessment?
A Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) quantifies the environmental impact of a product, material or service, across its entire lifecycle.
Since the start, innovation has been at the core of the Dr. Martens brand and continues to play its role in our products today. We will continue to research and develop more sustainable materials for the future, such as biosynthetic and biodegradable alternatives, while maintaining the DNA of the Dr. Martens brand.
Global supply chain
Our global supply chain consists of manufacturing sites and distribution centres. As well as manufacturing our products in the UK, most of our footwear and accessories are produced in the factories of our trusted partners in eight countries across Europe and Asia. We also map and nominate our key material and component suppliers.
This disclosure accounts for a significant proportion of our Tier 1 footwear suppliers and is reviewed and updated annually.
To learn more about our CSR programme in our supply chain, visit our Treat people responsibly page.
Supplier environmental standards
Our Environmental Standards set out our expectations for our suppliers’ environmental management. We monitor our key suppliers against these standards and their environmental performance through our ongoing supplier monitoring programme. We also monitor our key suppliers’ energy, water, waste and chemicals use on a quarterly basis.
RSL and Chemical management
Restricted substances are chemicals and substances which have been banned or restricted for various reasons such as health and safety and environmental concerns. The purpose of a restricted substances list (RSL) is to reduce the use of hazardous substances in the supply chain. Testing methods are used to verify if a chemical is present and if so, ensure it is below the restricted level.
Dr. Martens General Material Requirement Policy (GMRP) is part of Dr. Martens RSL programme and is key to ensuring that our products comply with all relevant product safety legislation and requirements. The GMRP is shared with and signed by our Tier 1 and key Tier 2 suppliers each year. It is reviewed and updated each year and is aligned with the legal testing requirements in all our operational regions (UK, EU, US, China, Japan and Korea) including REACH legislation and California Proposition 65.
We use third-party testing labs to test products against the highest applicable requirements for the markets they are sold into. All of the testing labs we work with are pre-approved by Dr. Martens so we only work with trusted testing partners. Every new material and component type in our products goes through a rigorous testing programme each season to ensure it is compliant. Random products are selected from the production line by Dr Martens Quality and Compliance team. As well as a comprehensive testing programme for our components and raw materials, we also carry out seasonal rip down (finished product) testing, where products are shredded and the individual components tested. If a product or material should fail a test for compliance reasons, an investigation is launched immediately to remediate the failure.