Our Sustainability Promise
Operating with integrity for over 100 years, Wittner is one of Australia’s most trusted brands. Sustainable practices have always been at the core of what we do, from the suppliers we work with to the materials we choose. However, we think we can do better. By acknowledging and addressing the true impact our business has on the environment, we intend to work towards a better world for generations to come.
Our Journey So Far
Eco Packaging
Wittner has partnered with a supplier that’s a member of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to design and develop our Eco-Shoebox. Made from 100% recycled pulp, the box itself is re-usable and recyclable, with a built-in handle that negates the need for plastic bags.
Finished in a natural brown hue, the eco-box is free from harmful lamination or ink dyes and makes an elegant and sturdy solution for at-home shoe storage. As the box is being steadily phased into stores across our network, we will also be offering recyclable paper bags as an alternative carry method, should the box be unavailable. Our aim is to make shopping with Wittner as eco-friendly as possible, contributing to the reduction of landfill and a more sustainable way of life.
Leather Production
Wittner is a current member of the Leather Working Group (LWG), a not-for-profit organisation that aims to improve the environmental impact of the leather industry by assessing and certifying environmental compliance across the supply chain.
Leather is one of the most naturally beautiful and durable materials on earth, and as a renowned producer of quality leather goods, we have a responsibility to ensure the ethical and sustainable manufacture of our products.
We source leather from many finished tanneries around the world including Europe, Africa, India, Australia and New Zealand and adhere to Australian custom regulations prohibiting the importation of exotic skins or threatened species.
We do not use real fur in the production, design or construction of any of our products.
Workshops & Manufacturing
We select our factory partners based on several criteria, including environmental practices, employee treatment and dedication to craft and quality.
Since 2000, our production methods have been based on a vertical manufacturing philosophy that gives us transparency and control over every aspect of production. This is an environmental and ethical advantage as it allows us to set the standards for processes, waste reduction and employee wages.
As a brand we aim to ensure that supply partners offer:
- A minimum worker age as regulated by local law
- Fair and reasonable mutually agreed working hours
- Individual freedom and choice regarding work
- A hygienic and safe working environment
- Wages that comply with labour laws in the country or that reasonably cover the cost of living
- Environmental and employment protections, laws and regulations
We believe in the importance of having people on the ground to ensure that our high quality product and sustainability standards are consistently met. Wittner technicians regularly audit and monitor the conditions at the factories and the factories' integrity regarding compliance, social and environmental issues.
The Sustainability Collection
Wittner’s sustainable collection uses a Global Recycled Standard (GRS) approved textile made from more than 80% PET (recycled plastic bottle) blended with a bit of elastane to allow the material to stretch. The range is also free from animal products in both composition and manufacture to offer an alternative option for customers seeking leather-free designs.
Used plastic bottles are cleaned, crushed, dried and melted to create a yarn that can be used in garment manufacture. The styles in our capsule collection are composed of this knitted textile and are designed to be worn in any setting — because sustainability isn’t just about recycled materials, it’s about quality, longevity and being able to re-use the same shoes over and over again.
Sustainability Collection FAQs
How will they wear?
Our sustainability range is made from more than 80% PET fibre mixed with varying amounts of elastane for stretch. This means the shoes will retain their shape as worn.
Can I waterproof the flyknit material?
Yes you can! Just follow the instructions on our waterproofer to protect your shoes from liquids and wet weather.
Is there a way to clean my flyknit shoes?
You can spot clean your shoes with an alcohol-free and fragrance-free baby wipe, as well as use an eraser to clean the rubber outsole. The shoes are not machine-washable due to the nature of the re-enforcing materials used inside the designs.
Is the sustainable collection vegan?
No animal products were used in the making or production of our sustainable collection. However, it’s important to note that the range was made using one of our partner manufacturers, in the same factory that creates our leather designs.
Where do the bottles in the flyknit material come from?
The manufacturer we worked with uses post-consumer, discarded plastic bottles to create the Global Recycle Standard (GRS) textile that we used in our collection.
How much do the flyknit shoes cost?
Our sustainable designs range from $155-$300 AUD. This pricing reflects the research and development that has gone into the range, alongside Wittner's signature quality and craftsmanship.