In the heart of Devonport, New Zealand, two friends, Nicky Robinson and Kate Moffat, found themselves shivering on the sidelines of their kids’ football games, their feet cold and wet in the muddy terrain. It was amidst these chilly moments that the seed of an idea took root, sprouting into what would become a transformative venture in the realm of sustainable fashion. Source: Timberbiz
Marlo, the brainchild of Nicky and Kate, is a brand that epitomises innovation, responsible production, and environmental consciousness within the New Zealand fashion industry. Together, Nicky and Kate have brought to life a gumboot that not only offers protection from the elements but also champions responsible sourcing amidst an industry often marred by supply chains riddled with environmental degradation and social injustice.
While the production of natural rubber provides an income for millions of people in developing countries, it can also have negative impacts on forests, communities, and workers when it is not managed responsibly. In some cases, the expansion of rubber production can be a driver of deforestation and forest degradation, including areas of high conservation value.
Marlo CEO and co-founder Nicky pointed out another concern, “Most gumboots are made out of various synthetic and petroleum-based materials that make them non-biodegradable, hard to recycle, and highly toxic to the environment as they break down.”
In their quest for a more sustainable solution, Nicky and Kate turned to FSC-certified rubber plantations in Sri Lanka.
Here, they discovered a pathway that could ensure a supply chain with integrity and verifiable responsible practices. By sourcing rubber from FSC-certified forests, Marlo not only addresses issues like deforestation and biodiversity loss but also uplifts local communities and supports FSC’s rigorous standards of social responsibility.
“We aimed to set a new standard with Marlo, acknowledging our customers’ growing concerns regarding the environmental and social impacts of their purchases,” shared Kate Moffat, co-founder of Marlo. “The rubber used in our boots is locally and sustainably sourced from FSC-certified rubber plantations in Sri Lanka, and our manufacturing partner recycles the rubber sheet offcuts, producing jandals, rubber soles, and other rubber footwear to minimize wastage,” added Kate.
By ensuring that the rubber in their boots is FSC certified, Marlo provides customers with the assurance that their purchase doesn’t contribute to illegal logging, habitat loss, and poor working conditions.
In April, Marlo elevated its dedication to sustainable forestry by becoming a signatory of FSC’s Fashion Forever Green Pact, making it the first New Zealand fashion label to join. Marlo’s FSC-certified gumboots exemplify their efforts to raise industry awareness and combat issues like deforestation and human rights abuses within natural rubber production. By ensuring their supply chain adheres to FSC’s rigorous standards, Marlo confirms that the natural rubber used in their boots is responsibly sourced, safeguarding biodiversity, supporting local communities, and upholding workers’ rights.
