Is New Balance Ethical?

Michael Weinstein

Entrepreneur

Michael Weinstein is a seasoned writer and a dedicated expert in work safety, footwear, and popular shoe brands. With years of research and expertise, he's...Read more

Michael Weinstein

Entrepreneur

Michael Weinstein is a seasoned writer and a dedicated expert in work safety, footwear, and popular shoe brands. With years of research and expertise, he's...Read more

New Balance is a popular brand among fitness enthusiasts and athletes worldwide. With its focus on quality and comfort, it has gained a loyal following over the years. However, as consumers become more conscious of the impact of their purchases on the environment and society, the question arises: is New Balance an ethical brand?

Many consumers want to know if New Balance is committed to sustainability, fair labor practices, and ethical manufacturing. In this article, we will take a closer look at the brand’s values and practices to determine if it meets the ethical standards that consumers expect from their favorite brands.

Is New Balance Ethical?

If you’re looking for a new pair of sneakers, you may be wondering if New Balance is a good choice. The company has been around for over a century, and its products are popular around the world. But is New Balance ethical? Let’s take a closer look.

History of New Balance

New Balance was founded in 1906 in Boston, Massachusetts. The company started out making arch supports and other accessories for people with foot problems. Over time, they began to make sneakers as well. Today, New Balance is one of the largest sneaker companies in the world, with products sold in over 120 countries.

Worker’s Rights

One of the most important ethical issues for any sneaker company is worker’s rights. So how does New Balance measure up? The company has a strong code of conduct that outlines its commitment to fair labor practices. This includes things like a minimum age requirement for workers, fair pay, and safe working conditions.

New Balance also has a strong commitment to ensuring that its suppliers meet these same standards. In fact, the company has a team of auditors who visit supplier factories to ensure that they are complying with the code of conduct.

Environmental Impact

Another important ethical issue is the environmental impact of a company’s products. Here again, New Balance has taken steps to be a responsible corporate citizen. The company has a goal of achieving zero waste in its manufacturing facilities by 2025. It has also taken steps to reduce its carbon footprint, including investing in renewable energy sources.

In addition, New Balance has taken steps to reduce the amount of water it uses in its manufacturing processes. The company has implemented water recycling programs and has invested in new technologies to reduce water usage.

Materials

The materials used in sneaker production can also be an ethical issue. New Balance has made a commitment to using sustainable materials whenever possible. This includes things like recycled plastics and organic cotton. The company has also developed a program to ensure that the leather it uses comes from suppliers who meet strict environmental and labor standards.

Community Involvement

New Balance has a strong commitment to giving back to the community. The company has a foundation that supports a variety of causes, including education and disaster relief. In addition, New Balance employees are encouraged to volunteer in their local communities, and the company has a program that matches employee donations to charitable organizations.

Benefits of Choosing New Balance

So what are the benefits of choosing New Balance over other sneaker brands? For one thing, you can feel good about supporting a company that is committed to ethical practices. In addition, New Balance sneakers are known for their quality and durability. Many people find that they last longer than other brands, which can save money in the long run.

New Balance vs Other Brands

How does New Balance compare to other sneaker brands when it comes to ethics? While every company has its own strengths and weaknesses, New Balance has a strong track record of ethical practices. The company has received high marks from organizations like the Fair Labor Association and the Environmental Protection Agency.

When it comes to quality and durability, New Balance is also a strong contender. While other brands may be more trendy or fashionable, New Balance sneakers are known for their comfort and long-lasting wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ethical practices does New Balance follow?

New Balance is committed to ethical and sustainable practices in all aspects of their business. They have set up a Code of Conduct that outlines their commitment to fair labor practices, human rights, and ethical sourcing of materials. They also regularly audit their factories and suppliers to ensure compliance with these standards.

New Balance is also dedicated to reducing their environmental impact by using sustainable materials and practices in their manufacturing process. They have set a goal to achieve zero waste in their factories by 2025.

Does New Balance use sustainable materials in their products?

Yes, New Balance is committed to using sustainable materials in their products. They have developed their own eco-friendly materials, such as their Fresh Foam midsole made from a single piece of foam, reducing waste in production. They also use recycled materials, such as recycled polyester, in many of their products.

New Balance has also partnered with organizations like the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and the Leather Working Group to promote sustainability in the industry and improve their own practices.

What measures does New Balance take to ensure fair labor practices?

New Balance has a Code of Conduct that outlines their commitment to fair labor practices and human rights. They also regularly audit their factories and suppliers to ensure compliance with these standards. In addition, they have a compliance team that works with suppliers to address any issues that arise and improve working conditions.

New Balance also works with organizations like the Fair Labor Association and the Ethical Trading Initiative to promote fair labor practices in the industry and improve their own practices.

Does New Balance have a transparency report?

Yes, New Balance releases an annual Corporate Responsibility Report that provides transparency on their environmental and social impact. This report includes details on their sustainability initiatives, ethical sourcing practices, and progress towards their goals. They also report on their compliance with labor and human rights standards, including their audit results.

New Balance is committed to transparency and encourages stakeholders to provide feedback and suggestions for improvement.

Does New Balance have any certifications for their ethical and sustainable practices?

Yes, New Balance has received certifications from several organizations for their ethical and sustainable practices. They are a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and have received the Higg Index verification for their sustainability efforts. They are also a member of the Leather Working Group and have received their Gold certification for their responsible leather sourcing.

New Balance has also received recognition for their commitment to fair labor practices, including being named a “Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.

The TRUTH About New Balance in 2022…

So, when determining whether New Balance is an ethical company, it is important to take into account various factors. While the company has faced some criticism in the past, such as accusations of poor labor conditions in factories, it has taken steps to improve its ethical practices and become a more socially responsible organization.

One of the key ways that New Balance has demonstrated its commitment to ethics is through its focus on sustainability. The company has implemented various environmental initiatives, such as using recycled materials in its products and reducing its carbon footprint. Additionally, New Balance has taken steps to improve labor conditions in its factories, such as by requiring suppliers to adhere to strict code of conduct standards.

Overall, while there is no perfect company, New Balance has made significant strides in improving its ethical practices and promoting sustainability. As consumers, it is important to support companies that prioritize ethics and social responsibility, and New Balance is a great example of a company that is taking steps in the right direction.

Conclusion

New Balance is a sneaker brand that is committed to ethical practices. The company has a strong code of conduct that outlines its commitment to fair labor practices and environmental sustainability. It also has a strong commitment to giving back to the community. If you’re looking for a high-quality sneaker brand that you can feel good about supporting, New Balance is definitely worth considering.