Are your wellies sustainable?

Wellington boots, also called Gum Boots in other countries, come in all shapes, sizes and materials. But how do you know which boots are sustainable and which aren’t? The carbon footprint of wellies depends on four factors; the wellington boot material, the manufacturing process, the durability and its recyclability.

What Materials Are Wellies Made From?

Wellies are made of many different materials depending on the brand and manufacturer. However, there are three main materials we recommend you look out for if you are looking for a sustainable boot.

1. Natural rubber is biodegradable and renewable, providing great protection from the elements. It is durable and recyclable while also extremely comfortable to wear.
2. Recycled rubber wellies reduce environmental impact during the manufacturing process. Some wellies are made with a blend of recycled and natural rubber, making them both environmentally friendly and durable.
3. Biodegradable PVC Wellies are designed to break down over time when exposed to the elements. This helps to minimise waste without any long-term effects on the earth.

As well as these materials when purchasing wellies, look for sustainable certifications like GRS (Global Recycled Standard) and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). This shows that the products have been made and sustainably sourced, making them a better option for the planet!

Did you know that Le Chameau wellies are the only rubber boots to be made by a single master boot maker? Making their products one of the most sustainable in our collection!

Which Non-sustainable Materials Should You Avoid?

So what materials should you avoid when purchasing a new pair of Wellington boots?

1. PVC is one of the most common materials used to make wellies. It’s a synthetic plastic that doesn’t biodegrade and releases toxic chemicals when heated. The PVC production process has a negative effect on both air and water quality.
2. Nitrosamines are found in some rubber products and are released when exposed to UV radiation or heat; they are carcinogenic substances and are harmful to both the environment and humans.
3. Chlorinated Paraffins are often used in PVC products to soften the material. These are environmental pollutants that harm wildlife and can build up in the food chain.

What Are The Best Sustainable Brands?

There are lots of brands that pride themselves on producing sustainable products. Le Chameau wellingtons are hand-crafted using natural rubber while Hunter wellingtons are made of high-quality vulcanised natural rubber, with the option to send your boots back to them to be recycled.

Aigle uses 100% natural rubber from rubber tree plantations for a more robust, durable, and comfortable shoe. They have a high resistance level, giving them a longer life span.

How To Recycle Your Wellies

Whether you can recycle your wellies depends on the materials used to make them. Check the brand’s website for a return and recycling scheme where you can send your old pair of wellies free of charge, and the brand will recycle them for you. Hunter and Joules are two great examples of this.

Alternatively, if your boots are still in relatively good condition, you could sell them second-hand or donate them to a charity shop!

If you do decide to recycle them yourself, check that they are made of Natural Rubber, Recycled Rubber or Biodegradable PVC. This ensures that they won’t harmfully affect the environment. If they are made of PVC, check with your recycling centre if they will take them. Some have the ability to repurpose them, but not all.

Repair Damaged Wellies

Part of being sustainable is keeping your boots going for as long as possible. There’s always a chance of damaging your wellies while you’re out and about, but that doesn't mean you need to replace them. Buy a welly repair kit to glue or patch your boots back together, keeping them going for longer.

If you would like any support regarding purchasing sustainable wellies, please don’t hesitate to give our friendly customer service team a call at 01432 377089.

Are you looking for some more information on our Premium Wellington Boot Range? Check out our Buyers Guide To Premium Wellington Boots to help you choose the perfect pair.