Interview: What makes a BÄR shoe sustainable?
Experience the interview live on YouTube or read the complete transcript here. Find out how BÄR approaches sustainability!
INTERVIEW BETWEEN DR. CLAUDIA SCHULZ AND CHRISTOF BÄR:
Dr. Claudia Schulz: We have always talked a great deal about sustainability at BÄR Schuhe, and I think we can rightly say that BÄR was a pioneer in sustainability back when no one was talking about it yet. Similar to barefoot shoes, where I would also say—I don't know whether you are the inventors—but you are certainly among the pioneers, I would say that you are also one of the best-practice examples when it comes to sustainability. Nevertheless, I would like to ask you again: what makes BÄR particularly sustainable? You have already mentioned it: first, that when selecting models and putting together the range, we make sure not to offer too much or too many new products, but rather classic models with appropriate innovations. But when I think of sustainability, I also think of topics such as production and material selection. Perhaps you could give a few more examples: what makes BÄR sustainable?
Christof Bär: Yes, it has always been important to us that we do not try to change the world on our own. We will not achieve that, nor is it our task. But what we can contribute to sustainability—simply to avoid leaving our world in a worse state than we found it—is naturally a core consideration in a family business. We want to do something and then pass it on in such a way that we do not leave it exhausted and say, “Do whatever you want with it,” but instead leave something that genuinely helps people continue to enjoy nature. We can preserve nature only if we do not exhaust and merely consume it, and several issues are therefore important to us. First, the product must last a long time. Because the most sustainable product is one that does not need to be produced. Our shoes last longer, and once the soles have worn down, customers can have the shoes resoled—specifically, replacing the components that have worn away. You do not replace the entire car when the tires are worn out; you replace only the tires. The same is possible with our shoes because of the high-quality materials and the workmanship: the upper remains durable and can often be refurbished, while the wear parts—naturally, the sole in this case—can be replaced easily. And this can be done by a local cobbler, because it is very important to us not to ship even more goods back and forth just to replace a small piece of sole at a worn heel. We recommend that our stores suggest a local cobbler, which also helps create a local community.
Dr. Claudia Schulz: So here again, you work with local partners—very good. I think this partnership-based approach is very important because it also benefits the retailer. If they can find a shoemaker—but many companies in this field still have their own shoemakers on staff or nearby.
Christof Bär: Exactly, it is about making contact. The more contact people have with the brand, the better. We see this again and again. We also speak with local shoemakers, who confirm that BÄR shoes are exceptionally well made and that they enjoy working on them. This then leads to recommendations in return, which is also very important for the retailer because we stand behind our product, and any doubts about adding the shoes to the range are completely unfounded. Experts recognize the value, and that naturally comes across to the customer. In addition, we use natural crepe soles, which are genuinely processed without leaving residues and are produced from a natural product in a truly managed, sustainable way. The trees that produce the latex milk are managed just like forestry here in our region. We replant what is necessary and make sure the resource is preserved over the long term.
Dr. Claudia Schulz: So you have an overview? You know exactly what is delivered, when and where, and from which factories—in other words, they are probably certified, as one would expect?
Christof Bär: They are certified. We have the entire supply chain in our hands, from the initial idea through production to the end customer, which means we can genuinely guarantee that we know where the materials come from and how they are processed. We also meet the high standards we set for ourselves by conducting audits in accordance with the usual standards and repeatedly asking what we need to achieve in order to make progress in environmental protection, particularly in reducing energy consumption. For example, we switched to photovoltaic power a long time ago, both in our production facilities and here. We generate more than 50% of our energy needs through photovoltaics, which already represents a 50% reduction in our footprint. When tanning leather, we work with tanneries that meet the LWG (Leather Working Group) Gold standards for upper leather. For our mountain hiking shoes in particular, we use terracare leather. This material is produced in a particularly energy- and resource-efficient way. It is nevertheless waterproof and meets high standards for durability and functionality. For lining leather, we now use almost exclusively chrome-free tanned leather, which does not use heavy metals in the tanning process. This also allows us to offer customers a natural product; people with a chromium allergy can wear a BÄR shoe with complete confidence thanks to the chrome-free tanning process.
Dr. Claudia Schulz: Especially since these are aspects that customers—that is, end consumers—are increasingly asking about.
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