For Solid Gear, sustainability means responsibility and respect. While ensuring that our products are designed and developed according to the best available knowledge and techniques, we take responsibility for the whole life cycle of the products – from the initial product idea to usage, recycling and disposal.
When developing new products, we follow guidelines to create shoes that are not only safe to use, but also safe to produce. Suppliers are carefully selected and guided regarding legislation for restricted substances. We advise on production methods and conduct chemical testing before and after production.
Cooperation for Sustainability
An important part of the Solid Gear and Hultafors Group sustainability strategy is membership of groups such as The Swedish Chemical Group, the Leather Working Group and the Scandinavian Outdoor Group.
The Swedish Chemical Group is a network run by RISE, Research Institutes of Sweden. They closely monitor international chemical legislation and bi-annually publishes a Restricted Substances list (RSL), for the members and their suppliers to follow. The RSL helps us educate our suppliers about banned substances. Since the shoe industry still relies heavily on manual labor, it is important for us to focus on chemical safety in every step of the manufacturing process.
The Leather Working Group, LGW, is a worldwide organisation of brands, retailers, leather manufacturers and technical experts aiming to improve the leather manufacturing industry. As a member, Solid Gear has access to LGW’s certified tanneries, and can purchase rated leathers for our premium safety shoes. A certified tannery has passed an auditing process focusing on working conditions, waste and chemical management, water usage and leather traceability.
The Scandinavian Outdoor Group, SOG, is a group of more than 70 Scandinavian outdoor brands. The SOG sustainability network arranges workshops where members can tackle mutual problems and share innovations.
The Hultafors Group Pillars of Sustainability
As part of Hultafors Group, Solid Gear’s sustainability strategy is built on respect for people, planet and profit.
Respect People
We aim to have a positive impact on all people affected by our operations. For our employees, this means being provided with a good work environment and opportunities for individual growth. For our suppliers, it means signing codes of conduct. For our customers, it means always being able to trust in our products.
Respect the Planet
We work proactively to continue reducing the environmental footprint of our production. The goals we set are based both on our own intent and on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Solid Gear aims to produce high-quality products with a long lifespan. The reason is simple: products that last longer are more sustainable.
Respect Profit
Without profit, the business is not sustainable. A sustainable business is a profitable business. We think it is as simple as that.
ISO Certificate
Solid Gear Footwear brings high quality and user friendly products to our customers and end users. ISO Standards are applied throughout the whole organization, which supports our ambition to reduce costs, achieve continuous improvements, and fulfill customer needs and exceed expectations.
It also helps us support our commitment to act responsibly in regards to our environment and contribute to a sustainable future. Solid Gear Footwear is certified by Tüv Nord to the following standards: EN ISO 9001:2015 and EN ISO 14001:2015