About New Balance
Introduction
New Balance is a footwear and apparel brand founded in 1906 by William J. Riley, a Boston-based English immigrant. Initially, Riley began the company by producing arch supports and custom-made shoes for runners. Over the years, New Balance evolved, incorporating more advanced technology and improving its product range. Despite its growth, the company has maintained a commitment to craftsmanship and quality, resisting the trend of offshoring production. This belief in domestic manufacturing has been a cornerstone of the brand's identity, making it a favorite among consumers who prioritize quality and local production.
The philosophy of New Balance is rooted in the concept of “Endorsed by No One,” which emphasizes individuality and the idea that their products cater to the needs of the wearer rather than being dictated by celebrity endorsements. As a result, New Balance promotes a spirit of authenticity and encourages self-expression through its footwear and apparel. They believe that everyone deserves to achieve their best, whether in sports, fitness, or daily life. This philosophy is reflected in their marketing strategies and the diverse range of athletes and fitness enthusiasts they cater to, ranging from highly trained professionals to casual walkers.
What sets New Balance apart from other athletic brands is its unique blend of classic style and innovative technology. The brand is known for its focus on fit, comfort, and performance, ensuring that their shoes cater to various foot shapes and sizes. Moreover, New Balance has been a pioneer in incorporating environmental sustainability into its manufacturing processes. Their dedication to producing high-quality, functional products that align with the evolving needs of consumers and the planet enhances their reputation as a trusted brand in the athletic industry.
Signature Products
New Balance's products play a vital role in defining the brand's identity, emphasizing quality, performance, and individuality.
- 990 Series : A classic running shoe known for its superior comfort and support, combining style with outstanding performance.
- Fresh Foam : A line of sneakers featuring an innovative cushioning system, providing a soft and smooth ride for athletes and casual wearers alike.
- FuelCell : A performance running shoe designed for speed, with a responsive cushioning system that propels you forward.
- Minimus : A collection of minimalist footwear designed to promote a natural running experience and foot health.
- Made in USA : A range of shoes crafted in the U.S., highlighting New Balance’s commitment to domestic manufacturing and quality craftsmanship.
Materials and Ingredients Used by NEW BALANCE
- Recycled Polyester : Recycled polyester is made from post-consumer plastic waste, such as plastic bottles. New Balance uses this material in various apparel and footwear products to help reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability by utilizing materials that would otherwise contribute to landfill waste.
- Organic Cotton : Organic cotton is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, making it a more environmentally friendly choice compared to conventional cotton. New Balance incorporates organic cotton in their clothing lines, focusing on sustainability and the reduction of harmful chemicals in the production process.
- Leather : Leather is a durable material commonly used in footwear and accessories. New Balance utilizes leather in some of their shoe designs for its strength, style, and longevity, aiming to provide customers with quality products that withstand wear over time.
- TENCEL™ Lyocell : TENCEL™ Lyocell is a fiber made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, known for its softness and moisture-wicking properties. New Balance uses this material in certain garments to offer comfort and breathability, focusing on both performance and the environmental benefits of using a renewable resource.
- Rubber : Rubber is a versatile material known for its elasticity and durability. New Balance employs rubber in the outsoles of their footwear to provide traction, support, and longevity, ensuring that their products are functional for various athletic activities.
Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From NEW BALANCE
These issues are related to the supply chain of New Balance and need to be taken into consideration as they can significantly affect the brand's sustainability profile and overall environmental footprint, as well as social responsibility. Each material presents distinct challenges that stem from its sourcing, extraction, and processing methods.
Water Pollution:
Water pollution from the production of recycled polyester stems from the release of toxic chemicals during the processing of plastic waste into fibers. When PET bottles are recycled, harmful substances may leach into water bodies if not treated correctly. An example of this can be seen in regions where improper recycling procedures are followed, resulting in the contamination of local water sources, affecting aquatic life and communities relying on these resources.
Energy Consumption:
The production of recycled polyester and other synthetic fibers generally requires significant energy inputs, similar to those used in virgin polyester production. This often leads to a higher carbon footprint and can contribute to climate change. For instance, even though recycled polyester is a more sustainable option, if the energy used in production comes from fossil fuels, it diminishes many of its environmental benefits.
Microplastics:
As recycled polyester garments wear and are washed, they can release microplastics into wastewater systems, which eventually find their way into the ocean. An alarming study has shown that untreated wastewater from textile production facilities can create "microplastic hotspots" in aquatic systems, adversely impacting marine life and potentially entering the human food chain.
Water Consumption:
The cultivation of organic cotton requires adequate water resources, yet it may still contribute to local water scarcity if grown in areas already facing drought conditions. For example, while organic cotton uses fewer chemicals than conventional cotton, the overall water demand can still be substantial, affecting nearby ecosystems and communities reliant on the same water sources for drinking and irrigation.
Agricultural Runoff:
Even with organic farming practices, the risk of agricultural runoff remains, where excess nutrients and soil can leach into nearby waterways. This runoff can lead to algal blooms, depleting oxygen in the water and harming aquatic life. In some cases, such practices have resulted in significant ecological shifts in local river basins.
Labor Rights:
The production of organic cotton and other agricultural materials often raises labor rights issues, particularly in developing countries where workers may face exploitative conditions. For example, in some cotton-producing countries, laborers may work long hours for low pay without proper safety or health provisions, leading to social injustice.
Deforestation:
The leather industry is notoriously linked to deforestation, particularly in tropical regions where land is cleared for cattle ranching. This can lead to not only loss of biodiversity but also significant greenhouse gas emissions from the decaying vegetation. An illustration of this is seen in the Amazon rainforest, where land conversion for cattle farming significantly cuts down biodiversity and contributes to CO2 emissions.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
The production processes involved in obtaining leather—such as animal agriculture and transportation—are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Studies have shown that cattle farming produces more greenhouse gases per unit of meat than almost any other agricultural practice, which poses a substantial threat to global climate goals.
Soil Degradation:
Leather and cotton production often result in soil degradation due to intensive farming practices and the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Over time, these practices can lead to the loss of soil fertility and productivity, further exacerbating food insecurity in some regions.
Deforestation:
The cultivation of TENCEL™ Lyocell, while sourced from sustainably managed wood pulp, can still contribute to deforestation if not sourced responsibly. If forests are cut down unsustainably to meet the demand for wood pulp, it can severely impact local ecosystems and biodiversity, with long-term repercussions on species habitats.
Energy Use:
The manufacturing process of TENCEL™ Lyocell involves energy consumption linked to the extraction and transportation of raw materials. If this energy is not sourced sustainably, even a material heralded for its eco-friendliness may result in unwanted emissions during production.
Waste Generation:
Despite being promoted as a sustainable alternative, the production of TENCEL™ Lyocell can result in waste generation, especially during the chemical processing stages. If not properly managed, this waste can contaminate local environments.
Land Rights:
In rubber plantations, acquiring land for cultivation can lead to significant land rights disputes, often affecting indigenous communities. For instance, new rubber plantations have encroached on territories traditionally owned or utilized by local populations, leading to social tensions and conflicts.
Soil Degradation:
Both rubber and hemp production can lead to soil degradation when not managed sustainably. Intensive monoculture practices can lead to nutrient depletion, making the soil unusable for future crop production. Over time, this can compromise local agriculture and food security, especially in areas dependent on diverse crops for resilience.
Chemical Pollution:
The production of nylon primarily involves petrochemicals, which can release toxic substances into water and air during production. For example, discharges from nylon production facilities can include harmful contaminants, posing health risks to local populations and damaging ecosystems.
Waste Generation:
The production of recycled rubber, while beneficial in terms of using pre-existing materials, can also generate waste, particularly if the recycling process is not efficient. Inefficient processes may lead to significant waste streams that can contaminate local environments and contribute to landfills.
Biodiversity Impacts:
Natural latex production can lead to biodiversity impacts if forest areas are cleared for new plantations. This displacement can threaten wildlife habitats and reduce the ecological richness of the region. In some instances, monoculture latex setups can lead to reduced ecosystem resilience and fragile wildlife habitats.
In summary, while sustainable sourcing of materials is integral to the efforts of brands like New Balance, the complex interrelationships between materials production, processing, and transportation highlight the multifaceted challenges they face. Each material has distinct sustainability aspects that need to be considered, not just from an environmental standpoint but also regarding social implications in the communities involved in producing these materials.