Ökotechnique
Ecology and climate disruption are defining topics of our day and age. As a technically oriented brand, we are surely aware of the second law of thermodynamics: entropy is a given, and no product chain can ever without ecological impact.
Per consequence, at PHILEO we believe the crucial engagement is not to pretend perfection, but rather to be upfront and radically transparent about our efforts. We constantly think, rethink and finally rank our designs across four vectors: 1) production, 2) durability, 3) recyclability, 4) supply-chain.
Each of our products receives our points on a scale, usually from 1 to 10. We are working on a objectified scheme that will soon become available.
1. Production & Materials
PHILEO engages in radically open and traceable supply-chain politics. For all styles the different providers and suppliers we work with are shown on a world map available on the PHILEO website. Most elements here are about the material being used: is it bio-degradable, is it recycled, how and where is the material sourced? Further, are recycled materials pre-consumer (deadstock, etc.) or post-consumer recycled (end-of-cycle product)? The final element here reviews the production process itself: social conditions, savoir-faire, industrial heritage and the ethical standards of our manufacturing partners.
2. Durability
Durability presents our next vector. The standard lifecycle for footwear is between 200km and 800km in step lifecycle. At PHILEO we always aim to be on the upper side of this cycle and, where possible, to extend it above that. Ranking moves from 2 for 200km, 3 for 300km, and from there onwards.
3. Recyclability
This third vector is defined by the percentage of the product that can be recycled. Apple skin for example is 40% to 50% recyclable when its worn out and brought back to PHILEO. For worn out sole the percentage is usually higher. White colored elements are typically less recyclable than black ones. Overall, our recyclability ranking is bringing all different recyclability variables of the shoe together, on a scale of 1 to 10.
4. Supply-chain & Logistics
The fourth and final element we provide a ranking for is supply-chain and logistics: how much emissions and other side-waste are implied in the composition of the supply-chain? The highest rankings here present products that have all of their constituent parts sourced in a geographically concentrated area, so that emissions for logistics are minimal. Low rankings are given when, for a range of possible reasons, PHILEO needs to work with suppliers that are far removed from one another.
