Sustainability at
EMMA Safety Footwear
We look at the bigger picture. From the raw materials we use to the impact of our production. From the people who make our shoes to the way we work together throughout the supply chain. For us, sustainability is not a separate issue, but an integral part of how we operate.
This means we’re constantly looking for ways to improve. Sometimes in small steps, sometimes through bigger changes. We can’t do everything at once, but we keep moving forward. With a focus on safety, comfort and responsibility.
Less waste, more reuse
We want to minimise waste as much as possible. At our production site in Kerkrade, we are constantly working to reduce waste streams. Wherever possible, residual materials are given a new lease of life or processed by our recycling partners. We are also taking steps beyond our own factory. Through partnerships within the sector, we are working on the collection and reuse of used work shoes and other materials. In this way, we are contributing to a more circular way of working. One example of this is the Green Gear Alliance (GGA), of which we at EMMA are proud founders.
Energy and emissions
Reducing CO₂ emissions is a key part of our approach. In our production processes, we are constantly looking at ways to reduce energy consumption and operate more efficiently. Our factory in Kerkrade uses renewable energy and also generates its own energy using solar panels. In addition, we implement energy-efficient solutions wherever possible, such as LED lighting. We are also increasingly using water-based adhesives and other materials that are less harmful to people and the environment.
Inclusion in practice
For us, inclusion is not a stand-alone initiative, but part of our day-to-day practice. At our factory in Kerkrade, people from different backgrounds work together towards the same goal: manufacturing reliable safety footwear. This means that we sometimes have to weigh up what takes priority. The market demands speed and efficiency, whilst an inclusive approach requires time and attention. Striking that balance is not always easy. Nevertheless, we continue to look for ways to combine the two.
Development and opportunities
We look not only at what someone can already do, but also at what they can learn. Staff are given the opportunity to develop and progress in their work. Sometimes this starts with extra support. In practice, we see that people develop step by step and work increasingly independently within the team. This contributes both to their own development and to the quality of the work.
Monitoring and transparency
To maintain an overview of our performance in the areas of sustainability and compliance, we use systems such as Worldfavor. This enables us to collect and monitor data from our supply chain and to focus our efforts more effectively on improvements. As part of the Hultafors Group, EMMA operates within a broader governance structure.
This means we follow shared guidelines and policies, for example in the areas of anti-corruption and corporate responsibility. There is also an independent reporting system in place, enabling employees and partners to report potential misconduct safely and confidentially.
Working together towards circularity
We cannot achieve sustainability on our own. That is why we work together with partners within the sector on circular solutions. EMMA is a founder and active partner of the Green Gear Alliance (GGA). This initiative focuses on the collection and processing of used work shoes, workwear and other personal protective equipment.
By recovering and reusing these materials, we prevent waste and contribute to a more circular supply chain.
Network and partnerships
EMMA collaborates with various organisations and initiatives to further develop and accelerate sustainability. These partnerships help us to share knowledge, improve standards and take action across the entire supply chain. Examples of partnerships in which EMMA is involved:
- Leather Working Group (LWG)
- Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
- Global Compact Network Netherlands (GCNN)
- MVO Nederland
- CHILL (Chemelot Innovation and Learning Labs)
By actively participating in these initiatives, EMMA continues to move forward and we work together with partners to develop solutions for the future.
Continuous improvement
We continue to develop and improve our working methods. We do this, amongst other things, by working in accordance with international standards and clear objectives. EMMA is certified to ISO 14001 (environmental management) and ISO 9001 (quality management). These systems help us to improve our processes and continue to monitor our impact. In addition, we are working towards climate targets that have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Through this, we are focusing on systematically reducing our emissions.
Sustainability Inspiration Centre (SIC)
The Sustainability Inspiration Centre (SIC) showcases how we at EMMA are working to create more sustainable safety footwear. Here, we reveal what normally remains hidden in the production process. At the SIC, you’ll discover materials, techniques and choices that help reduce our environmental impact – from different types of leather to recycled materials and shoe components. You’ll see how products are constructed and the steps we’re taking towards reuse and circularity. The centre has been designed as a place for discovery and inspiration. For colleagues, partners and visitors who want to understand how sustainability works in practice. Not as an end point, but as part of an ongoing process of development.
