8beaufort.Hamburg

Production locations

• Portugal
• Spain

Working conditions & wages

8beaufort.Hamburg collaborates with certified production facilities in Portugal and Spain. In the EU, stricter labour laws and fair wage regulations apply, which manufacturers in Portugal and Spain must adhere to. 

Materials

• Recycled, mulesing-free merino wool from Spain, certified according to EU-REACH
• GOTS-certified organic cotton from STORTZ (Switzerland)
• GRS- and GOTS-certified canvas from Spain
• LWG Gold-certified, chrome- and metal-free leather from Portugal
• FSC-certified natural rubber from Portugal
• Recyclable metal fasteners, waxed cotton, recycled laces & labels

8beaufort.Hamburg relies on natural and recycled materials to reduce environmental impact. The merino wool comes from mulesing-free farming in Spain and is EU-REACH certified, ensuring limitations on harmful chemicals.

For durable canvas, the brand uses GOTS-certified organic cotton from Switzerland and GOTS- and GRS-certified material from Spain, securing both biological standards and social criteria in production.

The LWG Gold-certified, chrome- and metal-free leather from Portugal demonstrates a more conscious approach to chemical use in tanning.

With FSC-certified natural rubber, 8beaufort.Hamburg offers a microplastic-free alternative to synthetic rubber.

The material concept is further complemented by recycled metal fastenings, recycled laces, and recycled sailcloth for labels.

Packaging

For shipping, the brand uses recycled paper for hangtags and offers options such as reusing DHL return boxes and REPACK packaging. This helps reduce packaging waste and promotes the reuse of materials in the shipping process.

Water usage & chemicals

8beaufort.Hamburg focuses on certified materials and less harmful processes to minimise chemical use and water consumption in production:

• EU-REACH-certified recycled merino wool limits the use of harmful chemicals
• GOTS-certified organic cotton reduces water consumption and eliminates harmful pesticides in agriculture
• LWG Gold-certified, chrome- and metal-free leather avoids toxic chemicals in tanning
• FSC-certified natural rubber ensures more sustainable sourcing without synthetic additives

The choice of these materials helps reduce water consumption, pesticides, heavy metals, and microplastic pollution. 

Circular product design

8beaufort.Hamburg focuses on thoughtful design to improve the circularity of its products. Instead of using adhesive bonds, the sneakers are stitched, which enhances their repairability and makes recycling easier.

The brand upcycles discarded sails to create sneakers, a clever approach to waste reduction and reducing reliance on new raw materials. Additionally, the focus on natural materials helps to minimise the use of harmful substances.

Circular business models

To extend the lifespan of its products, 8beaufort.Hamburg offers repair services in-store and will soon expand this online via REPAIR REBELS. Care and repair guides help customers maintain their shoes, counteracting the fast fashion throwaway culture.

Distance & complexity of the supply chain

8beaufort.Hamburg structures its supply chain to reduce transport emissions and strengthen local value chains. The design and material selection, including discarded sails, take place in Hamburg, while the final assembly of products is carried out in Portugal under the supervision of a quality manager.

Material sourcing focuses on certified European suppliers, including:

• Recycled, mulesing-free merino wool from Spain (EU-REACH certified)
• GOTS-certified organic cotton from Switzerland & GRS/GOTS-certified canvas from Spain
• LWG Gold-certified, chrome- and metal-free leather from Portugal
• FSC-certified natural rubber from Portugal

Transport

• Climate-neutral certified shipping from Portugal to Hamburg
• DHL GoGreen for online orders
• E‑bike deliveries & reuse of return boxes in Hamburg

To further reduce its carbon footprint, the brand relies on climate-neutral shipping from Portugal and partners with DHL GoGreen for online deliveries. Locally, e‑bike deliveries and the reuse of return boxes help minimise emissions

• Recycled, mulesing-free merino wool from Spain, certified according to EU-REACH
  LWG Gold-certified, chrome- and metal-free leather from Portugal

  The use of certified merino wool and LWG Gold-certified cow leather are positive aspects. However, the use of animal-derived materials remains a critical discussion point for more eco-conscious consumers, even with existing certifications. At the same time, many plant-based alternatives currently contain synthetic components that are not biodegradable and release microplastics, raising additional environmental concerns. Learn more here about the critical aspects of vegan leather.

Product design

8beaufort.Hamburg focuses on high-quality, timeless designs that outlast seasonal trends. The sneakers are designed to be easily repairable, which sustainably extends their lifespan.

Slow fashion processes

Instead of rapidly changing collections, the brand follows a steady collection model that is gradually expanded. Through its repair service and detailed care instructions, customers are encouraged to wear their shoes for as long as possible, providing a deliberate alternative to fast fashion’s disposable culture.

Product transparency

8beaufort.Hamburg provides detailed information about the materials used and their certifications. The production sites, particularly in Portugal, are known, and the material origins are largely disclosed.

In the future, it could be beneficial for the brand to further enhance the traceability of individual products to strengthen transparency even more.

Process-Level Transparency

8beaufort.Hamburg has disclosed all supply chain addresses to COSH!, ensuring a high level of transparency. Additionally, customers can find detailed information about the manufacturing process and production sites on the website, further strengthening trust in the brand.