Tretorn

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS 

Tretorn does not disclose its production locations. 

WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES 

Tretorn’s commitment to ethical practices is affirmed by its membership in Amfori, ensuring ethical workplace standards across its supply chain. While specific production locations remain undisclosed, the sourcing of some raw materials from Taiwan has been noted. Notably, Tretorn demonstrates a strong social commitment by donating all proceeds from a particular collection to the Sea Life Trust, supporting marine conservation efforts. 

However, further details on the exact sourcing and production practices are needed to fully assess their sustainability efforts.

MATERIALS

• Recycled polyester
• FSC certified natural rubber 
• Synthetic rubber 
• Polylactic acid (PLA) 
• Cotton 
• Organic cotton 
• Nylon 
• Polyester 
• Leather
• Wool
• Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) 

Tretorn’s use of materials, based on a sample set of product descriptions, showcases a commitment to diverse environmental practices, though the overall material percentages remain unclear, limiting a full assessment of the brand’s materiality. 

The brand utilises both OCEAN-SHELL® fabric from recycled PET bottles, Econyl® from ocean waste, and REPREVE® recycled polyester. They also use some natural materials such as rubber and cotton, which is sometimes organic. PLA is a plastic made from materials like corn starch and sugar cane. However, it is only biodegradable when industrially composted; a facility that is not widely available. It can therefore still contribute to pollution. 

Alongside natural and recycled materials, conventional polyester and nylon are also used. These synthetic fibers are plastic-based, and will never be biodegradable in nature. 

Note: The certifications for FSC and GRS are unverified, and further information is required to validate these claims. The precise percentages of materials used are not detailed, which impacts the transparency of their sustainability reporting. 

PACKAGING 

On their website, Tretorn has not disclosed what packaging materials are used. 

WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS 

Tretorn uses synthetic fibres in their collections, which will release microplastics when washed, contributing to water pollution. Additionally, the brand has not shared any measures to reduce their water or chemical usage on their website. 

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN 

Tretorn employs many circular practices by using leftover and recycled materials. However, their approach to circularity is tempered by the prevalence of material blends in their products, which complicates the recycling process. Additionally, while some items are claimed to be degradable, enhancing their circular potential, more specifics about these claims are needed to fully assess their validity. The use of Global Recycling Standard (GRS) certified materials in some products further indicates a move towards circularity, though these certifications are not yet verified, which leaves room for further confirmation of their sustainability practices.

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS 

Tretorn hasn’t shared any circular business models on their website such as a return scheme or repair service. An initiative like this would help to ensure that their products are kept in use for longer, keeping them away from landfills. 

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN 

Tretorn is headquartered in Sweden, with some raw materials reportedly sourced from Taiwan, suggesting a long supply chain. However, details on raw material sourcing and the full extent of the supply chain locations are not provided, leaving us without a clear picture of the emissions potentially produced during the transportation of their products. 

TRANSPORTATION 

Tretorn does not disclose what transportation methods are used in their supply chain. 

• Wool 
• Leather 

Some products by Tretorn contain wool or leather, although the brand doesn’t disclose any details about the sourcing of these materials. The animal-welfare aspect of the brand cannot therefore be verified. 

PRODUCT DESIGN 

Tretorn celebrates over a century of heritage, underscoring its commitment to timeless design and high-quality products that withstand Scandinavian weather and the rigours of active, outdoor lifestyles. Their dedication to practical and stylish products is evident in their wide-ranging offerings, from pioneering sneakers to durable rubber boots and outerwear. Tretorn provides detailed care guides for both clothing and footwear, ensuring that each item maintains its integrity and style through proper maintenance. 

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES 

It is not clear how many collections Tretorn releases each year, which makes it difficult to determine whether their business model follows slow fashion principles. However, they don’t currently offer items for sale on their website, which could suggest that they produce in smaller quantities. 

TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT 

The product pages could offer much more transparency for consumers. Although they state what materials the item is made from, they do not disclose where the materials were sourced from, or the production location. Additionally, confusion may be caused as some items state that they are vegan, but also state that they contain wool. 

TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES

Tretorn offers a broad narrative on their innovative materials and sustainable activities, yet lacks concrete, verifiable details that fully elucidate their production and sourcing practices. There’s an absence of specific information about the locations of production and sourcing, as well as the chemicals used in manufacturing. Additionally, details regarding transportation methods and packaging strategies are not disclosed.