Sustainability & Impact
We are committed to enhancing our social and environmental responsibility. We aim to align our actions with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals whenever possible. Above all, we prioritize transparency and accountability for our progress. While we recognize that we are far from perfect, we are devoted to getting better every day. With every improvement, we aim to make a difference and inspire vital change within the fashion industry.
materials
While we’ve built our brand on style and comfort, we understand the increasing importance of product responsibility. That’s where our materials come into play. We are committed to sourcing and integrating more sustainable materials into our products. For us, this includes materials that exert minimal or reduced impact on climate, nature, and/or people when compared to competing conventional materials serving the same purpose. Our team works diligently with trusted partners to explore new materials, evaluate their sustainability attributes, and integrate those that balance sustainability with our requirements for quality, price, and availability.
*Material consumption values are representative of footwear styles produced in the full year of 2023.
leather (uppers)
Leather accounts for nearly 65% of our total materials at Dolce Vita.* In 2024, we joined the Leather Working Group (LWG) and committed to sourcing responsibly-made leather exclusively from LWG-certified tanneries. This certification ensures that our tanneries meet strict environmental and ethical standards throughout the supply chain, from raw hide to finished leather. Additionally, we use recycled leather whenever possible to reduce waste and minimize our carbon footprint. In 2023, our leather uppers (think the top part of the shoe) comprised of:
- Conventional Leather 14%*
- LWG Certified Leather 81%*
- Recycled Leather 5%*
synthetic leather (uppers, linings, socks)
We typically use polyurethane (PU) as an alternative to animal-derived leathers. Our PU is manufactured using water-based solvents that are free from harmful chemicals like DMFa. By eliminating DMFa, we avoid serious health risks associated with chemical exposure for workers in our supply chain. In 2023, 71% of our shoes utilized this leather alternative.*
latex foam (padding)
At the core of every Dolce Vita shoe lies our latex foam. For years, we’ve ensured that this foam has an optimal density for support and a superior rebound for flexibility. Recently we’ve expanded this commitment to include sustainability. Each shoe’s latex foam now incorporates 25% recycled latex, sourced from pre-consumer materials.*
synthetic rubber (outsoles)
Our outsole materials are meticulously chosen to balance performance with environmental responsibility. 55% of our shoes feature outsoles crafted from 50-60% recycled synthetic rubber, sourced from post-consumer products.* Recycled synthetic rubber promotes a circular economy by repurposing materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill.
raffia (uppers, socks)
Our commitment to sustainability extends to our use of raffia in our products. While natural raffia is a plant-based fiber, it can be difficult to work with in footwear due to its structural limitations. That's why we’ve chosen the next best option: using 50% recycled post-consumer polypropylene in our raffia materials. This choice not only helps reduce waste but also supports our commitment to incorporating more sustainable, durable materials in our products
recycling & circularity
Our dedication to using recycled materials is evident throughout our operations. Our packaging is made with at least 80% post-consumer recycled materials and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified virgin tree pulp, a change we implemented in June 2022. We’ve also opted to print our packaging materials with soy-based ink, making the materials easier to recycle compared to those printed with conventional inks.
When it comes to our products, we're committed to reducing our reliance on virgin materials and minimizing waste sent to landfills. We integrate recycled materials into over 70% of our products.*We're committed to building a more sustainable supply chain - starting with the materials we use in our shoeboxes and packaging.
Additionally, we actively engage in recycling initiatives. Through partnerships with organizations like FABSCRAP and Recircled we recycle our unused fabric scraps and ensure that our end-of-life shoes are repurposed or recycled responsibly.
*Material consumption values are representative of footwear styles produced in the full year of 2023.
partnerships
In collaboration with the non-profit organization One Tree Planted, we have planted 255,811 trees around the world.* Currently, we are working with One Tree Planted to restore the wildfire-devastated Serra da Estrela Natural Park in Portugal. This project aims to recover biodiversity, support local communities, and enhance ecosystem resilience against climate change.
*Data as of December 31, 2023. The number of trees planted is based on data provided by our partner, One Tree Planted.
Unless otherwise stated, the data in these Dolce Vita impact pages covers activities between January 1- December 31, 2023.