Trash Planet is Likely a Vegan Brand

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Trash Planet Brand Highlights

"We make next-gen recyclable footwear by slaying trash, not animals. Designed in the UK. Ethically handmade in Europe by humans for humans." - Trash Planet team

About Trash Planet

"We are Holly and Jordan and we are based in Bristol in the United Kingdom. We were tired of the fashion industry producing unsustainable clothing, treating their workers unethically and doing nothing about the climate emergency we are facing." - Holly & Jordan, Founders, Trash Planet

Is Trash Planet an ethically vegan brand?

Trash Planet is an intentionally and ethically vegan brand, rather than one that uses vegan materials out of convenience, or for other reasons. According to the brand, "We only ever and only will work with vegan materials."

What materials are used to make their sneakers/trainers?

In general, Trash Planet shoes are made from "reclaimed ocean plastic, recycled rubber soles, and plants," and will list a detailed breakdown of the materials used to make each shoe within that shoe's description on their website. The brand claims their footwear styles are currently up to 85% recycled, with a current material range that includes:
• Recycled corn leather uppers (outer and lining)
• Recycled ocean plastic canvas uppers
• Recycled rubber/natural rubber soles
• Recycled polyester laces
• Bio-degradable plant fibre insoles
• Recycled cardboard insole boards
• Vegan microfibre leather
Some of their models, like their Aster high-top uppers, are made entirely with their corn leather material, a material that is also OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 class I certified.

Are Trash Planet shoes eco-friendly/sustainable?

While it's difficult to truly assess the environmental-friendliness of a shoe, Trash Planet's sneakers/trainers could be considered quite eco-friendly/sustainable, due to their usage of mainly recycled, natural, and waste materials. According to the brand, "We are committed to only using raw materials from sustainable sources; organic, bio-based, regenerated or recycled." The soles of the shoes are also 100% recyclable, and Trash Planet even has a recycling program. The brand also says, "We will only use conventional raw materials in exceptional circumstances where there is no high- quality, commercially viable, sustainable alternative with equivalent performance properties available. When this occurs, we work with our suppliers to support them in developing more sustainable alternatives."

Does production of Trash Planet shoes create a lot of CO2 emissions?

While Trash Planet doesn't share specific metrics about their CO2 production levels, they do say that the lining of their shoes is produced using a manufacturing system that does not create CO2, and that all of their materials are sourced from within a 50 mile radius of their factory (with the one exception being one of their suppliers based in neighbouring Spain), which helps minimize transportation emissions "before the shoe's even made." For those emissions they do create, Trash Planet helps offset them by planting 15 trees for every pair of shoes sold.

Does Trash Planet use ‘green’ shipping methods?

Yes - According to the brand, they proudly provide carbon neutral shipping in partnership with UPS.

Does Trash Planet use eco-friendly packaging?

Yes - according to the brand, they're committed to not using plastic packaging, and use FSC certified recycled cardboard instead.

Are Trash Planet shoes recyclable?

It's not clear if their shoes are 100% recyclable, although the soles of them are. Their insoles, made from waste fibres from trees and the kenaf plant, are biodegradable.

How should I dispose of my old Trash Planet sneakers/trainers?

Trash Planet has a recycling program- their LOOP sneaker recycling scheme. You can send them your old pairs back and get £10 off your next pair.

What stores can I buy their sneakers from?

Trash Planet shoes can be purchased from their website, and can be shipped worldwide. We've asked them if they have plans to work with retailers, and are currently awaiting reply.

Do their shoes ever go on sale?

When we last visited their website, we noticed they were having a short-term sale, with certain models being offered at a 20-25% discount from their regular price. Trash Planet wasn't advertising any discounts or vouchers for subscribing to their newsletter, but they do say they'll plant 1 tree for you if you subscribe.

Where are Trash Planet sneakers made?

Trash Planet sneakers/trainers are made in the North of Portugal, with all materials being sourced from within a 50 mile radius (the exceptions being their mesh and laces, which are made in Alicante, Spain).

Are their sneakers made with fair labour?

Yes! Trash Planet shoes are made in Portugal, which means their labourers are protected by the stringent labour laws of the European Union, which also include strong health and safety regulations. Trash Planet also says their factory is WRAP certified and ISO certified.

Is Trash Planet a charitable company?

Trash Planet claims to plant 15 trees for every pair of sneakers they sell (and claim to have planted over 10,000 trees to date), and 1 tree for every newsletter subscriber. We’ve asked their team about who their partner is in this endeavour, and are awaiting reply.

Does Trash Planet promote ‘slow fashion’ or a ‘circular economy’?

Trash Planet incorporates several elements of a circular economy/slow fashion model, such as: employing fair labour; using recycled and natural materials; avoiding discount-level pricing; making some timeless styles; making their products by hand; working with a shoe recycling partner; having a shoe recycling program; using carbon-neutral shipping; sourcing materials locally; using eco-friendly packaging; and making at least partially recyclable/biodegradable shoes.

Trash Planet Footwear Range

Trash Planet makes unisex leather-look sneakers/trainers that are a contemporary take on retro-inspired designs, as well as some trendier, modern designs. Their shoes are sold at a mid-range price point, and can be shipped worldwide. Their product catalogue currently includes: