New Balance, or simply NB, is an American sports apparel and footwear brand. Established in 1906 and founded by William J. Riley, it was originally registered as the New Balance Arch Support Company, which manufactures arch supports that aim to improve shoe fit. It is flexible arch support that is designed with three support points to provide a better balance as well as a comfortable fit. Is New Balance ethical? – let’s know.
Today, the company is registered as New Balance Athletics, Inc. Let’s find out more about Is New Balance ethical.
Is New Balance a moral company?
How does New Balance fare when it comes to ethics, with yearly revenue of $4.5 billion and nearly 5,500 employees? Let’s have a look at the many requirements that New Balance sets for its employees’ contributions to the environment and animal welfare.
Employment and Labor
New Balance outlined their business ethics and behavior in their code of business ethics and conduct, which they adhere to and strictly enforce for its personnel. It includes their anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policy.
They stated that their main goal is to create a diverse and inclusive working environment for their employees and that they will not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment, regardless of race, color, ancestry, nationality, beliefs, religion, marital status, pregnancy, or physical appearance.
Production and Sustainability
On May 11, 2007, New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. was named by Ethisphere Magazine as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. The Boston-based magazine company, Ethisphere, is a national publication devoted to elucidating the important relationship between profit and ethics.
And NB is one of the companies that is recognized to have practiced strong leadership regarding social and ethical issues. New Balance has such a good reputation for its customers that this title has made such an impact.
Up until today, New Balance continued to innovate and incorporate new ideas into the production of their wide array of items. They continually take action regarding their climate response duties to create a healthier planet.
New Balance’s environmental goals include using 50% recycled polyester and 100% renewable energy in their operations; eliminating the use and discharge of hazardous chemicals; achieving a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions; and achieving zero waste to landfill by 2025.
The company commits to creating more high-quality designs that wear longer to create less waste, better quality, and more sustainability. This is quite challenging for NB because their products use polyester and leather, which are two of the biggest contributors to negative climate impact.
Animal Welfare
The brand has been very innovative regarding their products as well as keeping in mind the welfare of the animals. Compared to other high-rising brands with the same product line, New Balance incorporates different materials for their shoes, such as cold cement. They also use a much cheaper raw material, such as pigskin.
However, New Balance did not reveal how they obtained the materials for their products. For example, they haven’t publicized the use of wool, if this is from non-mulesed sheep, as well as their use of down and feathers. It is important to know if these are not being plucked out of living animals.
The use of leather, as well as exotic animal hair and skin, is unclear too, especially since they have different factories in Asia, such as Bangladesh and China. China does not have a very good reputation in the field of animal welfare.
Overall
It is very bold for New Balance to target such huge numbers of sustainability standards to maintain their crown as being one of the most ethical companies in the world, considering that any production process cannot guarantee a 0% carbon emission and footprint.
But with the continuous effort that the brand is exerting, we can say that they are far beyond other leading companies that offer the same products when it comes to being ethical. This being said, they will surely generate more clients and customers that will patronize them for the generation that is continuously seeking a better living and spending experience.
They may still be failing on one aspect, which is animal welfare, but with a few more innovations and remodeling, maybe the company could perfectly meet the ethical standards.
New Balance FAQs
- Is New Balance a sustainable company?
New Balance launched its Green Leaf Standards apparel and shoes that are made of 50% or more sustainable materials and is continually improving in this aspect.
- Where is New Balance manufactured?
70% of New Balance products are manufactured and labeled in China. “Made in the USA.” Their manufacturing is based in Maine and Massachusetts.
- How do I contact New Balance?
A New Balance agent is waiting to help you via phone hotline (800) 595-9138 or text (207) 401-7040. A New Balance agent is waiting to help you. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 9 am to 9 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 6 pm only. You may also email them at https://support.newbalance.com/s/emailsupport
