Bekina Boots: a sustainable choice

What makes safety boots durable? Sustainable safety boots are designed to have a long lifespan and minimal environmental impact. This means, for example, that they are made from strong, wear-resistant materials that last longer than traditional boots, so they need to be replaced less often. For this, it is best to choose polyurethane boots, rather than regular rubber boots or PVC boots. At Bekina Boots, sustainability plays a central role in both product development and business operations. The boots are manufactured from a high-quality polyurethane called NEOTANE^® , which was developed in-house and has a lifespan up to four times longer than rubber or PVC boots. But sustainable packaging, sustainable certificates, a green environment and more are also part of Bekina's sustainable business practices.

Corporate sustainability

Corporate sustainability is increasingly a conscious, strategic choice today. End users and companies in different sectors such as agriculture, construction, fishing and the food industry are therefore placing increasing importance on safety boots that are not only reliable and comfortable, but also contribute to a long lifespan and a lower environmental footprint. Bekina Boots is a pioneer in sustainability and it has been an integral part of our operations for many years. We consciously opt for sustainable solutions in
every area.

Sustainable product cycle

Bekina Boots boots are manufactured from NEOTANE^®, a proprietary high-quality polyurethane compound known for its exceptional durability. It is
a unique blend of components that together form a PU foam structure. The chemical reaction between the different components creates a durable product consisting of several layers and tiny air bubbles, resulting in: light and flexible boots, optimal thermal insulation, good breathability and
increased durability. Compared to traditional PVC or rubber boots, our Bekina boots last up to four times longer. Their longevity makes them a sustainable choice in both environmental and economic terms.

Sustainable certificates

As a responsible global player, Bekina Boots attaches great importance to acquired sustainable certificates and partnerships. Ranging from achieved quality labels to local and international sustainable initiatives we are part of. Discover more on our Bekina corporate website.

Sustainability Roadmap

Bekina’s Sustainability Roadmap provides the framework for our long-term vision on sustainability. We are working phased and targeted towards CO₂-
neutral production by 2040. In doing so, we focus on four pillars: energy, waste, mobility and product development. To achieve this, we follow an intensive, but realistic planning taking into account the 17 Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations

Milestones for the emissions we control internally (Scope 1 & 2*):

• 2025: -30% CO₂
• 2030: -75% CO₂
• 2040: -100% CO₂

_{Milestones for emissions beyond direct impact (Scope 3*):}

• 2025: -11% CO₂
• 2030: -31% CO₂
• 2040: -100% CO₂

<sub>* Scope 1 = All direct emissions from an organisation’s activities or under its direct control.
* Scope 2 = = Indirect emissions from on-site energy supply
* Scope 3 = All upstream and downstream indirect emissions from activities.</sub>

Sustainable packaging

In terms of packaging, hangtags and the footbeds, we also invested to make them as sustainable as possible

• Plastic bags: 30% recycled material and 100% recyclable.
• Pair boxes: 71% recycled material, 100% water-based ink and 100% recyclable.
• Hangtags: recyclable and compostable, eco-friendly ink derived from renewable vegetable oils and 100% PEFC™ - meaning that the wood or paper used comes from forests meeting the highest standards of sustainable forest management.
• Footbeds: 100% recycled material.

Sustainable business

Bekina Boots looks beyond the product. Sustainability is extended to our entire business operations. As a global player, our production and daily operations are still centralised in Belgium, specifically in Kluisbergen. By producing locally, we limit transport movements and significantly reduce
CO₂ emissions, but we can also ensure high quality control ourselves. Other sustainable initiatives include the installation of solar panels and roof insulation, fully electrically powered machinery, creation of a green business environment with trees, flower meadows, wadis, etc. These are just a few
examples. Furthermore, we also take a lot of sustainable commitments to our neighbours, customers and our own employees.

Looking for durable safety boots? Look no further! View our full range of boots.

Do you have any questions? Please feel free to contact us at info@bekina-boots.com.