The best sustainable wellies for kids and all the family?
Wellies that are eco-friendly are hard to find. But you can be assured that our Warm Wellies are made from ethically sourced natural rubber and we do as much as we can to keep our carbon footprint as low as possible. Striving to cut out plastic, we changed our packaging to cardboard boxes and now use cardboard liners in our wellies – all of which are recyclable. We also keep the printing on our packaging to just one colour.
We’re so glad we can now say boxes have saved us using thousands and thousands of plastic bags and liners.
What makes our wellies as eco-friendly as possible?
Made from 100% natural rubber
Do you know much about natural rubber properties? You may be surprised to hear that making a natural rubber wellington boot is complex – unlike quickly moulded plastic wellies. Natural rubber is derived from latex (sap) in trees. The sap is collected and then vulcanised which tempers the rubber and makes it easier to mould or cast into the pieces that make up a welly.
Did you know: The process of vulcanisation was patented by Charles Goodyear – of the tyre fame.
Natural rubber is a product that offers softness, insulation and is less likely to corrode. If you think about latex, it is naturally very elastic and malleable – that’s something not lost when vulcanised and you definitely notice it when wearing your Warm Wellies.
Of course, there is a trade-off when choosing natural rubber – but it was something we felt strongly about when starting the Warm Welly Company. Natural rubber is heavier than plastic and the process is far longer than manufacturing plastic.
Tapping sap from trees is a highly skilled job, and hand-making wellies out of dozens of individual components is more expensive – but we think its worth it for the overall quality, durability, comfort, and warmth.
There is another eco-trade off with our wellies – they are neoprene lined ( not biodegradable), but will keep you warmer and more comfortable – plus it adds stability for longer term use so we think it’s a compromise we’re prepared to make. You won’t get cold or frozen toes in a pair of Warm Wellies – and you won't need lots of socks either.
Lots of ways to reuse wellies – they make perfect garden pots
Our boxes can be recycled, reused or repurposed – get creative:
1. REUSE as a gift box
2. REPURPOSE as gift tags for Xmas
3. RECYCLE at a collection point
4. REPURPOSE as a Treasure Chest for all your welly wander finds
5. REPURPOSE as a boat
6. Use it to store papers
7. Use it to start your bonfire night fire
Why are plastic wellies a poorer alternative?
If you chose plastic wellies they’re made of PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) – which is mad made and not biodegradable. The durability of plastic wellies is also called into question – they may be cheaper to buy initially, but they are unlikely to wear very well and have been proven to fall apart more easily. It may mean you are buying twice – and that’s more plastic.
Can you tell the difference?
Plastic wellies will have a shine on them – and they will be lighter to wear than rubber boots, but they can be very stiff – often making them uncomfortable to wear.
