Active Sustainability Progress *
United Kingdom Since 1960, Dr. Martens has stitched its way into cultural history, from factory floors to festival fields. Born in post-war England, the brand reimagined traditional work boots with an air-cushioned sole — a symbol of comfort, resilience, and individuality. Today, Dr. Martens stands tall as an icon of self-expression and enduring craftsmanship, rooted in its proud British heritage.
As the world evolves, so does Dr. Martens. Innovation sits at the heart of its journey, blending timeless design with progressive steps towards a more responsible future. While the classic silhouette remains unchanged, the brand advances with new materials and circularity initiatives to lessen its environmental footprint while respecting people and communities throughout its supply chain.
Dr. Martens continues to honour its legacy—not just by creating durable footwear but by walking the talk towards a more sustainable tomorrow.
This means Dr Martens are above average compared to other companies in the Apparel, Accessories & Footwear.
Dr Martens positioning within the Apparel, Accessories & Footwear
The apparel, accessories, and footwear industry faces important challenges on the path to a more sustainable future. High resource use, carbon emissions, and waste generation impact our planet’s health. At the same time, protecting workers’ rights, ensuring fair labour conditions, and promoting equality across supply chains remain vital. Strong governance, rooted in ethical business conduct and transparency, is equally crucial. Addressing these areas is key to building consumer trust and driving real change across the industry.
Under AIRWAIR INTERNATIONAL LIMITED, Dr. Martens is taking steps towards a more responsible future, but there is more work ahead. The brand shows stronger-than-average governance practices, reflecting its commitment to ethical and transparent operations. Dr. Martens maintains a steady approach to social equity, though there is some distance to cover to match the highest industry standards. The brand recognises the need for faster progress in environmental sustainability and is working to embed better practices across its operations and supply chain.
Dr. Martens crafts durable footwear, accessories, and clothing known for their distinctive style, comfort, and tough construction. Best recognised for its iconic boots and shoes with air-cushioned soles, the brand blends rebellious spirit with timeless design. Today, the range includes vegan alternatives, repair services, and a growing selection of consciously crafted products, making it a choice for those who value fashion and function.
Dr. Martens believes that quality is the foundation of sustainability. The brand encourages longer wear and fewer replacements by creating products built to last. It offers repair services to extend product life, making it easier for consumers to invest in longevity. While the brand acknowledges that sustainably made products may carry a higher initial price, it sees durability, value for money, and environmental responsibility as inseparable, helping shoppers make more mindful choices without compromising style or practicality.
"Crafted for self-expression. Committed to a better tomorrow."
Dr. Martens’ sustainability journey is grounded in strong governance and a commitment to doing business responsibly. The brand’s approach to social responsibility shines through partnerships, community programmes, and initiatives that aim to create a positive, lasting impact. Ethical supply chain management is a key focus, with clear standards supporting fair working conditions and transparency throughout operations.
While Dr. Martens recognises that there is more to do on environmental performance, it invests in responsible manufacturing practices and waste reduction across its value chain. By combining tradition with forward-looking action, the brand is taking steps towards building a more sustainable future, one boot at a time.
Although challenges remain, Dr. Martens is making meaningful progress in its environmental efforts. The brand’s approach to material sourcing is one of its stronger areas, with clear action taken to select resources more responsibly and reduce environmental impact. There is also growing focus on protecting land use and supporting biodiversity, showing a moderate but genuine commitment to safeguarding natural ecosystems.
However, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions remains a significant area for improvement. Dr. Martens acknowledges the need to cut its carbon footprint and is working to embed better practices across its operations. While the journey is ongoing, the brand’s mix of solid foundations and evolving ambitions signals a willingness to step up and take greater environmental responsibility over time.
Dr. Martens demonstrates a strong commitment to social sustainability, clearly focusing on creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace. Diversity and inclusion are standout strengths, woven into the fabric of the company’s culture and practices. The brand also upholds high standards in product quality management, placing customer trust, satisfaction, and safety at the heart of its operations.
There is an opportunity for Dr. Martens to deepen its work with suppliers, building stronger partnerships that reflect the brand’s values across its entire supply chain. Strengthening supplier engagement would further enhance its social impact and reinforce a more joined-up approach to social responsibility, helping ensure fairness, respect, and opportunity at every stage of the journey.
Dr. Martens shows a strong and steady hand when it comes to governance. The brand’s commitment to business transparency stands out, setting a high standard through clear, open communication about its operations and sustainability progress. Its focus on building resilience ensures Dr. Martens can adapt to future challenges, protecting its business and broader sustainability goals.
While corporate compliance is an area where the brand performs well, further strengthening these practices is still possible. A continued focus here would help Dr. Martens meet expectations and lead with even greater integrity and accountability in a changing world.
Dr. Martens’ most significant strength is its timeless durability, authentic craftsmanship, and self-expression. Every pair is designed to be worn, loved, and repaired, not replaced — offering a product that stands the test of time in style and construction. With a focus on hard-wearing materials, responsible innovation, and services that extend product life, Dr. Martens empowers consumers to choose boots and shoes that are as individual as they are sustainable. It is a brand built on substance, not fleeting trends, helping every step leave a smaller footprint on the world.
Part of AIRWAIR INTERNATIONAL LIMITED Dr. Martens is on a journey towards greater sustainability. The brand shows strong social responsibility and governance efforts, with transparent business practices and a commitment to fair labour. While improvements are still needed to reduce environmental impact, Dr. Martens is taking steps towards better resource use and responsible manufacturing.
For conscious shoppers, Dr. Martens represents a brand that is not standing still — it is working to improve. Every responsible choice you make encourages brands like this to keep pushing for positive change, helping to build a more sustainable future for all.
Every step towards more responsible shopping helps shape a more ethical and sustainable world — one pair of boots at a time.
Below are Dr. Martens's current sustainability-related certifications and memberships. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always check the latest sustainability reports or official brand updates.
Dr. Martens has committed to a science-based Net Zero target, officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This reflects the company's plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
Dr. Martens is a member of Textile Exchange, a global non-profit that promotes sustainable practices in the textile and fashion industry, with a focus on responsible material sourcing and traceability.
Dr. Martens supports and aligns its sustainability strategy with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing particularly on goals related to climate action, equality, responsible production, and clean water management.
Tip for shoppers: Look for labels such as "Vegan" or "Made with Sustainable Materials," or check online product descriptions and in-store signage for mentions of sustainability initiatives. For the latest certifications and sustainability efforts, we encourage you to visit the Dr. Martens Sustainability Hub and review their most recent Sustainability Report.
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