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Orba
Crafting renewable plant-based materials into a shoe of comfort, style and good vibes.
Our commitment
Every year the global fashion industry produces over 20 billion shoes that use synthetics, with little regard for the sustainability of the materials sourced, the wellbeing of the people involved or how these products will impact the environment after disposal. Shoes that use any synthetics take from the earth and never give back. We do things differently. Orba shoes are made from nature and biodegradable materials, so you can feel good knowing that when you’re ready to say goodbye, your shoes will return to nature, going back into the soil where they came from. Each material, from the natural plant-based rubber sole to the embroidered cotton eyelets, has been carefully chosen for its unique properties and environmental impact, to create a shoe that keeps you and the planet looking good.
Our certifications
Our Sustainability Framework
What is your company doing to reduce your emissions or combat key environmental issues (e.g. waste (packaging, end of life product strategy or recycling), biodiversity, land use, water, chemical use, energy use, and natural resource use etc.)?
Orba's canvas upper are handwoven plant-based fabrics and the final shoe is hand-crafted. This eliminates emissions from the production and manufacturing of petroleum-based synthetics, plastics and rubbers as well as the production of leather and wool that are more commonly used in the footwear industry.
Learn more →How are the products your company offers made from environmentally friendly materials (e.g. recycled, organic materials)?
Our materials make the difference and Orba shoes are crafted from some of the most highly renewable plant-based biodegradable materials in the world. The shoe upper is made from flax, kenaf and ramie fabrics which are all renewable crops, able to grow to harvest in a few months in poor soils without fertilizers, pesticides, or irrigation. Rain water is enough. The insolde is made from cork, coconut husk and agave sisal which are renewable resources with low environmental impact. They require minimal land and very little water when grown using sustainable practices. They are all sustainably and ethically sourced and manufactured.
Learn more →Do you partner with ethical factories that meet international labor standards? What processes have you implemented to make your supply chain more sustainable?
Our key supplier meets the international Business Social Compliance Initiative code of conduct (BSCI), and we assist our smaller suppliers by funding training programs to achieve sustainable growth and a pathway for future BSCI compliance too. In this we aim for no discrimination, fair renumeration and decent work hours as just a few of the benefits for our people. All of our suppliers are familiar with our Orba Supplier Code of Conduct, the minimum standards required of our suppliers. We believe in social equity and fair treatment across our global community. We have a robust Sustainable Purchasing Plan that underpins all supplier decision-making to ensure transparency and accountability.
Learn more →How does your company give back to the community (e.g. financial donations, volunteering, partnerships etc.)?
Some of our smaller suppliers - weavers in Bali - simply cannot afford costly third-party eco-certfications such as GOTS. Rather than replace these suppliers with certified suppliers, we engaged with the local International Labour Organisation to run training programs for these suppliers to help them grow more sustainably and on a pathway to future certification. This training is fully funded by Orba and helps to promote traditional weaving practices and growth in their local communities.
How has your company made a commitment to achieve and maintain inclusion & diversity (e.g. Gender / Race / Ethnicity / National Origin / Sexual Orientation / Religion / Disability / Age)?
Orba practices Equal Employment Opportunity and this policy is detailed in both our Orba Employee Handbook and our Orba Code of Business Ethics and Conduct. Employment opportunities at Orba Ltd. are based upon one's qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job and free from discrimination because of race, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. This Equal Employment Opportunity policy governs all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training. Orba Ltd. strongly urges the reporting of all instances of discrimination and prohibits retaliation against any individual who reports discrimination or participates in an investigation of such report. Appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including immediate termination, will be taken against any employee who violates this policy.
How does your circular model or circular initiative work?
The Orba upper of the shoe is entirely made from plant-based biodegradable materials - flax, kenaf, ramie, cork, coconut husk, cotton. No plastics, no metals, no synthetics, no toxic chemicals or dyes. These materials can go back to the earth where they came from. The Orba biosole uses rice husk ash - a bi-product from the rice harvesting industry - diverting agri-waste destined for landfill.
Our certifications
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