Our responsibility for people and the environment

Sustainability is not a trend for us, but a lived corporate philosophy. We view sustainability as a holistic cycle that permeates all areas of our company—from procurement through production to the use of our shoes. The three pillars of sustainability are environmental, economic, and social. They guide everything we do.

Ecological Sustainability

Short distances, small footprint

Our shoes are made in Portugal. Within a radius of just 8 km around our production site, we source almost all components. Only leather from a tannery near Porto (80 km away) and specially processed leathers from Italy – such as metal-free tanned materials – come from a bit further away. You won’t find any materials from China or South America with us. We use leather exclusively from Italy and Portugal, consistently minimizing transport distances and CO₂ emissions.

Durability instead of throwaway culture

Our shoes are not short-lived disposable products. Thanks to thoughtful design and high-quality craftsmanship, they are repairable – with proper care, many parts can be replaced, renewed, or repaired. Our modern sole material with optimized abrasion, wear resistance, and stability guarantees long wear times and can be renewed when needed. At the end of their lifespan, our products are ecologically biodegradable.

Resource conservation throughout the company

We live sustainability in our offices and stores as well: 80% of our office equipment and furnishings are made from reused materials. A small anecdote on the side: Even desks from the German Bundestag that were meant to be discarded get a second life with us. Our store interiors are also vintage – the furniture has found a new purpose through our upcycling efforts. Even unused shoe boxes are passed on to ShoeAid instead of being disposed of. In this way, we minimize our ecological footprint across all areas of the company.

Social Sustainability

Fair working conditions as a standard

People are at the center of our shoe production. We consistently ensure fair pay, comprehensive occupational safety, and a positive working atmosphere. We consciously accept the higher production costs that come with European standards – because good working conditions are non-negotiable for us.

Additional benefits for our team

We go beyond legal minimum requirements: a company bus is available for employees without their own car, and free charging stations for electric vehicles promote sustainable mobility. These additional benefits not only create added value for our team but also underline our values in everyday practice.

ShoeAid – shoes for those who need them

Can you imagine going more than a day without shoes? Going to work without proper footwear? Or having to send your child to school barefoot? For most people today, shoes are taken for granted. Some even have the luxury of choosing their shoes to match their outfit every day. In contrast, there are still millions of children and families around the world for whom a single pair of shoes remains out of reach. They walk barefoot to school, to work, and go without shoes while playing or engaging in sports. The consequences: foot infections, injuries, and exclusion from everyday activities. For years, we have been donating ZEHA shoes to ShoeAid and raising money through various campaigns for social projects in Kenya and Germany. Stay tuned – we’ll soon be sharing more about our upcoming initiatives and specials.

Economic Sustainability

Quality creates value

Our economic sustainability is based on long-term thinking rather than quick profit. By producing durable, repairable shoes, we create genuine value for our customers. Products that last longer reduce resource consumption and protect the budget – a win-win situation for both the environment and consumers.

Regional value creation

With our production site in Portugal and sourcing from the immediate vicinity, we strengthen local economic structures and build stable partnerships. Short supply chains not only offer ecological advantages but also ensure predictable costs and reliable quality.

Circular economy as a principle

From reused office furniture to repairable shoes – we think in cycles rather than in linear disposable models. This approach ensures our long-term competitiveness and makes us less dependent on global supply chains and price fluctuations.

Sustainability at ZEHA Berlin is not an isolated project, but the foundation of our business practices. With every shoe we make, we take a step toward a more responsible future.