Our social responsibility
Ever since the brand was created in 1922, Galibier has been striving to offer footwear that is reliable as well as durable. Carefully selecting its materials and manufacturing process means that Galibier has always embraced a sustainable, responsible approach.
Materials
Galibier is all about leatherwork. By processing hides from cattle bred for their meat, tanneries give a second life to a material that would otherwise be considered waste. As well as using a natural raw material, we pride ourselves in selecting local tanning partners with Oeko-Tex Leather® and LWG Gold® certification. These international certifications are among the most stringent in terms of social and environmental criteria.
Technologies
Conscious of the environmental challenges we face, we strive to surround ourselves with partners who share the same values as us. Sympatex, our membrane supplier, is renowned for its sustainable and environmentally-friendly approach. Its products are 100% recyclable and free from PFCs (perfluorinated chemical compounds, often used for waterproofing but harmful to the environment). In addition, Vibram is leading initiatives in terms of sustainability, ecological innovation and community support.
The Norwegian stitch
Over the years, stitched footwear has fallen out of favour with the rise in gluing. There is no doubt that gluing is less expensive than stitching. However, Richard-Pontvert – incorporating Galibier – has chosen to preserve its expertise by producing footwear using Norwegian stitching. The advantage? A stronger shoe with a sole that can be replaced once it is worn out.
Production
Knowing where your shoes are made is just as important as understanding their technical characteristics. That’s why, in line with our vision and values, we entrust the production of our designs to experts in stitched footwear. Located in Portugal, our partner is a family-owned business like ours, and is ISO 9001 certified. What’s more, it is the country’s first industrial shoe company to be awarded international SA8000 certification; a local manufacturer making social responsibility a top priority.
Repairability
As lovers of the mountains and our environment, we strive to reduce our footprint on a daily basis. That’s why we are committed to offering footwear that is both durable and repairable. Each model take 24 months to develop, during which each material and component is carefully selected for its eco-friendly properties and stored in sufficient quantities to enable us to repair any Galibier shoes where necessary.
