Responsibility
At Paul Green, we take a comprehensive look at various aspects of our shoe manufacturing process—from material selection to production to packaging.
A Look at Materials, Production, and Packaging
Many decisions shape a shoe - from the selection of materials to the manufacturing process and packaging. We’ll show you what we focus on and the specific steps we take to achieve this.
Materials
OUR SELECTION OF MATERIALS for high-quality shoes
Quality & Durability
When choosing the materials for our shoes, we place particular importance on quality, properties, origin, and workmanship. We also take into account the supply chains and the respective manufacturing processes when making our selection.
There are many ways to show respect: with words, gestures, and even with shoes
Leather
As a natural material, leather is breathable, adaptable, and durable. When selecting our leather, we consider factors such as origin, tanning methods, and existing certifications. Currently, 98% of our leather comes from LWG-certified tanneries. Our leather is tested for chemical substances every six months by the independent testing and research institute PFI.
In addition to certifications, the tanning process is also a key factor in our sourcing process. That’s why we’re constantly working to increase the proportion of alternatively tanned leather. For example, some of our leather is tanned using plant-based methods.
Merino wool
Merino wool is a sustainable alternative to synthetic lining materials. It also feels comfortable against the skin, is odor-resistant, breathable, and antibacterial. Thanks to its temperature-regulating properties, this natural fiber is cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Small air chambers between the crimped wool fibers make merino wool insulating, and help it transport moisture. This makes it an ideal, warm liner for our winter styles.
Our warm merino lining is made of 100 percent shorn, non-mulesed wool from certified Portuguese farms. It is also undyed and natural.
A question of respect – we never use real fur or leather from endangered species.Â
At Paul Green, we recognize that our decisions have an impact on the environment. For this reason, we do not use real fur or leather from endangered species in our shoes. Instead, we use printed and embossed leathers to achieve the look of exotic leathers. For our warm-lined styles, our collections exclusively feature lambskin, merino and sheep’s wool from non-mulesing farms, as well as faux fur made from synthetic fibers. In this way, we aim to ensure that our products meet the needs of both our customers and the environment.
We care:
The (Paul) Green Box
Our shoe box: materials and manufacturing
We use FSC-certified paper for our packaging. We source our cardboard and paper from PEFC-certified suppliers. Water-soluble ink is used for printing.
Our shoe box is recyclable.
Quality that can be verified
External Audits and Certifications
For us, quality begins with the selection of materials and continues through every step of the manufacturing process. In addition to our own quality controls, we also rely on external inspections and certification systems. These help us verify specific materials, processes, and requirements in a transparent manner.
Leather Working Group (LWG)
Since December 2023, Paul Green has been a member of the Leather Working Group (LWG), a multi-stakeholder organization in the leather industry.
Currently, 98% of the leather processed by Paul Green comes from LWG-certified tanneries. The certification applies to the individual tanneries and their assessment according to the Leather Working Group’s criteria.
PFI Eco Label
Paul Green was awarded the PFI Eco-Label by the Pirmasens Testing and Research Institute (PFI). As part of the assessment, various environmental and social criteria were evaluated at the corporate level.
These include, among other things, quality management with regard to materials used, suppliers, and supply chains; chemical and waste management; and requirements in the areas of exhaust air, energy, and packaging. In addition, social aspects such as occupational safety, occupational health, and compliance with social standards were assessed.
The PFI Eco-Label thus confirms that the company meets the criteria established for the award in these assessed areas.
From Idea to Shoe
Our Production: Where Craftsmanship Meets Responsibility.
Production
The heart of our production beats in Europe. Over 90% of our shoes are manufactured in Europe - including at our own production facility in Croatia and in collaboration with select manufacturing partners in Southern Europe. The models manufactured in Europe are clearly marked in the product details section of our website.
For part of our collection, we also collaborate with a manufacturing partner in Pakistan. There, we draw on specialized expertise for select leather shoe and sandal models, thereby expanding our portfolio with unique designs. We also place great importance on clearly defined standards for quality and social conditions at our manufacturing partners.
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Our own production facility in Croatia
At Paul Green, we are particularly proud of our own production facility in Croatia, as it allows us to maintain control over key steps in the process - from craftsmanship and manufacturing to our quality standards. This is how we create shoes with great care, artisanal skill, and the commitment to fit and craftsmanship that Paul Green stands for.
A look at origin and quality
When manufacturing our shoes, we place great emphasis on the selection and composition of the individual components. Currently, 85% of our materials come from Europe. In doing so, we pay close attention to quality, workmanship, and the requirements that each material must meet for our shoes.
On-demand production
We manufacture our shoes based on orders from our retail partners. This allows us to tailor our production volumes to actual demand rather than manufacturing large quantities in advance on a blanket basis.
Social Responsibility
Paul Green - a company with many faces
Diversity
Showing respect and supporting one another are a big part of our success. Different viewpoints and approaches enrich our corporate culture with a long-lasting effect. Our employees come from 14 countries, and our workforce is 75% female and 25% male. 25% of our management team are women.
Employee loyalty is just as important as the diversity of our workforce. Currently, over 80% of our employees at our Austrian location have been with us for more than 10 years, and 50% have been with us for over 20 years. 50% of our employees at our international locations have also worked with Paul Green for more than 5 years. This deep foundation of long-term experience is reflected in the quality and comfort of our shoes.
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A female company
Our headquarters in Mattsee
Thanks to a 500 kWp photovoltaic system installed on our green flat roof, we generate approximately 400,000 kWh of electricity per year at our headquarters in Mattsee. This means that the annual electricity generated by our photovoltaic system is, in theory, equivalent to the electricity demand of the Mattsee site.
Our company grounds also feature a wildflower meadow spanning approximately 1,000 m². It provides a habitat for plants and insects while also offering our employees the opportunity to spend their breaks surrounded by nature.
