Our Recycled Cotton Canvas re-purposes cotton waste into a new durable material. Utilizing recycled cotton helps divert textiles from landfills, reducing the amount of waste that ends up polluting the environment. Producing recycled cotton typically requires less energy and water compared to producing new cotton. This helps conserve these valuable resources and reduces the environmental footprint of textile production. By incorporating recycled cotton into Lemonade products, we are promoting a circular economy model where materials are reused and recycled, rather than disposed of after a single use. This supports a more sustainable approach to consumption and production. We are committed to using recycled cotton which offers a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional cotton production by reducing waste, conserving resources, and minimizing environmental pollution.The organic cotton lining we use at Lemonade is grown without harmful chemicals, leaving soil, air and waterways free from contaminants. It produces less CO2 compared to conventional cotton and far less water to grow. Our organic cotton lining is highly absorbent and gentle on sensitive skin.

Soles

Most sneaker soles are made from synthetic rubbers called; ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or thermoplastic rubber (TPR). These synthetic materials are manufactured to replicate characteristics of natural rubber such as; traction, stability, or flexibility. 

All Lemonade soles are made from Natural Rubber, made from the sap of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) which is carefully harvested by tapping into the tree's bark, allowing the sticky, milky fluid to flow out and then collecting it in containers.

Once collected, the sap undergoes processing to remove impurities and water content. It is then mixed with curing agents, accelerators, and fillers to improve its properties and durability. This mixture is then molded to shape for the shoe sole and cured using heat and pressure to achieve its final form.

Natural rubber has inherent elasticity, allowing the sole to flex and bend with the movement of the foot, providing comfort and ease of movement. The natural texture of rubber provides excellent traction on various surfaces, making it suitable for a wide range of activities and environments. Rubber is known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear, making it a long-lasting option for shoe soles. 

Rubber trees are renewable resources, and the harvesting process does not harm the trees and they continue to produce latex for many years. Natural rubber is biodegradable, meaning it can break down over time into harmless materials, contributing to a more sustainable waste management system. This reduces the accumulation of non-biodegradable waste in landfills and minimizes environmental pollution. Compared to some synthetic materials used in shoe soles, natural rubber typically has lower levels of harmful chemicals and additives. This reduces the environmental impact associated with the production and disposal of shoes containing synthetic materials.

Rubber trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere as they grow, helping to mitigate climate change by acting as carbon sinks. This carbon sequestration process helps offset greenhouse gas emissions associated with other stages of the shoe production lifecycle. 

Cultivating rubber trees encourages sustainable agricultural practices and provides livelihoods for communities in rubber-producing regions. When managed responsibly, rubber plantations can support biodiversity conservation and ecosystem health.

Lemonade are committed to using natural rubber soles to offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic materials, contributing to conservation efforts, waste reduction, and sustainable resource management.

Shoe insoles are typically made from a variety of synthetic ("man-made") materials; EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate), PU (Polyurethane) or Memory Foams, Gels or Silicones. 

As soft on the environment as it is on little feet, at Lemonade, our removable insoles are made from latex, which is a natural product derived from the sap of rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis), chosen for its specific properties to enhance comfort, support, and durability. 

Being a natural and biodegradable material, latex is more environmentally friendly compared to synthetic alternatives. It is renewable and can be harvested sustainably from rubber trees.

Natural latex insoles provide excellent cushioning, which helps in absorbing shocks and reducing stress on the feet during walking or running. The natural elasticity of rubber allows the insoles to conform to the shape of the foot, providing a customized fit and consistent support over time. Highly durable, Lemonade insoles can withstand repeated compression and usage without losing its shape or supportive properties. The cushioning effect of natural rubber helps reduce fatigue in the feet, making it ideal for children who spend long hours running, jumpings and playing. 

Our removable insoles are crafted to provide optimal support for the child's foot. Sizes 19 to 26 include a more flexible insole, offering enhanced comfort, allowing natural foot movement for younger children. Sizes 27 to 33 come with a more structured insole, offering increased support and stability for older children's feet. This approach helps promote healthy foot development and comfort across every stage and all sizes. 

Lemonade insoles are covered with pure Portuguese cork. A renewable material harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree (Quercus suber). The harvesting process involves stripping the bark from the tree, which then regenerates, allowing for repeated harvests every 9-12 years without harming the tree.

Cork provides excellent cushioning due to its natural elasticity. It absorbs shocks effectively, reducing the impact on feet during walking or running. Cork is a lightweight and highly durable material that retains its supportive properties over time, making it ideal for long-term use in shoe insoles. Natural cork has inherent antimicrobial properties and is naturally breathable, allowing air to circulate around the foot. This helps to keep feet cooler and drier, reducing the likelihood of blisters and helping to maintain a comfortable environment inside the shoe. 

Cork oak forests play a significant role in carbon sequestration. These trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate climate change. The process of harvesting the bark actually stimulates the tree to absorb more CO2 as it regenerates. Cork oak forests support a high level of biodiversity, providing habitats for a wide range of plant and animal species, some of which are endangered. The production and processing of cork have a relatively low environmental impact compared to other materials and the cork industry generates very little waste. The processing of cork typically does not require harmful chemicals or pollutants, further reducing its environmental footprint. 

At Lemonade, we will continue to choose cork, which supports sustainable practices that contribute to environmental conservation and reduce the impact on natural ecosystems.