Dr Martens decides it needs a smaller footprint

Dr Martens is looking for a more sustainable offering as the world becomes ever keener on greener products
Dr Martens is looking for a more sustainable offering as the world becomes ever keener on greener products

Dr Martens will start using recycled leather in some of the boots made in its factory in Northampton.

The FTSE 250 shoe manufacturer is one of a group of investors set to inject $18 million into Gen Phoenix, a producer of sustainable leather. Other backers include Jaguar Land Rover and Tapestry, the home of luxury brands such as Coach and Kate Spade.

Dr Martens plans to start using the recycled leather, produced in Gen Phoenix’s facility in Peterborough, by early next year.

Gen Phoenix already makes recycled leather for the transport industry, which has been used on more than four million seat covers worldwide and has saved over 8,000 tonnes of leather waste from landfill.

Dr Martens sold 14.1 million pairs of shoes worldwide last