What Are Sleepers Flip Flops All About?
Sleepers flip flops are ocean-friendly, biodegradable, and ethically crafted footwear designed with care for both the environment and the people behind their creation. While the fashion industry can never be truly sustainable, Sleepers aims to have the best possible impact on the environment and the workers involved. These flip flops are made from natural rubber tapped in Sri Lanka, combining tradition with responsibility to create a product that’s comfortable, durable, and mindful.
Main Benefits of Sleepers Flip Flops
Here’s what makes Sleepers stand out:
- Natural rubber tapped under Fair Trade conditions by Fair Rubber, ensuring fair working and living conditions.
- Each rubber tree yields about 20-30 grams of latex daily, tapped in a way that respects the tree’s natural life cycle.
- Contains 10-15% synthetic rubber — the minimum needed for durability without breaking down too fast.
- Plastic-free packaging made from recycled FSC-certified craft paper sourced from the tea industry.
- Water-based ink used on packaging, encouraging reuse of the bags at home.
- Carbon compensated shipping, mainly by sea transport to warehouses powered by renewable energy.
- Final delivery uses plastic-free recycled paper bags to minimize waste.
Visiting the Horana Rubber Plantation
The team behind Sleepers traveled to Sri Lanka to visit the Horana rubber plantation, where the natural rubber is sourced. This hands-on approach ensures transparency and a close connection with the producers. It’s not just about sourcing materials; it’s about understanding the people and processes that bring these flip flops to life. The plantation visit highlights the commitment to ethical production and environmental care.
Produced with Biodegradable Materials
Sleepers flip flops are crafted from natural rubber tapped responsibly in Sri Lanka. The rubber is harvested by hand, ensuring sustainable practices that protect the trees and the environment. The addition of a small percentage of synthetic rubber is necessary to maintain the flip flops’ quality and longevity, but the focus remains on natural, breathable, and easy-to-clean materials. This balance keeps the product eco-friendly without compromising on comfort or durability.
Plastic-Free Packaging and Carbon Compensated Shipping
Packaging is a big deal here. Sleepers uses recycled craft paper from the tea industry, avoiding single-use plastics entirely. The packaging is FSC-certified and printed with water-based ink, making it as eco-conscious as the product itself. Shipping is mostly done by carbon compensated sea transport to warehouses in Norway and the EU, which run on renewable energy. From there, deliveries are carbon neutral and come in plastic-free recycled paper bags, closing the loop on waste reduction.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Fair Trade conditions and improved working environments.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Use of biodegradable materials and plastic-free packaging.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Carbon compensated shipping and renewable energy-powered warehouses.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – Sustainable rubber tapping practices that protect forests and biodiversity.
Taking Care of Your Sleepers
To keep your Sleepers looking and feeling great, wash them gently with mild dish soap and a soft brush. Natural soap without harsh chemicals is best to avoid fading the colors or harming the environment. Also, try not to leave them under strong direct sunlight for hours on end — they’ll thank you for it! If you’re ever unsure about which soaps to use or have questions about sustainability, reaching out for advice is encouraged. These flip flops are made to last, with care and respect for nature and people alike.
