Sustainability Fuels Our Mission

Our mission is to revolutionize the footwear industry by providing the highest performance solutions fused with sustainable processes. We are dedicated to tackling the environmental challenges caused by foam manufacturing and excessive material waste to create a cleaner, greener future.

Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond the materials we use. We've implemented an environmentally conscious manufacturing process that minimizes resource consumption, eliminates toxic chemicals, and reduces water usage. By prioritizing clean energy sources and implementing efficient production techniques, we ensure that every pair of Fleks footwear has a minimal carbon footprint — averaging a 65% reduction in carbon emissions compared to traditional foam manufacturing.

From Waste To Wonderful

Fleks commitment to sustainability begins with meticulously crafted footwear built on a footbed (and sometimes even uppers) made from recycled foam (in collaboration with Blumaka). We don’t stop there: all additional materials in our products are materials that are getting a second chance — beautiful b-grade leathers and shearlings, textiles (and even some leathers) made from recycled materials, and/or deadstock materials that would otherwise end up in the landfills.

By repurposing all of the different types of materials from the footwear industry, we not only contribute to waste reduction, but also transform it into comfort-forward, stylish, and attainably priced footwear.

Fleks footwear boasts exceptional durability, lasting up to 1,000 miles of everyday use. This longevity not only sets a new standard in the industry, but also showcases our dedication to creating products that stand the test of time, reducing the need for frequent replacements and further minimizing environmental impact.

Greener + Cleaner

By recycling foam waste, we achieve a remarkable 99% reduction in water usage during production — just 2 tablespoons of water per pair of midsoles. This innovation not only minimizes our ecological footprint but also contributes to the global effort to conserve water resources.

Our commitment to sustainability extends to the materials used in our midsole. With up to 85% recycled content in our midsoles, we're actively contributing to the circular economy, reducing the demand for new raw materials and lowering overall environmental impact.

In addition, our process allows us to change colors much easier and cleaner than industry standard. Traditional foam molding machines require 20,000 gallons of water — plus chemical coagulants — for a single cleaning. That also means shutting down the machine for an entire day. At Fleks (Blumaka), we use just 2 gallons of water and clean our machines in 10 minutes. This allows us to avoid overproduction and eliminate the need for high minimum order quantities (MOQs). Traditional MOQs often force customers to buy more than they actually need — leading to unnecessary waste. Less water. Less downtime. Less waste.

Innovating New Industry Standards

Blumaka, our parent company, proudly holds the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certification, underscoring our dedication to using recycled materials and sustainable practices. Read our Lifecycle Assessment for more details.

In pursuit of a cleaner and safer environment, Blumaka avoids hazardous materials and harmful chemicals in our production processes. Our commitment to chemical management reflects our dedication to providing products that prioritize both performance and environmental responsibility.

We have traceability on all of our suppliers. We know with full certainty where our waste foam is coming from and even conduct a Material Safety Data Sheet check to ensure that the foam doesn’t have any hazardous chemicals. In addition, we also have 100% traceability on our binder and material suppliers.

Likeminded Partners

All vendors that supply us with additional materials to craft our products are diligently screened and must comply with the same standards in our Code of Conduct.

Subcontracting Policy: We do not permit unauthorized subcontracting. All subcontractors (which includes assembly and/or finishing of our products) must be pre-approved and must comply with the same standards outlined in our Code of Conduct.

Responsible Manufacturing

All Fleks by Blumaka components are produced in our own factory in Dongguan, China, which we own and operate. This vertical integration allows us to ensure ethical working conditions, fair treatment, and high-quality standards at every stage. Our factory employs approximately 21 workers and our lowest wage is 45% above the legal minimum wage, ensuring fair compensation across the team.

We are proud to provide our workers with healthcare coverage, daily meals, transportation stipends, and primary endowment insurance to promote well-being beyond the workplace.

Our manufacturing processes use significantly less water and emit 65% less carbon compared to conventional practices. We continue to reduce emissions through measures like rooftop solar power generation and energy-efficient equipment.

Our Fleks by Blumaka components are antimicrobial, easily cleaned with soap and water, and built to last over 1,000 miles. Every Fleks product is designed and spec’d to be re-ground without having to deconstruct — meaning the entire shoe is crafted using materials that can go straight into the grinder. We offer a 1,000-mile guarantee and are working on a "take-back" program for recycling, ensuring the materials we make today can be used again tomorrow.