Orba's canvas upper are handwoven plant-based fabrics and the final shoe is hand-crafted. This eliminates emissions from the production and manufacturing of petroleum-based synthetics, plastics and rubbers as well as the production of leather and wool that are more commonly used in the footwear industry.

Our materials make the difference and Orba shoes are crafted from some of the most highly renewable plant-based biodegradable materials in the world. The shoe upper is made from flax, kenaf and ramie fabrics which are all renewable crops, able to grow to harvest in a few months in poor soils without fertilizers, pesticides, or irrigation. Rain water is enough. The insolde is made from cork, coconut husk and agave sisal which are renewable resources with low environmental impact. They require minimal land and very little water when grown using sustainable practices. They are all sustainably and ethically sourced and manufactured.

Our key supplier meets the international Business Social Compliance Initiative code of conduct (BSCI), and we assist our smaller suppliers by funding training programs to achieve sustainable growth and a pathway for future BSCI compliance too. In this we aim for no discrimination, fair renumeration and decent work hours as just a few of the benefits for our people. All of our suppliers are familiar with our Orba Supplier Code of Conduct, the minimum standards required of our suppliers. We believe in social equity and fair treatment across our global community. We have a robust Sustainable Purchasing Plan that underpins all supplier decision-making to ensure transparency and accountability.

Some of our smaller suppliers - weavers in Bali - simply cannot afford costly third-party eco-certfications such as GOTS. Rather than replace these suppliers with certified suppliers, we engaged with the local International Labour Organisation to run training programs for these suppliers to help them grow more sustainably and on a pathway to future certification. This training is fully funded by Orba and helps to promote traditional weaving practices and growth in their local communities.

Orba practices Equal Employment Opportunity and this policy is detailed in both our Orba Employee Handbook and our Orba Code of Business Ethics and Conduct. Employment opportunities at Orba Ltd. are based upon one's qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job and free from discrimination because of race, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. This Equal Employment Opportunity policy governs all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training. Orba Ltd. strongly urges the reporting of all instances of discrimination and prohibits retaliation against any individual who reports discrimination or participates in an investigation of such report. Appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including immediate termination, will be taken against any employee who violates this policy.

The Orba upper of the shoe is entirely made from plant-based biodegradable materials - flax, kenaf, ramie, cork, coconut husk, cotton. No plastics, no metals, no synthetics, no toxic chemicals or dyes. These materials can go back to the earth where they came from. The Orba biosole uses rice husk ash - a bi-product from the rice harvesting industry - diverting agri-waste destined for landfill.

If, for whatever reason, you’re not happy with your purchase, we will refund it or exchange it. Simply reach out to our customer support team within 30 days of delivery and we will remedy it for you. To be eligible for a return, your shoes must be in the same condition that you received them, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need your order number as reference. New Zealand & Australia Returns To start a return, you can contact us at hello@orbashoes.eco or 0800 ORBAEC or 0800 67 22 32 within 30 days of delivery, and we’ll send you a return shipping label, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return may not be accepted. When you contact us, remember to let us know whether you are requesting a refund or requesting an exchange. If an exchange is requested, let us know what size you require. International Returns The cost for all international returns and exchanges will be at the expense of the customer (excludes Australia). If you wish to return an item from overseas, please contact us for a return number and our return address.