Heritage of Rubber boots
- 1891 - Born out of Scandinavian Weather
Tretorn was founded in Swedish Helsingborg in 1891. Born out of Scandinavian weather we started our journey with a galosh. Over 100 years later we are still designing and producing products that are durable and can stand the Scandinavian weather. We are dedicated to living our heritage and creating sustainable products that are stylish, modern, and functional – rubber boots that can be worn both in the city and in nature.
A true craft – a process to master
Our rubber boots are a true piece of craftsmanship. From sketch to production. The first step of the production process is rolling out the rubber. The staff rolls the rubber compound to the thickness that we wish to apply to the specific rubber boot. Our boots have different specifications and areas of use, the thickness of the rubber is chosen in relation to this. All parts of the rubber boot are then punched out and like a puzzle, each boot is built by hand in the manufacturing phase. In the factory, there are personnel with deep knowledge that builds rubber boot from the inside out. From the lining closest to the leg, to the outsole. When the boot is finished, it goes to vulcanization where the material is hardened. Before the rubber boot is packaged and shipped from our factory, the staff tests it in water to ensure that the product meets its requirements and functions.
In the manufacturing process, there are several steps where we have the opportunity to reuse materials. When punching there is some material waste, this is reused and baked into the next production. We can reuse materials up to seven times, so there is very little waste material at this stage of production. Even before the boot has hardened, the material can still be reused. The boots that do not meet our quality requirements will therefore be reused before vulcanization.
Made from natural rubber
At Tretorn, we work with natural rubber, an organic polymer where the element is plant-based. Briefly, the process begins with extracting a milky sap from the rubber tree – Hevea brasiliensis. The liquid is collected in small containers, which are then drained into large vessels where after a while it coagulates into a rubber mass. This pulp is rolled into sheets that are hung to dry, which are later packed into large blocks that are sent on to one of our factories.
Our boots are made of natural rubber without PVC, phthalates and fluorocarbons. However, a finished boot consists of more than just natural rubber. To give the rubber the properties we want in a rubber boot, we add other ingredients. The components that are added come from a list approved by REACH.
Care guide – keep dry in all kinds of weather
For the longest possible lifespan, it is important that you take care of your rubber boots. Clean your boots as needed. We recommend using hand soap with glycerin, alternatively bile soap, together with lukewarm water. After cleaning, we recommend that the rubber boots are stored in a dark area, as the sun's UV light can have a negative effect on the rubber.
Remember to never dry the rubber boots near an element. Natural rubber dries best at room temperature. If the inside of the boot has become wet, we recommend removing the sole and drying the boot upside down.
Feel free to use a so-called "rubber conditioner" continuously. When the wellies leave the factory, they are covered with an invisible, protective film. This slowly disappears with the use of the boots. Without this membrane, the boot becomes vulnerable to, for example, sunlight. Apply this when the boot is clean and dry.
Take care of your boots, they are a craft that deserves care. Then they will keep your socks, and you, dry in all kinds of weather!