Rubber, Resilience, and Responsibility: The Story Behind BERT’s Soles

Rubber, Resilience, and Responsibility: The Story Behind BERT’s Soles

From the beginning, people told me I should manufacture in China to reduce costs. I’ve received countless proposals from factories there (and still do), but I’ve always refused.

Why?

Because one of the main reasons I started BERT was to create jobs for people in my country, Colombia. Here, opportunities are not always abundant. While the temptation to produce in China and improve profit margins was real, it could never outweigh the importance of supporting my own community.

When sourcing materials for our shoes, I knew I wanted rubber soles. Rubber is not only a natural material but also durable, grippy, waterproof, and lightweight—perfect for what I envisioned for BERT. But beyond its functionality, rubber production gave me the chance to partner with a remarkable organization in Colombia: ASOHECA.

Colombia is not traditionally known as a rubber-producing country. However, during the 1990s, public policies aimed at replacing illicit crops provided many growers with rubber seeds as an alternative. This shift marked the beginning of Colombia's journey into rubber production and opened up new opportunities for sustainable farming practices.

ASOHECA is a community of 1,200 families dedicated to rubber production. What makes them extraordinary is their story of resilience. Many of these families were once involved in destructive activities, such as working on cocaine farms or being linked to the Guerrilla. ASOHECA offered them a fresh start and a chance to rebuild their lives through honest, sustainable work.

The association was born from the collective dream of these families. Through contributions, hard work, and unwavering effort, they turned that dream into reality. ASOHECA is not just an organization—it’s a testament to the power of transformation. Over time, it has provided a better quality of life for its members and become a key player in Colombia’s rubber industry, recognized locally, regionally, and even nationally.

Caquetá, a region in southern Colombia, is the cradle of rubber production in the country. It was here that the first crops were planted, supported by institutional investment, training, and the leadership of ASOHECA. The organization became a pioneer in rubber production, serving as a technical reference for others across Colombia. In fact, ASOHECA was the first entity to officially report rubber sales in the country.

Thanks to ASOHECA, rubber production has evolved into a sustainable livelihood for hundreds of families. Their commitment to fair practices and community growth aligns perfectly with BERT’s values. By sourcing rubber from ASOHECA, we’re not just making high-quality shoes—we’re supporting a movement that uplifts lives, preserves the environment, and strengthens Colombia’s economy.

Choosing to produce in Colombia has not been the easiest path, but it’s the one that feels right. It’s a decision rooted in purpose, sustainability, and pride in my country. For me, it’s about more than just shoes; it’s about making a difference, one step at a time.

 

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