BOSTEX

Bostex PLC is a notable company known for its ownership of the brand soleRebels. The company has established itself as a significant player in the footwear industry, particularly through its core brand soleRebels, which has gained international recognition and acclaim for its unique approach to shoe manufacturing.

Founded in 2004 by Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, along with her husband and brother Kirubel, bostex plc was created with the vision of bringing jobs and prosperity to their community in Zenabwork, Ethiopia. The name ""bostex"" stands for ""By Ourselves textiles,"" reflecting the company's commitment to producing most of its inputs by hand and by itself. This ethos is deeply embedded in the company's operations, showcasing a dedication to traditional craftsmanship and self-sufficiency.

SoleRebels, the flagship brand of bostex plc, is distinguished by its fair trade practices and its focus on green manufacturing processes. The brand is celebrated for reimagining the traditional Ethiopian selate and barabasso shoes, which feature recycled tire soles, a practice that has been part of Ethiopian culture for generations. By combining this age-old recycling tradition with modern design sensibilities and Ethiopian artisan crafts, soleRebels has transformed into a market-leading footwear brand that retails in countries across the globe, including the USA, the UK, Japan, Canada, Spain, France, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Portugal, and Germany.

The company prides itself on maximizing the use of recycled inputs and crafting its materials and products in the traditional manner, as they have always been made in Ethiopia—by hand. This approach has resulted in a manufacturing process with historically zero carbon output, aligning with the company's green by heritage philosophy. This philosophy is not a result of modern marketing trends but is rooted in the Ethiopian way of life, where recycling is a necessity and a way of life due to limited resources.

In addition to its environmental consciousness, bostex plc and its brand soleRebels are also committed to social responsibility. The company has provided over 40 full-time dignified, well-paying jobs and a further 100 part-time jobs to the local community, contributing significantly to the economic development of the area.

SoleRebels also uses traditional inputs like heritage organic Ethiopian cottons, which are sourced from small-scale cotton farmers. These materials are then spun and loomed by hand, preserving important Ethiopian artisan crafts and ensuring that the small cotton farmers of Ethiopia can continue growing their historic crop in the traditionally organic manner they have been doing for centuries.

The company's commitment to ethical production, sustainable materials, and maximum comfort has not only made a positive impact on the environment and the community but has also resonated with consumers worldwide. SoleRebels' products are hand-crafted in their workshop in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and the company offers a 100% Happy Soles Guarantee to ensure customer satisfaction.

Overall, bostex plc, through its brand soleRebels, represents a successful fusion of traditional Ethiopian craftsmanship, sustainable practices, and modern entrepreneurial spirit, making it a model for responsible and innovative business in the global market.