The ecological slipper collection Orangenkinder®, 100% made in Germany 🇩🇪, was presented for the first time on January 3, 2021, and has since been available here in the Orangenkinder online shop and from various specialist retailers.

The new brand Orangenkinder® emerged from the separation of the two POLOLO children’s shoe founders, Verena Carney and Franziska Kuntze. After 18 years, shoe designer Verena Carney took over the proven Soft slipper collection and the Portuguese street shoe collection, giving them a fresh, new look under the name Orangenkinder®.

The wide range of slippers is particularly well suited for small, learning-to-walk feet that are growing, and for fans of barefoot shoes. But even large feet are guaranteed to find a suitable pair of Orangenkinder® shoes.

Particularly noteworthy about the slipper collection are, on the one hand, the pollutant-free, sustainable materials, which continue to be the focus of the handmade products. On the other hand, the entire production of the soft leather slippers still takes place in our own factory in Oberreichenbach, a small village in Franconia.

The vegetable-tanned leather from Germany, used in the Soft shoe collection and sourced from ECARF and IVN-certified supplier ECOPELL, is particularly soft and allergy-friendly. This is of enormous importance, especially for small, sensitive children’s feet, so that they can grow unrestrictedly and healthily.

For the cold season, the slippers made of Tyrolean wool (felt) are particularly suitable, which are available in several colors and with cheeky applications. These cuddly felt shoes keep small and large feet nice and warm. In addition, wool is not only particularly insulating and comfortable, but also offers the necessary protection and flexibility for delicate children’s feet as they grow.

The Amigo slipper line offers small feet protection on smooth surfaces at home or in kindergarten with the newly developed sole made of recycled rubber and cork.

This makes running child’s play. Orangenkinder‘s play.

The Orangenkinder team.

PRESS RELEASE

Öko-Test magazine tests crawling shoes. The tested shoes from Orangenkinder clearly meet all legal requirements and stand out due to the use of chrome-free leather and the elimination of optical brighteners. Orangenkinder criticizes the Ökotest’s own limit values used in the test.

Oberreichenbach, 08.02.2023. The Ökotest magazine (issue 2/2023) tested 12 pairs of crawling shoes for children, including shoes from Orangenkinder (Carney GmbH & Co. KG). The tested Orangenkinder shoes “Bärnie Honigbär” meet all legal requirements for ingredients and limit values. According to Ökotest, which rated it positively, Orangenkinder is one of the few suppliers to use chrome-free tanned leather and no optical brighteners. In the overall test, Ökotest criticizes the aniline value in every second pair of shoes and therefore gives the grade “Insufficient” six times. The aniline value for Orangenkinder shoes is 25mg/KG, which is below the legal maximum value of 30mg/kg.

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UPDATE!
December 2023

For the 2024 annual edition – Yearbook Children and Family – the Orangenkinder shoes “Bärnie der Honigbär” were tested again by Ökotest.

CONCLUSION:

-No aniline detectable (n.n.)-

Overall rating:

GOOD

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Points of criticism in the test: Aniline values

– No aniline detectable (n.n.) –
No aniline was found in the shoe

Verena Carney, Managing Director of Orangenkinder: “We are proud that Ökotest tests our products, because it shows that the market perceives and appreciates our ecological thinking and work. We do not understand that Ökotest ignores the legal requirements for the aniline value and uses its own limit values for the assessment. The test guidelines of a maximum of 10 mg/kg refer to the current toy directive of the EU Commission for finger paints, and not shoes, which is why we did not achieve this value.” Carney continues: “To rate our shoes as insufficient despite otherwise good Ökotest results is disappointing for us.” Aniline residues can remain in the leather of colored leather shoes – through the exclusive use of leather from IVN-certified tanners, Orangenkinder ensures that the quantities are significantly below the legal requirements, which are categorized as harmless. Carney adds: “Every dye contains more or less aniline. Strictly speaking, the different colors should have been taken into account during the test.”

Orangenkinder uses uncoated leather

The Ökotest report also criticizes the Orangenkinder shoes for staining. Carney says: “As an ecologically oriented company, we use open-pore leather and this can actually stain if a shoe is exposed to moisture or sweat. However, the colors are harmless to health because only dyes approved by IVN are used. The solution against staining would be to either fix the leather with harsh chemicals or coat it with a thin colored plastic layer. However, both would be neither sustainable nor environmentally friendly and are out of the question for us.”

Price comparison

Larger shoes require more material and are more complex to produce and are therefore more expensive than small, comparable shoes. Prices are also mentioned in the Ökotest magazine. However, the larger and therefore more expensive shoe size from Orangenkinder was compared with smaller competitor products, which were correspondingly cheaper. This gives the false impression that Orangenkinder shoes are harmful to health and are also the most expensive on the market.

Orangenkinder has shoes tested again in the laboratory

Carney: “Our goal is to be an ecological and sustainable benchmark in this industry. We already are in some areas. We are taking the test as an opportunity to have the shoes in this series tested again in an independent test laboratory in order to obtain even more precise data. We will then develop, in close consultation with our suppliers, how we can address and resolve each point of criticism mentioned.”

Good news for customers

“We use chrome-free and vegetable-tanned natural leather from IVN-certified German tanners. We do not use optical brighteners or chemicals for color fixation, and of course we significantly undercut all legal guidelines and limit values. We also produce in Germany, create jobs here, and thus reduce raw material consumption and CO² emissions through unnecessary transport. We also only source our materials from the region. Tests such as those at Ökotest also help us to become better for our most important customers, namely the children who wear our shoes,” says Carney.

Since 2002, company founder and managing director Verena Carney has been concerned with the question of how beautiful children’s shoes can be produced sustainably. She brings over 30 years of experience from the shoe industry to her new project Orangenkinder. The company was founded at the end of 2020 in Oberreichenbach near Erlangen in Bavaria. Orangenkinder® describes itself as a company run by women.

Press contact: excognito , Marc Däumler, Bergmannstraße 102, 10961 Berlin Tel: 030 88 71 02 11, marc.daeumler@excognito.de

Small shoe manufacturer in Central Franconia proves: Shoe production in Germany brings ecological and financial advantages

Oberreichenbach, 04.07.2022. The newly founded company Carney GmbH & Co. KG (Orangenkinder) pursues the greatest possible sustainability in the production of ecological baby and toddler shoes. Founder and Managing Director Verena Carney: “Before Corona and the war in Ukraine, our approach was considered too expensive. The big companies are now looking at us to see how we do it.” In addition to the sustainability aspect, Carney emphasizes further advantages of her corporate philosophy: “We can see immediately whether there are material or production defects. Other companies only notice it when the ship delivers their goods from the Far East.”

Complex delivery routes are never sustainable

“Made in Germany is the future,” says Carney, and sees her corporate philosophy confirmed by the global delivery difficulties. “Crises and complex delivery routes cost money, time and resources. We source our material from local companies such as certified German tanners from the region.” If materials cannot be procured locally or in Germany, Carney works with suppliers from neighboring countries.

Product optimizations must also be sustainable

Production errors or material weaknesses in remote production facilities are often only recognized when the goods are with the customer. This usually results in the destruction of the entire production, as corrections afterwards are too costly. “We immediately recognize quality fluctuations in the production process and can react immediately. Optimization is possible more quickly in this way,” adds Carney.

Carney: “We can implement new shoe ideas immediately, other companies can’t.”

Carney sees a further market advantage in production in Germany: the speed at which new ideas can be implemented and presented. “If a customer comes to us with a new shoe idea or a suggestion for improvement, we can implement it immediately in our factory, sometimes ad hoc in his presence, and jointly assess the product without waiting times or long deliveries.

“I am creating sustainable industrial jobs in the countryside”

“I am creating sustainable industrial jobs in the countryside. Why should I move to the city with my manufacturing company when I can also get the skilled workers and logistics in the countryside. In this way, my employees receive employment nearby, can work more flexibly in part-time and do not have to travel long distances to work, which protects the environment,” Carney knows to report and adds: “It is wrong not to use good production facilities in the countryside, but to build more and more in the city.”

Customers expect immediate delivery capability – with Made in Germany it works

According to Carney, immediate customer demand can best be guaranteed sustainably if this works without storage capacity, but with flexible, deployable production. “Inventories always cost energy and thus resources. Since we produce here, we can immediately switch production and deliver without needing a large warehouse. Our shoes come fresh from the sewing machine,” Carney smiles. In addition, Carney is annoyed that overproduction from inventories is often destroyed, and hopes that her approach will set an example.

Minimum order quantity unnecessary with Made in Germany

Shops occasionally want to present individual pairs of shoes to customers, but according to Carney’s experience, they shy away from the minimum order quantities: “Since we produce here and not on other continents, we can also easily send a single pair of shoes, including production-related special requests, and that within days. We are currently the measure of all things here.” Another advantage of domestic production is the possibility of a repair, which can be implemented here on site within a very short time. This extends the life of the shoes and thus contributes to the sustainability of the products.

Since 2002, company founder and Managing Director Verena Carney has been concerned with the question of how beautiful children’s shoes can be produced sustainably. She brings over 30 years of experience from the shoe industry to her new project Orangenkinder. The company was founded at the end of 2020 in Oberreichenbach near Erlangen in Bavaria. Orangenkinder® describes itself as a female-led company.

Press contact:

excognito

Marc Däumler

Bergmannstraße 102, 10961 Berlin

Tel: 030 88 71 02 11, marc.daeumler@excognito.de

One year of Orangenkinder: David versus Goliath? Sustainable children’s shoes, handcrafted in Franconia, assert themselves in a niche market.

Oberreichenbach, January 26, 2022. Carney GmbH (Orangenkinder), a newly founded company, has been in business for a year, focusing on sustainably produced baby and toddler shoes. The small manufactory in Middle Franconia works exclusively with ecology and allergy-certified raw materials. The new models expand the portfolio in line with the trend of reduced Nordic coloring.

The track record

Since the brand was founded a year ago, the workforce has been expanded to 12 employees. 62 different shoe products have been in the range since then. The customers come mainly from Germany, increasingly also from Europe; individual orders are also received from the USA and Asia. “We know our niche market and have used and expanded it in a targeted manner. Nevertheless, the great demand has also surprised us. We continue to hire employees to cope with the increasing demand.”

The vision

“If you want sustainability and quality in shoes, you can buy from us with a clear conscience. It doesn’t just say Made in Germany on our products – we actually are.” In the eyes of company founder and managing director Verena Carney, the entire industry will have to rethink and follow her philosophy: “Producing shoes in the Far East and shipping them around the world to save a few euros is simply outdated.” Carney wants to combine the advantages: “We have the know-how, the materials, the quality, the logistics of short distances and the demand in Germany. It makes sense to invest and produce here.” In her opinion, it is only a matter of time before large manufacturers follow her thinking: “Customers are noticeably paying more attention to quality and sustainability. The shoe industry will have to change ecologically. Sometimes we feel like David taking on global corporations,” Carney grins, who has over 30 years of industry experience.

The new products have been developed for kindergarten and for little ones just starting to walk.

“Subtlety is coming,” says Carney, adding: “We have taken this trend into account in our new developments.” That’s why Orangenkinder developed models in the trendy colors of brown, beige and mauve: for example, Lina (the kitten) and Knusper (the squirrel) as well as the “Amigo” lace-up in a total of four colors. All shoe models work with restrained colors and patches. Carney: “We are noticing that customers are increasingly appreciating quality more than being flashy. The trend is towards understatement in children’s shoes.”

The company manufactures the Lina model from the “Soft” slipper range from soft material to give children’s feet room to grow and prevent any damaging constriction. In addition, a hand-sewn elastic band helps to prevent the shoe from slipping off. In the “Amigo” range, a lace-up fastener provides the necessary, individual fit for those just starting to walk instead of a Velcro fastener. It is also characterized by a rubber sole with recycled cork parts that is not glued but sewn. This means that Orangenkinder does not use any potentially harmful adhesives.

As part of the “Kiga” range, Orangenkinder developed shoes with properties that are suitable for everyday use in kindergarten or school. A damp environment is therefore not a problem for children’s feet, as water-repellent materials are used here. Orangenkinder achieves comfort with a felt insole that protects sensitive feet from cooling down.

Service must also be sustainable

“Sustainability,” says Carney, “doesn’t work with minimum order quantities. That just means people have to order more than they want. With us, retailers can also order individual pairs. And that without additional costs.” As an ecological service, the company also offers to send in worn Orangenkinder shoes for repair in order to carry the idea of sustainability beyond the purchase. Carney: “It has to be normal to repair a good shoe. You don’t scrap a car just because the tires are worn out.”

In addition, the company offers its retailers the opportunity to take a look at the production, meet the managing director in person, talk and ask questions. Carney: “Trust only comes through openness and information. We will be represented at many trade fairs in 2022, as we want to show the industry that sustainability with Made in Germany can be combined well with quality and individuality.” The next trade fair is Supreme Kids Munich from January 28th to 30th, 2022, as well as Kindermoden Nord in Hamburg from February 5th to 7th and Innatex in Hofheim am Taunus from February 25th to 27th, 2022.

Since 2002, company founder and Managing Director Verena Carney has been concerned with the question of how beautiful children’s shoes can be produced sustainably. She brings over 30 years of experience from the shoe industry to her new project Orangenkinder. The company was founded at the end of 2020 in Oberreichenbach near Erlangen in Bavaria. Orangenkinder® describes itself as a female-led company.

Press contact:

excognito

Marc Däumler

Bergmannstraße 102, 10961 Berlin

Tel: 030 88 71 02 11, marc.daeumler@excognito.de

Sustainable children’s shoes made by Franconian craftsmanship

Oberreichenbach, 09.07.2021. The newly founded company Orangenkinder now offers sustainably produced baby and toddler shoes. In its manufactory in Central Franconia, the clothing company works exclusively with ecologically and allergy-certified raw materials. Orangenkinder focuses on German quality craftsmanship and sustainability as a growth factor in the clothing sector.

All Orangenkinder shoes are made of environmentally friendly material from the sole to the embroidery application. The company sources leather exclusively from German production for its slipper line. The chrome-free, vegetable tanning guarantees environmentally friendly shoes with high material quality. “Vegetable-tanned leather protects the environment,” says Verena Carney, founder of Orangenkinder.

Environmentally friendly craftsmanship made in Germany

This type of leather production uses natural tannins such as rhubarb, tara and valonea. Tara and valonea are contained in tree fruits that grow in the Mediterranean and South American Andes. The dyes used are also free of heavy metals.

In the shoe manufactory, the seamstresses work on the longevity of each pair of the almost 50 different models. Orangenkinder uses allergy-friendly raw materials certified by the European Foundation for Allergy Research (ECARF). “Our shoes don’t come to us by cargo ship. We produce here in Franconia, and we do so in an ecologically responsible manner,” says Carney.

Sustainability as a corporate concept

Orangenkinder sees sustainability as a holistic concept. If repairs are necessary, the company offers parents the opportunity to repair the shoes. Puppet shoes and key rings are made from leftover materials. Sustainable management is also a question of fair working conditions for Orangenkinder. “For us, sustainability also means paying our seamstresses and embroiderers a good wage for good work,” says Carney.

About the company

Since 1989, company founder and managing director Verena Carney has been concerned with the question of how beautiful children’s shoes can be produced sustainably. She brings over 30 years of experience in the shoe business to her new project Orangenkinder. The company was founded at the end of 2020 in Oberreichenbach near Erlangen in Bavaria.

Orangenkinder® – Launch! The time has finally come.

On January 3, 2021, Orangenkinder® launched with ecological first walkers, barefoot shoes and slippers made of wool fleece and natural leather.

The range includes 45 different slipper models and cheeky designs for feet of all sizes.

The slipper collection is lovingly handmade in our own factory in Oberreichenbach, Bavaria.

In addition to our own distinctive slippers in contemporary design, the online shop also offers accessories such as care products, shoelaces and insoles!

At the end of February/beginning of March, the slipper range will be supplemented by children’s first-walker shoes made in Portugal.

At Orangenkinder.com you can shop the current range online and find interesting and fun facts about Orangenkinder®.

A B2B shop has been set up especially for specialist retailers, where you can register online and place orders easily and directly.

Walking becomes child’s play. Orangenkinder‘s play.

The Orangenkinder team.