STRATHAM, N.H. (AP) – Nutrition labels on boots?

Indeed.

Timberland Co. is rolling out new environmentally friendly boxes for its famous boots and other footwear that will include a “nutrition label” detailing where and how it was made, as well as how the process affected the environment.

The company said the boxes, which will be made from 100 percent recycled post-consumer waste fiber and use no chemical glues and only soy-based inks, will appear in stores this summer.

Additional information inside the box will direct consumers on ways to get involved in social and environmental causes.

“Our goal is to reduce our impact on the environment while engaging consumers to take action,” said Jeffrey Swartz, Timberland’s president and chief executive officer. “This packaging and labeling initiative should make our industry more transparent and give consumers the information they need to make a smart buying decision.”

The company said consumers also can reuse the boxes to send donations – such as canned goods, first aid items and clothing – to nonprofit groups. The company Web site will include links to groups seeking donations and allow consumers to print shipping labels.

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On the Web:

www.timberland.com

AP-ES-01-26-06 1324EST