1988
Christian Birkenstock joins the company. Environmentally-friendly solvent- free glues are used in production. The added cost for large systems upgrades and nearly doubled costs for glue are made up by improved bonding qualities. Again Birkenstock is leading the way with its environmental efforts. Chancellor Helmut Kohl visits Birkenstock.

1989
Birkenstock takes over ALSA with its sole and footbed production. A new four-storey building for the production of insoles is built in addition to a new facility for orthopaedic production in Asbach.

1990
Stephan Birkenstock joins the company. Expansion and modernization of insole production in accordance with the environment: Energy consumption is lowered by 90%. On top of that, large heat regeneration units are installed into the ventilation system. In addition, new systems using heat for the generation of electricity and gas filtration are installed. After the fall of the "Iron Curtain", Birkenstock is one of the first companies to commit to the Sachsen state. We are now operating three facilities with over 450 employees in the area. Birkenstock founds Tatami®, a brand for leading, orthopaedic specialty stores. First styles, crafted on a new patented footbed are well received by the public.

1991
The Papillio® brand with its zesty shapes and always current colour programmes is developed. Of course the shoes are offered in two widths. The president of the German Parliament, Rita Süssmuth, visits Birkenstock.

new facility Vettelschoss

1993
Construction of a large distribution center in Vettelschoß has started. Founding of Birki®, CEO Alex Birkenstock.

1994
Christian Birkenstock founds Betula®, a new brand of affordable,alternative sandals and new footbed shapes. The attraction of Betula®: New classic and fashion colour combinations every month.

1995
Birkenstock's hand-stitched comfort shoes are now marketed by the newly founded company Footprints®, which is registered as an independent brand worldwide. Construction of a new warehouse in Asbach. The company also develops a system of incorporating the upper material into the PU-foam footbed. Birki's® is the first brand to use this new system to produce sandals without the use of glues.