Crocs, Inc., a global casual footwear company for women, men and children, announced that as a part of the company’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2030, it has introduced a new bio-based Croslite material into its product lines. The vast majority of shoes within Crocs’ collection contain Croslite, a proprietary, molded footwear technology, delivering extraordinary comfort with each step, the brand said.
At 3.94 kg CO2 eq. per pair of Classic Clogs, Crocs shoes already have a low carbon footprint. In its broader sustainability efforts, the company is targeting a 50% reduction in its carbon footprint per pair of Crocs shoes by 2030 as part of its overall commitment to becoming a net-zero brand. The carbon footprint reduction is based on the Classic Clog’s footprint, utilizing the July 2021 footprint of 3.94 kg CO2 eq. as a baseline, which was calculated using the Higg Product Module.
With the introduction of the new bio-based Croslite, Crocs is uniquely positioned to create lower carbon footprint footwear by modifying its existing iconic product as opposed to creating a new and separate sustainable line, the brand said, resulting in a shoe that looks, feels and functions exactly like the Crocs that consumers know and love, but with fewer emissions.
In partnership with Dow, a global materials science company, the Classic Clogs incorporate new Ecolibrium Technology that transforms sustainably-sourced waste and byproducts into a shoe that retains the same level of comfort with less carbon. Dow’s portfolio of plastics, industrial intermediates, coatings and silicones businesses delivers a broad range of differentiated science-based products and solutions for its customers in high-growth market segments, such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer care, said the company. Dow currently operates 106 manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employs approximately 35,700 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $39 billion in 2020. Crocs is the first footwear brand to go to market with this new technology.
“At Crocs, we recognize the important role companies play in creating a world where everyone is comfortable in their own shoes,” said Crocs CEO Andrew Rees. “By starting with our iconic product, backed by a first-to-market solution, we’re taking a bold step forward to create lower carbon footprint footwear while making it inherently simple for our partners and consumers to join us on our journey to net zero.”
The new Croslite material will be used in shoes that currently incorporate Crocs’ proprietary Croslite material, including the brand’s line of classic silhouettes, and is set to hit shelves around the world beginning in early 2022.
In July 2021, Crocs announced its commitment to become a net-zero company by 2030, noting that the commitment will address the entire value chain. In addition to introducing bio-based Croslite and becoming a 100% vegan brand by the end of 2021, Crocs is exploring sustainable alternatives for its packaging and working on ways to give Crocs shoes a second life through consumer-led donations, recycling and re-commerce programs, the brand said. Crocs will also invest in resource use, including transitioning to renewably sourced energy in its offices and distribution centers. In addition to reduction efforts across the entire value chain, Crocs will purchase carbon credits to offset any remaining emissions.
