<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4Oe8Fm_0w38QuGE00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4Oe8Fm_0w38QuGE00" width="1499" height="1000" ></figure><p>Crocs, Inc. has significantly advanced its sustainable footwear initiatives in 2024, expanding its 'Old Crocs. New Life' takeback program to a nationwide scale and integrating innovative bio-circular materials into its product lineup. Originally launched as a pilot in select states in late 2023, the program now offers Crocs fans across the continental United States the chance to return their used Crocs to any retail or outlet location, with a no-cost mail-back option available for those unable to visit in person.</p><p>Participants in the program are rewarded with a 10% discount on future purchases, redeemable both in-store and online. The expansion of this initiative reflects Crocs' ongoing commitment to enhancing the circular economy by reducing waste, reusing materials, and ultimately keeping shoes out of landfills.</p><h2>Maximizing Reuse: Crocs' Alliance with Soles4Souls and ReCircled</h2><p>A vital part of the 'Old Crocs. New Life' program is Crocs' partnership with Soles4Souls, a nonprofit organization dedicated to turning unwanted shoes and clothing into eco-friendly initiatives that create opportunities for those in need. Gently used Crocs collected through the takeback initiative are donated to Soles4Souls, where they are distributed to communities around the world to support local economies and create entrepreneurship opportunities.</p><p>For shoes that are too worn for direct reuse, Crocs works closely with its partner, ReCircled, which meticulously sorts the collected footwear based on condition. The overly-loved Crocs are processed, deconstructed, and transformed into post-consumer recycled material streams, ensuring that even the most worn-out pairs have the highest potential for reuse in new products.</p><h2>Scaling Bio-Circular Materials Across the Product Line</h2><p>One of Crocs' major achievements this year has been reaching 25% bio-circular content in its proprietary Croslite material, which is now used in more than 80% of its footwear. This milestone is part of Crocs' broader commitment to corporate sustainability and its goal of achieving 50% bio-circular content by 2030. The bio-circular content is certified through a mass balance approach by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) Plus, ensuring that the materials are responsibly sourced from plant-based byproducts like those from the food industry.</p><p>Crocs aims to lead in the use of bio-circular materials, distinguishing itself from competitors by incorporating these sustainable components across its entire product portfolio without increasing costs to consumers. This strategy allows the brand to maintain its core values of comfort, durability, and style while enhancing its environmental credentials.</p><h2>Addressing Emissions in a Growing Business</h2><p>Crocs faces a significant challenge in reducing its footwear’s environmental impact as its rapid business growth has led to a 16.95% increase in absolute emissions compared to its 2021 baseline. This rise is largely due to the company's expansion and improvements in its greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting practices. However, despite this increase, Crocs achieved a 16% reduction in emissions in 2023 compared to the previous year, primarily due to the greater use of bio-circular content in its products.</p><p>The company's sustainability report highlights that 81% of its emissions come from the Crocs brand, while 19% are associated with its HEYDUDE brand. Both brands are focusing on innovations that reduce emissions in areas like raw materials, manufacturing, and electricity use. By leveraging data-driven strategies and exploring renewable energy solutions, Crocs aims to create a more sustainable production process that aligns with its goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2040.</p><h2>Driving the Circular Economy Forward</h2><p>As Crocs scales its takeback program and deepens its commitment to sustainable materials, it plays a vital role in the shift toward a circular economy—a model that emphasizes reducing waste and reusing resources over traditional linear production methods. Despite its significant progress, Crocs faces the challenge of managing rising emissions tied to its rapid business growth. Even as the company implements innovative solutions, its overall emissions have increased year over year due to the expansion of its operations.</p><p>This reality underscores the growing conversation around Degrowth, a concept that questions the sustainability of growth at all costs. As this idea gains momentum, it challenges businesses to rethink the balance between economic expansion and environmental responsibility.</p><p>Through initiatives like the 'Old Crocs. New Life' program and its increasing use of bio-circular materials, Crocs demonstrates that while growth and eco-friendly initiatives can coexist, it requires a strategic focus on circular solutions to truly mitigate the environmental impact of scaling up.</p></div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

Crocs Scales Up Takeback Program, Pushing for Circular Economy

Crocs, Inc. has significantly advanced its sustainable footwear initiatives in 2024, expanding its 'Old Crocs. New Life' takeback program to a nationwide scale and integrating innovative bio-circular materials into its product lineup. Originally launched as a pilot in select states in late 2023, the program now offers Crocs fans across the continental United States the chance to return their used Crocs to any retail or outlet location, with a no-cost mail-back option available for those unable to visit in person.