Crocs seeks to reduce emissions with introduction of new bio-based material

By

Robin Driver

Published
Sep 14, 2021

Broomfield, Colorado-based footwear company Crocs has taken the first major step toward its target of having net zero emissions with the launch of a new bio-based version of its proprietary Croslite foam material, set to hit shelves around the world in early 2022.
 

Developed in collaboration with global materials science company Dow, the new bio-based Croslite is made from sustainably sourced waste and byproducts, transformed using Ecolibrium Technology. Crocs is the first footwear brand to go-to-market with this technology, which, it claims, offers “all the comfort you expect from Crocs, but with far less carbon.”
 
The material will be incorporated into existing Crocs designs, including its now iconic classic clog, as part of efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of each pair of Crocs shoes by 50%. According to the company, its decision to use the new material in its existing products, rather than create a separate sustainable line, will result in faster progress in its efforts to lower emissions.

“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,” said Crocs CEO Andrew Rees in a release.
 
Crocs announced in July that it intends to become a net zero emissions brand by 2030 and the company also has plans to become 100% vegan before the end of 2021. As pointed out by the brand, its classic clogs already have a relatively low carbon footprint of around 3.94 kg CO2 eq. per pair, but the introduction of the new bio-based Crosslite is expected to help drive this figure down even further.
 
In addition, the company said that it is currently exploring sustainable alternatives for its packaging, as well as ways of extending the lifespan of its clogs through initiatives such as consumer-led donations, recycling and re-commerce programs. Crocs is also in the process of transitioning to renewably sourced energy in its offices and distribution centers.
 
In the second quarter ended June 30, 2021, Crocs achieved revenue of $640.8 million, an increase of 93.3% year over year. Quarterly net income at the company was $319.0 million, or $4.93 per diluted share.