Crocs will introduce footwear made from bio-based materials

Crocs, a casual footwear brand, has introduced a bio-based Croslite material to its product lines in an effort to reduce its carbon footprint. This is part of Crocs’ pledge to be a net zero brand by 2030. It also aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% per pair of Crocs footwear.

Crocs shoes have a low carbon footprint at 3.94 kg carbon dioxide equivalent per pair of Classic Clogs. Crocs will be able to make footwear with a lower carbon footprint by using the new Croslite bio-based material. It will not create a separate sustainable line, but it will modify its existing products to incorporate this new material.

Crocs has partnered with Dow, a global material science company, to create what it calls the “shoe of tomorrow”. New Ecolibrium technology will be used to transform waste and byproducts from sustainable sources into shoes. The shoe will look, feel, and function exactly the same as the Crocs products, but with less carbon emissions.

This technology is first introduced to the casual footwear brand. Crocs will use the bio-based material in shoes that include Crocs’ Croslite material. From early 2022, the first sustainable Crocs will be available on shelves all over the globe.

Andrew Rees, chief executive of Crocs, stated in a statement that Crocs recognizes the importance of companies in creating a world in which everyone feels comfortable in their own shoes.

“We’re making it easy for consumers and partners to be part of our journey to net zero by starting with our iconic product.”

Crocs made a commitment in July 2021 to be a net zero company by 2030. This includes addressing all aspects of its value chain. Crocs will introduce Croslite, a bio-based brand, and become a 100 percent vegan brand before the end 2021. It is also looking at sustainable packaging options and exploring ways to give Crocs shoes a second chance through consumer-led recycling, donations, and re-commerce programs.

Crocs also invests in resource use. This includes transitioning to renewable energy in its offices, distribution centers, and other areas. It also purchases carbon credits to offset any remaining emissions, leveraging the most effective sources.