Crocs introduces bio-based Croslite™ material to reduce its carbon footprint

US-based footwear company, Crocs, is introducing a new bio-based Croslite material into its product ranges in an effort to reduce its carbon footprint. The move is part of Crocs’ ambition to become a net-zero brand by 2030, with a goal of reducing its carbon impact by 50% per pair of shoes.

Crocs said in a press release that Crocs shoes already have a low carbon footprint, at 3.94 kilograms carbon dioxide equivalent per pair of Classic Clogs. The firm will be able to generate lower carbon footprint footwear by changing existing goods rather than creating a new and separate sustainable line with the introduction of this new bio-based Croslite™ material.

Crocs developed its “shoe of the future” in collaboration with Dow, a multinational materials science company. The new shoes will feature Ecolibrium technology, which turns sustainably sourced waste and byproducts into a shoe while also guaranteeing that it looks, feels, and functions exactly like the Crocs consumers know and love, but with less carbon emissions.

This technology is being introduced for the first time by Crocs. Crocs’ unique Croslite material, as well as its line of Classic shapes, will be made from the bio-based substance. From early 2022, the first sustainable Crocs will be available on store shelves all over the world.

Crocs chief executive, Andrew Rees, said that at Crocs, they recognize the critical role firms play in creating a society where everyone is comfortable in their own shoes. By starting with their iconic product and a first-to-market solution, they’re taking a significant step forward in creating lower carbon footprint footwear while making it intrinsically simple for their partners and consumers to join them on their net-zero journey.

Crocs declared their intention to become a net-zero firm by 2030 in July 2021, which included addressing the whole value chain. Crocs is exploring sustainable packaging solutions and working on ways to offer Crocs shoes a second life through consumer-led donations, recycling, and re-commerce programs, in addition to releasing bio-based Croslite and becoming a 100% vegan company by the end of 2021.

Crocs is also making investments in resource efficiency, such as switching to renewable energy in its offices and distribution centers, as well as reducing emissions across the entire value chain by purchasing carbon credits to offset any remaining emissions, utilizing the most impactful sources available.