Footwear company Caleres releases 2021 ESG impact report

US-based footwear company, Caleres, has released its second annual environmental, social, and governance (ESG) report, claiming to be on track to meet many of its 2025 sustainability goals ahead of schedule.

Caleres’ success is detailed in the company’s second ‘Caleres Cares…Feet First’ report, in which CEO and chairperson Diane Sullivan claims that the company’s 2025 ESG targets are a key component of how it provides value and differentiates itself in the market.

Sullivan said that since announcing their ESG Targets for 2025 last year, they have driven how they approach their work across the organization, and their associates have embraced the responsibility they have to make a difference. They’re glad to report on Caleres’ progress toward these goals, many of which are on pace.

As per the ESG report 2021, Caleres’ owned businesses now use environmentally preferable materials in 100% of its shoeboxes, meeting a 2025 commitment far ahead of time. Caleres’ strategic plants now comply with its heightened labor standards in excess of 96%, well ahead of schedule to reach 100% by 2025.

Caleres presently uses environmentally preferable components in 52% of its goods, with the goal of reaching 100% by 2025. Caleres cut its energy use in its distribution centers and owned retail locations by more than 14%, putting it on track to reach a 25% reduction by 2025. Caleres met its annual objective of reclaiming, recycling, or refurbishing 90,000 pairs of shoes in 2021.

Caleres-owned brands’ polyester is presently made up of 37% environmentally preferable materials, which is roughly twice as much as the industry average for recycled polyester.

Caleres spearheaded efforts with the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) to promote the use of ecologically friendly materials and reduce waste in the footwear industry.

Caleres also claims that in 2021, it advanced its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) efforts by introducing DE&I-related goal-setting, implementing new training and education for associates, and increasing the company’s focus on recruiting diverse candidates and forming DE&I-focused associate community resource groups.

The report emphasizes efforts by individual brands in the Caleres portfolio, as well as their distinctive contributions to ESG goals and local communities, in addition to company-wide activities.