How Crocs is Making its Sourcing More Sustainable

Already working at a steady pace to address sustainability, Crocs is increasing its bio-based materials in the 150 million pairs of shoes it sells each year – as the company strides towards its net-zero target for 2040.

A quarter of the materials in Crocs shoes now feature 'bio-circular' materials – up from 17.3% in 2023. Its proprietary Croslite material accounts for more than 80% of Crocs' total materials used across its portfolio of products, including the iconic Classic Clog.

Bio-circular materials are derived from biological waste and residues and are reused or recycled instead of being landfilled or used for energy.

This marks the latest milestone in the brand's sustainability journey and innovative approach to reducing its carbon footprint through sustainable materials.

Crocs' unique approach

As one of the global leaders in innovative casual footwear, Crocs' approach to sustainable materials innovation means that consumers can expect the same style, comfort, durability and price, but now with even better materials. Crocs is proud to roll out bio-circular content across its portfolio of shoes at no additional charge.

"We believe that to truly make an impact, we can leverage our innovative mindset and drive sustainability transformation, starting with our most widely used materials," says Deanna Bratter, Chief Sustainability Officer, Crocs.

"Sustainability should not be a tradeoff. Fans can feel confident that they are getting the same style and comfort they know and love from Crocs without having to make choices between comfort or better materials – we are giving them both and making it even easier to do good with each pair."

Repurposing waste items for comfortable footwear

The enterprise is starting to see the impacts of this initiative, driving a 6.1% reduction of the carbon footprint of its Classic Clog compared to the 2021 baseline, which supports progress toward both its goal of 50% carbon reduction for the Classic Clog by 2030 and ambition of Net Zero by 2040.

In recent times, Crocs has continued to accelerate its use of independent, third-party certified bio-circular content in Croslite material. Using bio-circular materials means that Crocs is taking plant-based by-products that would have otherwise ended up as waste, like cooking oil from the food industry, to make its Croslite material.

Doing so helps lower the brand's already low carbon footprint while still making the most comfortable shoes on the market. Bio-circular materials are less emissions-intensive than their fossil-fuel based counterparts.

Crocs set itself a goal to reach 50% bio-circular content within its Croslite material by 2030. In just three years, the brand is on track to reach this goal, reaching 25% this August.

As a direct result of this initiative, in 2023, Crocs saw a 3% reduction in absolute emissions in its overall company carbon footprint, as well as a 6.1% reduction in emissions per pair of Classic Clogs compared to its 2021 baseline.

Comfort for the planet

"As part of our commitment to Create a More Comfortable World for All, the Crocs brand is making tremendous strides in bringing comfort for the planet through our Circularity and Climate ambitions," adds Andrew Rees, CEO, Crocs.

"It is incredibly exciting to see the significant and tangible progress we are making to reduce our carbon footprint and do better for the planet through innovation like the sourcing and incorporation of more sustainable materials across our products."

Sourcing materials that are more sustainable is a key piece of the journey in reducing emissions toward the company's goal of Net Zero by 2040.

The brand is working to make a positive impact with its efforts related to circularity, including innovating materials and keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible.

In 2023, Crocs successfully piloted a circular model of consumption through the 'Old Crocs. New Life' takeback program, giving a new life to shoes collected from consumers in any condition. This program has since been expanded to all retail stores and online customers in the continental United States in 2024.

Crocs remains focused on sustainable and profitable growth that enables continued investment in innovation and consistent delivery of products that exceed customer and consumer expectations, while also doing good for people and the planet. 

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