Crocs Cuts Emissions 10% Per Pair With Bio-Circular Materials

Crocs has made measurable progress in its sustainability journey, reporting a 10% reduction in emissions per pair of Classic Clogs since 2021 through innovations in bio-circular materials and expanded recycling programs.

Crocs has released a new sustainability report detailing the progress of its sustainability efforts over the past year, highlighting significant strides in materials innovation, emissions reduction, circularity, and community impact.

Purpose Strategy: A Foundation for Progress

“Our ‘Purpose’ strategy is a catalyst for stronger business outcomes and a more comfortable world for all,” said Crocs’ chief executive officer Andrew Rees. “In embracing this shared understanding, our global teams have approached Purpose with a spirit of collaboration and a focus on innovation. Embedding impact into the way we operate isn’t just about doing good, it’s also about creating a resilient, future-ready business.”

Materials Innovation and Emissions Reduction

One of the key highlights from the report is Crocs’ focus on raw materials innovation to reduce the carbon footprint of its popular Classic Clog by 50 percent by 2030. The company is also targeting net zero emissions by 2040.

“We are identifying opportunities for meaningful emissions reductions across our operations, in our raw materials, and through our transportation and distribution,” the report noted.

Crocs achieved 25 percent bio-circular content in its proprietary Croslite material, which now represents more than 80 percent of the firm’s total materials portfolio, including the Classic Clog.

“The increased use of bio-circular content in Croslite material lowered emissions per pair of Crocs Classic Clogs by nearly 5 percent in 2024 compared to 2023 and approximately 10 percent from its 2021 baseline year,” the company said.

Circularity and Consumer Engagement

Crocs expanded its consumer take-back program, Old Crocs. New Life., from a pilot to all 183 of its doors in the continental U.S. and Canada, and introduced a no-cost mail-in option in 2024. This month, the program was further expanded to all Crocs-owned stores across Europe.

In response to “strong consumer engagement,” Crocs launched a limited edition Keep It Going Classic Clog made from shoes collected through the take-back program. This new clog features 25 percent post-consumer recycled content, visible specs of recycled shred, and a custom back-strap and rivet design to highlight its circularity story.

Supply Chain Responsibility

Crocs reported that all factories and suppliers across its Hey Dude and Crocs brands completed social compliance audits for 100 percent of Tier 1 factories by 2023 and are on track for 100 percent of Tier 2 suppliers by 2024.

“Our oversight structures help us gather insight into the aspects of our supply chain that we don’t directly control,” the company said in its report.

Community Impact: Step Up to Greatness

Last year, Crocs introduced Step Up to Greatness, a community impact program aimed at helping young adults aged 15 to 29 gain skills and access opportunities to support their communities. Crocs has committed to supporting more than 3 million people through partnerships with nonprofits such as UNICEF’s Upshift and the Big Brothers Big Sisters youth mentoring program. Consumers can also support the youth mentoring organization at the point of sale in Hey Dude and Crocs stores in the U.S. and on crocs.com.

Looking Ahead

Crocs’ Purpose strategy remains focused on creating sustained, shared value for its business, people, and the planet, underpinned by a commitment to responsibility and strong corporate governance.

“We have a lot of work ahead of us, and I am confident in our team’s collective efforts to create a more comfortable world for all,” said Crocs’ chief sustainability officer Deanna Bratter.