Crocs invites consumers to “Give Old Crocs New Life” under circularity pilot program

30 / 10 / 2023

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• Responsible Companies

Crocs has invited its consumers to give their “Old Crocs New Life” under a new Retail Takeback Pilot Program in 10 US states; Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Under Crocs ambitious circularity plans, consumers can bring old Crocs shoes – in any condition – back to all Crocs retail stores in the selected states as of October 27.

Crocs will then leverage partnerships and product innovation to strive towards giving each pair donated a next use.

Each participating store will be equipped with a designated collection box, making it easy for fans to drop in their old shoes. While supplies last, participants can also collect a free limited-edition “Crocs Saver” Jibbitz™ charm as a thank you for partnering with Crocs to responsibly repurpose old shoes.

“We’re excited to take this next step on our path toward innovating for a circular economy and a better future for footwear,” shared Deanna Bratter, Vice President, Global Head of Sustainability, Crocs, Inc. “This pilot program aims to address both environmental and social challenges faced by the fashion industry when it comes to product waste. Together with our fans, we can unlock innovation and partnerships to effectively reduce waste, reuse our materials, keep shoes out of landfills, and help people in need.”

Gently used Crocs shoes received as part of this pilot program will be donated to key partner Soles4Souls, an international non-profit organization whose 4Opportunity program works with partners to create local economic benefit in their communities through entrepreneurship and jobs. Well-loved pairs collected through this pilot that may be unwearable will be repurposed and reimagined, giving the materials another use, for example through upcycling into new Crocs shoes.

As an organization focused on innovating for a circular economy and a better future for footwear, the launch of this Pilot Program is the next extension of efforts taken in material innovation, biobased Croslite™ integration, industry coalitions, and community partnerships focused on driving toward a more circular economy. Later phases of this pilot aim to scale and expand the Retail Takeback Program to all U.S. Crocs retail and online stores.

“Our responsibility extends beyond the sale of our product. We want to keep Crocs products in use for as long as possible,” added Deanna.