In an era where economic players are scrambling to make meaningful efforts to reduce their carbon footprint, major footwear brand Crocs has not only failed to decrease their impact but increased their absolute emissions by almost 50% from the previous year.
The bewildering announcement was made along with an amendment to their net zero commitment. Crocs has now pushed back their 2030 pledge to 2040, stating that the new flag post is ‘’still ambitious’’ but more ‘’credible and realistic’’.
The retail giant claims the setback is due to their initial commitment not accounting for a new acquisition.
Their estimated emissions in 2022 was 782,774 tonnes of CO2e, with at least 193,000 tonnes from the new HEYDUDE takeover.
Observers of the announcement and its justification are calling into question the broader approach. With Crocs selling over 115 million pairs of shoes in 2022, assertion is being cast on whether Crocs should be prioritising making more shoes, or making shoes that last longer, in the wake of their net zero back track announcement.
Paul Foulkes, a circular economy thought-leader said the move signals a ‘’lack of genuine commitment’’ from the footwear industry.
Climate commitments can’t be half-hearted statements without consequences in this emergency phase we are now presiding in.
Unfortunately, this announcement demonstrates a lack of collective comprehension on the simple reality the retail economy is facing. There is no logic in neglecting net zero targets to increase revenue, at the cost of not being able to generate revenue at all, in a looming future.
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