It feels like every week a new eco-friendly footwear concept comes to fruition, and this time round it’s the turn of Vans who have committed to environmental sustainability and responsibility by the year 2030.
The American skateboard shoe manufacturer has joined the likes of adidas and Nike in pledging to move towards a more environmentally-conscious output, which will be music to the ears of those campaigning for sportswear brands to reconsider their production practices.
In a statement on the move, Vans said it recognises the need to move towards a more sustainable future, and aims to inspire the youth culture to drive the initiative forward. The company said it intends to shift manufacturing methods to phase out waste, while following the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 12 that ensures responsible production patterns.
To achieve its goals, Vans has committed to using only regenerative, responsibly resourced and renewable leather, rubber, cotton and polyester. Moreover, the brand has also committed to a 43% reduction in carbon emissions, which it claims will be achieved by meeting the following targets by 2025:
- 50% of all polyester used must be recycled
- Reducing average impact of used materials by 35%
- Sourcing 100% sustainably sourced cotton
Given the sheer volume of products produced by the world’s leading footwear manufacturers, it’s great that they’re now looking to do their bit to help stop the rot and reduce the damage caused to the planet by us humans. Whether this is all too little too late only time will tell, although it’s encouraging to see these efforts, nonetheless.
If trainers are your thing – sustainable or not – check out the Laced resale market. They stock styles from all the biggest and best brands including Air Jordans, Yeezys and many more, so take a look at what’s on offer right now.