Crocs has launched a Retail Takeback Pilot Program in the U.S., to donate or recycle old shoes. Under the program, consumers can bring old Crocs shoes, in any condition, back to all of the brand’s retail stores in 10 states: Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin. Each participating store will be equipped with a designated collection box. While supplies last, participants can also collect a free limited-edition “Crocs Saver” Jibbitz charm for partnering with the brand to repurpose old shoes.
“Gently used” shoes will be donated to 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,” the brand said in a statement.
Later phases of the pilot aim to expand the program to all US Crocs retail and online stores.
Crocs published its latest ESG report, the 2022 Comfort Report, in April, highlighting its progress in becoming a more sustainable and equitable company. Of the four strategies formalized in the document, innovating for a circular economy was one.
Image source: Crocs
