By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
The popular footwear company Skechers USA is working on a multi-year partnership with The Nature Conservancy to protect the environment.
As part of that program, Skechers will donate at least $800,000 for environmental work, and has created
Our Planet Matters, a new collection of sustainable men’s, women’s, and children’s products which use recycled materials to help reduce the Company’s environmental impact.
The Our Planet Matters offering contains materials such as recycled cotton, polyester, rubber, EVA and TPU, as well as durable designs and washable technologies to extend the life of the product. The recycled contents of each style will be featured on packaging and hangtags to provide consumers with detailed knowledge of Our Planet Matters products at the time of purchase.
“As a global lifestyle brand, we have a wonderful opportunity to encourage consumers of every age to become more environmentally conscious in their daily lives. And Our Planet Matters is a natural step in that direction,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers. “These styles enable people of all ages to wear many of our popular designs in recycled materials—an easy, practical way to start helping our planet. From Our Planet Matters to partnering for a purpose alongside The Nature Conservancy, we look forward to improving our sustainability as we find new ways to innovate our business operations and our next generation of product.”
Skechers’ partnership with The Nature Conservancy will help fund the organization’s mission, which encompasses global efforts such as reforestation initiatives that align with the Company’s longstanding commitment to reducing tree harvesting and emissions through packaging.
A 2020 Sourcing Journal Sustaining Voices honoree, Skechers uses recyclable cartons at its factories and distribution centers and environmentally friendly packaging materials for its products. For example, Skechers uses only soy- and water-based ink and recyclable foot forms and tissue paper, and has achieved a ninety-nine percent reduction in plastic since 2016.
Ninety-nine percent of Skechers’ shoeboxes meet the FSC standard for responsible sources, and the Company regularly ensures that its materials are FSC-certified, recycled or ethically harvested.
“We are facing a climate and biodiversity crisis and the window to act is closing quickly,” said Jennifer Hoyer, global director of Cause Marketing & Brand Partnerships for The Nature Conservancy. “Each one of us has the power to make real change happen, one small step at a time.
“Together with partners like Skechers, we can inspire millions of people around the world to take action for the planet, because our lives depend on it,” Hoyer added. “We are grateful to work alongside a partner like Skechers, with a history of helping families impacted by hurricanes, fires and other natural disasters—many of which continue to increase due to our changing climate. Our Planet Matters shoes provide environmentally conscious supporters with an option to help protect our planet.”
With an eye on reducing its carbon footprint, Skechers has made its environmental advancements a top priority at its corporate facilities. The company is currently building LEED-Certified Gold distribution centers in North America and Europe, along with its expanding headquarters in Manhattan Beach. At its two key Corporate Headquarters in Manhattan Beach, the Company uses 30 and 48 percent of its energy from the sun—with up to 34 percent of solar energy use anticipated on Skechers’ upcoming buildings. The Company also plans to expand its Corporate Headquarters as LEED-Certified Gold facilities.
For more information on Skechers’ environmental initiatives, visit about.skechers.com/sustainability.
Forbidden Planet Releasing New Merch Based on Classic Paramount Films