Skechers delivers sustainability results with 85% plastic reduction in its footwear

By

Gabriella Lacombe

Published
Sep 30, 2019

As environmental impact continues to be a hot issue within the fashion industry and beyond, California-based footwear company Skechers has announced that is has reduced the use of plastic in its footwear packaging by 85%. 

According to a press release, the company’s total plastic use in its footwear packaging is now down to 10% of its foot forms, all of which is recyclable.

The benchmark is the latest accomplishment in a string of broader eco-friendly efforts from the company. According to Skechers, 99% of its branded shoe boxes meet FSC standards for responsible sources; 94% of these shoe boxes are recyclable; all Skechers’ packaging materials are 100% recyclable and printed with soy or water-based ink. In addition, at distribution centers managing more than 90% of its business, outbound shipping cartons are made with 96-100% recyclable materials and are 100% recyclable.

“As the third largest worldwide athletic lifestyle footwear brand with more than 170 million pairs expected to ship this year, we want to be as forward-thinking with our packaging and shipping of our product,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers.

“I’m proud of the ongoing efforts we are making to reduce our footprint as we’ve increased our global presence – and look forward to progressing these initiatives as we continue to find ways to lower our impact on the environment.”

The announcement comes as Skechers rides a wave of growth and expansion following a disappointing first quarter. In July, the footwear company reported record sales of $1.259 billion for the second quarter ended June 30, 2019, marking a 10.9% increase from the $1.135 billion reported in the prior-year period. The sales boost was followed by this month's announcement that Skechers will open its first Italian flagship in Rome by December.