Walk the walk: How Crocs is rethinking sustainability

Crocs built its brand on comfort and simplicity but now it’s focused on something bigger: Cutting carbon and becoming net zero by 2040. The plastic shoe company is proving how businesses can take bold action by rethinking the very materials at its core.

When people hear ‘sustainability,’ they often think of it as a cost or complicated extra for businesses. However, sustainability can create exciting commercial opportunities. It’s not just good for the planet - it’s smart business too.

Take Crocs, for example - a brand famous for its quirky clogs and laid-back style.

The plastic footwear brand has an undeniable link to fossil fuel, yet it also has a bold commitment to be net zero by 2040. These pressures have brought about the need to decarbonise the business and consider innovative solutions that are lower in carbon while maintaining product performance.

So how are they doing it?

They’ve started rethinking one of their core materials - Croslite, the stuff that gives Crocs their iconic squish. Instead of using fossil fuels, they’re moving towards more sustainable, bio-based alternatives. In doing so, they will lower carbon emissions without losing the comfort consumers love.

Behind bold moves like this are smart business practices: Strong ethics, responsible business, solid data and long-term thinking. This is where Chartered Accountants (CAs) come in. CAs play a key role by helping companies understand the issues, measure key metrics, report and make informed decisions that are good for both the planet and profit. 

Interested in learning more about sustainability?

Speak to your employer about choosing our Skills elective Sustainability for Accountants.

The course covers how to apply sustainability principles in real business settings that deliver value to organisations and their stakeholders. You’ll also learn how use data-driven insights to influence decision-making and drive long-term change.

Join the conversation

Join the ICAS Sustainability Business Network and be part of the conversation on climate-action, innovation and sustainable leadership.