COSTA MESA, Calif.,
April 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today,
Vans, the original action sports brand and global icon for creative
expression, announced new global commitments to environmental
sustainability and responsibility that will be achieved by 2030.
Vans will move towards creating circular products and systems that
use regenerative and recycled materials, designed to reduce waste
and keep products in use and out of landfills.
Vans' purpose is to enable creative expression by encouraging
the "Off The Wall" spirit that comes from expressing one's true
self. As part of Vans' commitment to inspire youth culture, Vans
recognizes the urgency to move towards circular products and will
deploy systems that design out waste, in tandem, aiding the United
Nations in achieving the organization's Sustainable Development
Goal 12 to ensure responsible consumption and production
patterns.
"Enabling creative expression is central to Vans. As a
purpose-driven company that is engrained in youth culture, we are
leveraging our commitment to creativity to seek new solutions that
reimagine the lifecycle of our products and protect the environment
for future generations," said Kim
Matsoukas, senior manager of Sustainability at Vans. "While
there's more work for us to do, through our Vans family,
partnerships with PUR Projet, Terra Genesis, and other leading
environmental organizations, we're proud to accomplish these goals
by 2030 as we look to create a brighter future for our environment,
our communities, and our planet."
To achieve its sustainability vision by 2030, Vans' commitments
include:
Top Materials will be 100% Regenerative, Responsibly Sourced,
Renewable or Recycled
By 2030, 100% of Vans' top materials will be regenerative,
responsibly sourced, renewable or recycled, including rubber,
cotton, leather, and polyester. Additionally, the company will
commit to a 43% carbon reduction by:
- Reducing the average impact of top materials by 35% by
2025
- Utilizing 50% recycled polyester by 2025
- Sourcing 100% sustainably grown cotton by 2025
Carbon Reduction by 30%
By 2030, Vans will pilot and scale regenerative, recycled and
responsibly sourced materials covering 85% of the brand's
materials. When combined with other programs like working with
suppliers to implement renewable energy in our supply chain, the
move to regenerative, recycled and responsibly sourced renewable
materials will help Vans achieve its goal of a 30% absolute
reduction of scope 3 carbon emissions from a 2017 baseline. This
includes:
- Piloting and scaling regenerative agriculture practices on
farms and ranches that produce rubber, cotton, and leather then
using these materials in our products
- Exploring bio-based alternatives with lower carbon footprints
than traditional petroleum-based synthetic materials
- Converting virgin polyester used in our footwear, apparel and
accessories to recycled sources
Eliminate All Single-Use Plastic Packaging
By 2025, Vans is committed to eliminating all single-use plastic
packaging and reducing waste at every point of its business model.
This includes:
- No plastic shopping bags in our retail spaces by the end of
2021
- Remaining packaging will be minimized, originated from
sustainable sources and designed for recyclability
Renewable Energy in 100% of Owned and Operated Facilities by
2025
Vans is working toward converting all owned and operated facilities
to 100% renewable energy by 2025. In 2017, the company began this
transition by installing a 1 MW solar array at its headquarters,
achieving a LEED platinum certification - one of the highest
standards for sustainable buildings in the world. This mission
extends beyond the headquarters, with the goal of having all owned
and operated facilities converted by 2025.
Vans recognizes a collective effort and cross-collaboration
across the entire Vans Family, from employees and partners, to
athletes, ambassadors and consumers when it comes to creating
circularity. Partners, including Terra Genesis who generate
regenerative rubber and Indigo Ag
who supply cotton, are looking forward to working closely with Vans
to achieve their sustainability goals.
As Vans pushes towards a better, more responsible future,
consumers are encouraged to visit vans.com/sustainability to track
the progress of Vans' global sustainability vision and learn more
about other brand initiatives that ladder up to Vans' commitment to
protecting the environment for future generations.
To commemorate Earth Day, Vans Family members will also have the
ability to share what they are doing to make a positive impact on
our environment via the loyalty app. Each submission received prior
to May 2 will be included in a
drawing to be one of ten Vans Family loyalists, who will receive a
prize including a Customs Code for PET Customs. To learn more
please visit the Vans Family loyalty app.
About Vans
Vans®, a VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, is the original action
sports footwear, apparel and accessories brand. Vans® authentic
collections are sold in 97 countries through a network of
subsidiaries, distributors and international offices. Vans® has
over 2,000 retail locations globally including owned, concession
and partnership doors. The Vans® brand promotes creative
self-expression in youth culture across action sports, art, music
and street culture, and delivers progressive platforms such as the
Vans Checkerboard Day, Vans Park Series, Vans Triple Crown of
Surfing®, Vans Custom Culture, and Vans' cultural hub and
international music venue, House of Vans.
Vans, "Off The Wall" Since '66
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SOURCE Vans