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Vans creative approach to sustainability leads the industry with regenerative rubber initiative to reduce global environmental impact
Vans, the original action sports brand and global icon for creative expression has announced new global commitments to environmental sustainability and responsibility that will be achieved by 2030. The brand 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 inspiring youth culture, Vans recognises the urgency to move towards circular products and will deploy systems that design out waste, in tandem, aiding the United Nations in achieving the organisation’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.
“Whilst there’s more work for us to do, through our Vans family, partnerships with PUR Projet, Terra Genesis, and other leading environmental organisations, 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.”
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; Utilising 50% recycled polyester by 2025, and; Sourcing 100% sustainably grown cotton by 2025.
By 2030, Vans will pilot and scale regenerative, recycled and responsibly sourced materials covering 85% of the brand’s materials. When combined with other programmes 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, and converting virgin polyester used in our footwear, apparel and accessories to recycled sources.
By 2025, Vans is committed to eliminating all single-use plastic packaging and reducing waste at every point of its business model by not using plastic shopping bags in their retail spaces by the end of 2021 and all remaining packaging will be minimised, originated from sustainable sources and designed for recyclability.
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