Sustainability report 2021

ALLSHOES SAFETY FOOTWEAR

Sustainability Report 2021

About this report

This is our very first sustainability report. Naturally, we would like to do it right the first time. This is why we have adhered to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards in the reporting procedure. GRI is a generally accepted system for sustainability reporting that ensures that companies report unambiguously. This prevents companies from reporting only on matters that benefit them.

This report concerns the period from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021. Since this is our first sustainability report, it is impossible for us not to describe some developments that have occurred before 2021. If a project or development is related to a time period other than the period under review listed above, this will be indicated in the text.

If you have a question or comment about the report, contact us by sending an email to sustainability@allshoes.eu

allshoes-safety-footwear

allshoes.eu

2021 in numbers

4200 pairs of used safety shoes are collected by the

500

More than 500 pairs of shoes are donated to good causes

Reduction CO2

• Scope 1 and 2: 12.5% (compared to 2018)

• Scope 3: 1.2% (compared to 2020)

130 collection points

are realized for used safety shoes by the Circular Footwear Alliance

>700,000

50% of the transport fleet is electric

55%

of waste is recycled

89% of our shoe manufacturers are located in Europe

1 With the exception of Reebok Work

MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGING DIRECTOR

Team spirit, daring and perseverance

These three core values reflect the manner in which we work at Allshoes. Just how relevant and powerful these values are was strongly proven during 2021.

Unfortunately, the past year does not yet mean the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately for us, we were spared the uncertainty with which many other sectors had to deal. While many companies had to temporarily close their doors, the construction and technical sectors were allowed to continue with their work. This in part guaranteed the continuity of Allshoes. And yet, we were faced with challenges. The scarcity of raw materials put extra pressure on our production and logistics activities. The doors of our physical shops closed and this has meant that the volume of online sales increased. By switching quickly and, at times, taking daring choices, we were able not only to avoid losses but were even able to realise substantial growth.

That we were able to have a strong year in such turbulent times is also most certainly due to the people with whom we work.

I am proud of the perseverance with which all Allshoes employees continue to perform. With an unprecedented drive and flexibility, they were able to adjust to new regulations and procedures – even from home. Together, we were able to keep our team spirit high.

For that matter, I see this flexibility not only at Allshoes. I think that we, as a society, have proven to ourselves to have a huge capacity for adapting. Although the climate crisis is less tangible than a neighbour infected with a virus, a parallel can nevertheless be seen. A Coronavirus crisis or a climate crisis – both

situations demand an adjustment of our behaviour. That may feel rather uncomfortable at first, but as long as we all take that first step, we will all have a healthy society.

At Allshoes, we have been working to positively influence the impact of our organisation for some time. This means that sustainability is not new for us. What is new is the publication of this annual sustainability report. The climate crisis demands a sound approach and substantiated choices. Thus the past years were spent gathering and analysing data and coming up with a strategy. We have now come to a point where we can tell you more about our mode of operation.

Exciting? Yes, absolutely. Why? Because we still do not have all the answers despite our hard work and thorough research. We are not there yet. But with daring, perseverance and a collective drive, we have come a long way.

Michiel van Kempen Bunzl Safety NL Managing Director

“I am proud of the perseverance with which all Allshoes employees have continued to perform.”

Michiel van Kempen MANAGING DIRECTOR AT BUNZL SAFETY NL

Developments

IN THE MARKET

For more than 20 years, Allshoes has been providing hardworking people with safety footwear. For both comfort and style.

We offer a wide product range that is geared to all types of working conditions.

We have also built up a strong network in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany and provide more than 700,000 pairs of shoes each year. But we have done much more than simply provide shoes. In that network we saw a change in the demand by our distributors, major companies, the government and those wearing safety footwear. The demand for sustainability.

Sustainability is important and is becoming increasingly more so. The consumer is becoming more and more aware of his or her contribution to improving the world. We also see that a new generation of employees is entering the labour market: Gen Z. Young people with a huge feeling of responsibility for the world and the well-being of people and animals. Sustainability, inclusivity and authenticity are important concepts in their eyes. With an increase in legislation and regulations in the area of sustainability alongside of this, there is no way of getting around it. Not for us, but not for our customers either.

What has remained unchanged is the fact that safety comes first. Safety in the broadest sense of the word. Finding and keeping the right employees can be difficult for organisations. Since staff is scarce, it is essential that physical and social safety be created on the work floor. Having an updated hazard identification and risk assessment (HIRA) is being monitored more closely by the government and environmental health & safety (EHS) is high on the agenda for many organisations. We see an increasing focus on the prevention of physical accidents by the correct use of equipment and using personal

protective equipment (PPE). Correct conduct by employers and employees also contributes to job satisfaction and creating a safe workplace. A good pair of safety shoes can contribute to that. Protection of feet and offering comfort and design contribute to ensuring staff commitment. It also decreases absence due to physical discomfort.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also caused a changing demand from the market. The Dutch already purchased a great deal through the internet. Due to the long closure of physical shops, however, the number of online purchases rose even further. The number of logistics employees increased in order to be able to handle the growing demand. We also saw growth in construction because many people decided to invest in their own homes by renovating. This was due to the housing shortage and therefore a lack of new, better residential accommodation, but also in order to live a more energy-efficient lifestyle. In the meantime, the Netherlands continues to build to compensate for the shortage in housing. The growth in both the logistics and the transport sector as well as the construction sector caused the demand for safety footwear to grow as well.

To conclude, we saw the importance of data continue to increase – at our company, but also at our suppliers, customers and partners. It became easier and easier to share this data with one another. Since supply chains become more transparent by using data, sustainability becomes somewhat easier.

We also see a new group of workers entering the labor market: Gen Z.

THE ORGANISATION

About Allshoes

Our primary task is to protect feet in the workplace. Allshoes Safety Footwear BV is a wholesale business in safety footwear and the related accessories such as shoelaces, insoles and care products. In addition to offering protection, we also see it as our mission to make the work floor somewhat more fashionable. With a team of enthusiastic people, we are able to ensure that the safety footwear market continues to innovate.

Where Protection meets Style

Where Protection meets Style

You need courage to introduce modern safety footwear on a traditional market. Protection and style need not be mutually exclusive. Style is therefore very decisive for the image and the appearance of all our products and brands. Our new collections and models always fit with the latest streetwear trends and are equipped with the latest technologies.

As an enterprising data-driven marketing and sales organisation, we serve both the B2C and the B2B market. This data-driven mindset can also be seen in our approach in the area of sustainability. All developments in the current market demand measurable sustainability and Allshoes is fully committed to this. By investing in making all that we do quantifiable, we can make substantiated and efficient choices. This is how we prevent empty mottos about how sustainable we are.

“All developments in the current market demand measurable sustainability and Allshoes is fully committed to this.”

Mission

Allshoes has the perfect pair of safety footwear for each professional in the construction, logistics and transport sectors. Comfort, style, sustainability and innovation go hand-in-hand with this. You can show who you are with our shoes.

Data-driven

Employees

Active in The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Poland and France.

35 3000m2

warehouse

Style & innovation

6

Webshops

Sustainability programme since 2019

177 Models 11 Brands

Modern office in Amsterdam

Part of Bunzl since 2014

Our brands

So many different professionals with different jobs and different requirements that their safety footwear must meet. Everyone also has his or her own taste. To meet all of these requirements and preferences, Allshoes markets different top brands.

Redbrick, Mr.Miles and Strövels are our own brands. We design the collections for these brands ourselves with the assistance of our suppliers. We also have the distribution rights (exclusive ones or otherwise) for a number of brands in the Benelux: Grisport, Reebok Work, Vismo, Eurofort, ToWorkFor, Sika, Hollandse klomp and Husta2. With this broad product range of brands and types of shoes, we provide for many sectors: from construction sites to warehouses, from the offshore sector to the automotive industry.

2 The data in the report concerns the following brands: Redbrick, Mr.Miles, Strövels, Grisport, Reebok Work, Vismo, Eurofort, ToWorkFor and Sika.

Team spirit

We are strong. And that is chiefly because we do not stand alone. Every day, we work with a team of driven people. We help one another along the way because every individual has his or her own expertise and enthusiasm. We motivate and inspire one another and believe it is important that everyone enjoys working with us. Our people are the success of the organisation.

Our values

Daring

As an organisation, we choose our own path. We were the first to dare introduce a safety trainers on a traditional market. We are not scared to take a leap of faith. If things go awry, we learn from it. But it is by approaching matters from a different angle that we make the world of safety footwear just a bit better, a bit nicer and bit more fun.

Perseverance

We always keep going. Pause? The word is not in our vocabulary. Progress is achieved every day because everyone in our team believes in what they do. If that doesn’t work one way, then it will the other way!

Whatever we do, there are always three core values that continuously play a role. This characterises the way we do business

Since 2014, Allshoes Safety Footwear has been part of Bunzl plc, an international, listed organisation that offers custom overall solutions for B2B customers. Bunzl plc supports companies throughout the entire world with a wide product range of non-commercial goods that are essential for the success of an organisation. Bunzl plc is active in 32 countries on 5 continents and has more than 21,000 employees.

With a turnover of € 12.4 billion, our parent company is a strong and stable organisation both financially and administratively. Bunzl plc strongly focuses on sustainable development. With its proper sustainability strategy, subsidiaries are fostered and facilitated to integrate sustainability into their daily business operations. In 2021, the emphasis lay on four main themes: offering sustainable solutions, climate action, creating responsible supply chains and investing in a varied, inclusive work environment.

BELIEVE

The strategy of Bunzl plc is rephrased in the corporate social responsibility policy of Bunzl Netherlands, the organisation under which the eight Dutch operating companies, and thus Allshoes, are organised. This policy is called BELIEVE. Bunzl Netherlands organises BELIEVE sessions where sister entities strive to accelerate sustainable development through knowledge sharing and collaboration. Allshoes has freely translated the BELIEVE policy into its own strategy.

Bunzl plc is fully committed to sustainable development

Sustainability

AT ALLSHOES

Every day we protect the feet of thousands of hard-working professionals with our products. But we also bear responsibility for a greater whole. From the materials we select for our products to the partners with whom we collaborate; it is the daily choices we make, whether major or minor, with which we can have an impact on the welfare of people and the environment.

2025 vision

Allshoes safety footwear is made responsibly, with the lowest possible footprint and in line with the circular economy principles.

A step forward to a lower footprint

The sustainability approach is firmly established in our organisation, but it started in 2018. That was the year a few employees expressed their desire to get started on sustainability. Apparently, this motivation existed in the entire team. In collaboration with Stating The Obvious, an independent consultancy firm that specialised in circular strategies in the fashion and textile industries, we began.

This led to the launch of our sustainability programme in 2019 and the formulation of a vision on sustainability. This vision is the key to our sustainability programme (find our vision on page 18). Although we regularly hold it up against the light to assess it for relevance, this vision determines the course of our sustainability transition to this day.

At Allshoes, the Sustainability & Innovations Manager is ultimately responsible for the development and implementation of our sustainability programme. This Manager is supported by the Sustainability Officer. Together they form the sustainability team and they are responsible for developing and integrating sustainability within the entire organisation and operation. To that end, they determine the policy, formulate the strategy, organise actions and draw up reports. In 2022, the two-man sustainability team will also start working for our sister company Majestic.

Governance structure

Our sustainability strategy

Sustainability to us means a concern for people and the environment. Our strategy is therefore also twofold: on the one hand, we are committed to reducing the impact of our activities on the environment and, on the other hand, to making a positive contribution to people and society. This presents us with three important challenges: transitioning to a circular economy, reducing our CO2 footprint and increasing transparency in the production chain.

CO2 reduction

The challenge - Climate change is one of the major issues today. This means that reducing greenhouse gases in one of the greatest challenges. When burning fossil fuels, large quantities of greenhouse gases are emitted into the atmosphere. The increase in greenhouse gases raises the temperature on earth. This rise in temperature has major consequences for people, nature and the environment.

Allshoes & CO2 reduction - Our aim is to fight global warming and work hard to reduce our CO2 emissions. To that end, we have set CO2 reduction targets for our own organisation.

We work together with our suppliers to reduce CO2 emissions in our supply chain. Our reduction targets are based on recognised calculation methods. These calculation methods are based on agreements in the UN Climate Convention and therefore reflect the reduction required to restrict the warming of the earth to a maximum of 1.5 degrees.

By 2025 we are aiming for

• A climate neutral organization with a 30% reduction of greenhouse gases (scopes 1 and 2 using 2018 as the base year)

• A 25% reduction of greenhouse gases per product sold (scope 3 using 2020 as the base year)

Progress

• A 12.5% reduction of greenhouse gases (scopes 1 and 2 using 2018 as the base year)

• A 1.2% reduction of greenhouse gases per product sold (scope 3 using 2020 as the base year)

Circularity

The challenge – A growing global population and increasing prosperity ensure raw materials are becoming scarcer and scarcer. This is why we must use the available raw materials efficiently. Operating in a circular manner offers a solution to this. In a circular economy, products and raw materials are reused again and again, eliminating waste.

Allshoes & circularity – As a market leader in the safety footwear industry, we feel it is our responsibility to take the initiative in the transition to a circular economy. We are working towards a circular business model with our main focus being the reduction of waste streams in the supply chain. This should result in a fully circular product range by 2025.

There are various views as to when a product can be called ‘circular’ and no standard exists (yet).

We want to be transparent about our working method and therefore define a ‘circular product’ as follows:

• The product consists of at least 50%3 recycled content.4

• The product has been designed in such a way that it has a long service life.

• The product has been designed in such a way that it can easily be disassembled.

• All materials in the product can be recycled where the materials being processed into applications with the highest possible quality.

We use the most ambitious standards in relation to the above.

• A fully circular product range5

Progress

• Design with circularity in mind: we have instructed three suppliers to design a circular product. One of these products is a circular version of our most popular model: Grisport 803.

• The organisation of return logistics: In 2021, the Circular Footwear Alliance collected 4200 pairs of used safety footwear. Ready for recycling!

3 This percentage is not the ultimate goal. Although our entire product range will be required to consist of at least 50% recycled content by 2025, we are aiming to increase that percentage in due course.

4 The calculation of recycled content is in line with ISO 14021 guidelines and is calculated on the basis of weight.

5 See page 21 for a description of the requirements that a circular product must meet.

By 2025 we are aiming for

Social responsibility

The challenge – Good working conditions and fair wages are unfortunately not always self-evident for workers in the textile and footwear industry. Since these production chains often consist of a non-transparent web of various links, it is difficult to determine whether and where exactly abuse occurs. Making the supply chain transparent is an important first step for tackling any of this abuse.

Allshoes & socially responsible trade – With our products, we not only guarantee the safety of our customers, but also support social initiatives that offer protection to vulnerable groups in our society. In addition, we also aim for a safe working environment for our own employees and for those of our suppliers.

After all, we know who our suppliers are. However, it is not yet always clear which companies make an indirect contribution to our products. For example, suppliers who provide raw materials to our suppliers. In order to be able to guarantee the health and safety of the people who work at a deeper level in our production chain, we are working towards a transparent supply chain.

• A transparent supply chain

Sustainability strategies

In support of the themes of circularity, CO² reduction and social responsibility, Allshoes has formulated five strategies.

By following these and continuously tightening them up, we are convinced that we will achieve our ambitions and sustainability targets by 2025. These five strategies are: better materials and design, sustainable operations, supporting people, driving change and close the loop. The following chapters provide more details about these strategies, the corresponding projects and specific actions.

Better materials & design

We prioritize environmentally friendly and/or recycled materials in our products and design shoes according to the principles of the circular economy.

Sustainable operations

We efficiently deal with (raw) materials and try to prevent waste and pollution.

Close the loop

We make sure that raw materials used in our safety shoes are not wasted, by bringing them back into the chain through the collection, dismantling and recycling of used shoes.

Supporting people

Our activities positively impact the well-being of our stakeholders.

Driving Change

We continuously strive to move forward. With our perseverance, team spirit and by taking daring choices we create connections and stimulate sustainable innovation.

Circularity CO2 reduction

Social responsibility

Conversation In

Jan Arts

ALLSHOES SUSTAINABILITY & INNOVATIONS MANAGER

Jan Arts has been Sustainability & Innovations Manager at Allshoes since 2018 and he is responsible for the Sustainability team. On a daily basis, he and his team not only look at what can be done better today, but they also look further ahead. Jan says: “We look at the direction of the market and which product solutions are needed for that. We make our products sustainable by producing them in a manner that is as responsible as possible. We focus not only on the product itself but also at the processes in our entire production chain.”

Extra responsibility

As one of the major players in the area of safety footwear in the Benelux, Allshoes introduces a huge number of shoes on the market “We are proud of this, but the market leader role also means an extra responsibility. This is why, in addition to making our own collections and operational processes sustainable, we attempt to move the entire safety shoe industry forward. Thus we are proponents of an extended producer responsibility (EPR) for manufacturers of safety footwear. This EPR must result in more reuse of materials and less pollution in the entire industry”, says Jan.

SUSTAINABILITY & INNOVATIONS MANAGER AT ALLSHOES

The single-mindedness of making Allshoes completely circular by 2025 fits in with that and Jan also aims at achieving this in his private life. Jan: Clean air, sufficient drinking water and healthy food; we take many of these things for granted. And yet, humans depend on a fragile ecosystem that is under an enormous pressure because of our actions.

When surrounded by nature, I am always very much aware of the fact that we are only a link in a much larger whole. Several times a year, I go out with friends and we go on a long hike, sleeping under the stars. Those are the moments when I feel very much connected with nature. It motivates me to do everything I can to protect nature, the climate and the environment. This feeling has become even stronger since the birth of my three children. I want to give my family a healthy and safe future with plenty of beautiful moments in nature.”

Most important achievements in the area of sustainability

Allshoes is a data-driven organisation. This fact-based approach can be found in all departments, including the Sustainability team. “In 2019, we began mapping the CO2 emissions of both our organisation and our products”, says Jan. “A huge and timeconsuming process, but now we are benefiting from it. The data collected is a valuable source of information. Based on it, we can now make solid and well-argued choices that also actually result in a reduction of our carbon footprint.

In addition to this approach within the organisation, Allshoes also seeks to collaborate with other organisations. Jan: “I am proud of how we have looked for a connection and collaboration outside of Allshoes as well. Whether they are our suppliers or competitors, we are glad to contribute to sustainable solutions that can help the world. We have founded the Circular Footwear Alliance with several other partners, we are

working on an Extended Producer Responsibility with a shoe manufacturer and we meet up with our suppliers regularly to share our knowledge. We make the greatest impact together.”

Working towards 2025

To work towards that complete circularity by 2025, the simplification of the dismantling process of safety footwear is important. “In the next year, we will be applying even more circular principles in our products”, says Jan. “Specifically, this means that we will use more recycled materials and that the design process will focus even more on the application of assembly technologies and techniques.

This is how we are working towards a fully circular product range by 2025. In 2022, we will be paying a lot of attention to the further internationalisation and expansion of the Circular Footwear Alliance. The idea is to collect as many returned shoes as possible to recover raw materials. In addition to circularity, CO2 reduction and supply chain transparency will play a major role in our supply chain in the next year. We are working with a roadmap that has goals and actions outlined up to and including 2025. Plenty to do.”

Jan Arts

Sustainability & Innovations Manager

“The market leader role also means an extra responsibility.”

Sustainable Development

Goals

Our activities are an active contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) drawn up by the United Nations. The SDGs consist of 17 goals that should be pursued by countries, organisations and individuals and that should ensure sustainable development. Although we at Allshoes find all 17 SDGs important, the following goals fit in with our own sustainability strategy:

Good Health and Well-being (SDG

3)

Ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages.

Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG

9)

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation.

Responsible consumption and production (SDG

12)

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

Climate action (SDG 13)

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

Partnerships to achieve goals (SDG

17)

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development.

Better materials &

DESIGN

For us, sustainability begins with what our business is all about: safety footwear. In 2021, Allshoes sold more than 700,000 pairs of safety footwear. Naturally, we are proud of that, but it also means a huge responsibility. To produce new shoes, raw materials are needed and they are often scarce. There is also the matter of extracting and processing raw materials which cause to the release of CO2. We are therefore faced with a few major challenges, but we will not run away from them. We are working hard to make our product range more sustainable. This sustainability begins by purchasing the right materials and implementing circular principles in our designs.

“When designing a new shoe, I do not look only at aesthetics and safety. I find it is also important to innovate and especially in the area of sustainability. I do this by researching new materials, production technologies and techniques and product assembly structures, and by thinking outside the box. What will the safety footwear of the future look like? What do we need to develop them? It is the out-of-the-box solutions that can make a major contribution to a sustainable future.”

Sustainable materials

On average, a work shoe consists of 20 to 25 parts and materials. All of them must meet many functional requirements. The comfort, tensile strength, water-resistance and heat- or slipresistance of a material are all factors that are taken into consideration when designing a shoe. The additional environmental impact also plays an increasing role in the design process. Our portfolio now consists of dozens of materials and new materials are constantly being added. But how to assess whether or not a material is sustainable?

It is the out-of-the-box solutions that can make a major contribution to a sustainable future.

PRODUCT DESIGNER AT ALLSHOES

Geert van den Hoven van Genderen

Impact analysis of the product range

The proof is in the pudding and especially when it comes to impact analysis. We have conducted a life cycle analysis (LCA) on all models of our product range of safety footwear. By using this method, we know exactly what the environmental impact is for each shoe and how many greenhouse gases are emitted during the different phases of the production process. On the basis of this data, if necessary, we can implement very targeted changes –changes that we are certain will actually result in environmental benefits.

Our LCAs show that the choice for various types of materials have a tremendous impact on the overall emissions. This is why we invest so much time and attention in replacing the materials linked to the most emissions with more sustainable alternatives. For example, we use recycled materials more and more often in our products. Not only are the emissions of recycled materials considerably lower than that of virgin materials but the waste streams are reduced as well. In addition, we actively pursue the purchase of materials with certification (for example, the Leather Working Group or Global Recycled Standard).

Excel Light 1036-1

of the CO2 footprint for Reebok Work

New models without leather

Keeping livestock means the emission of many greenhouse gases such as CO2 and methane. The production of leather also requires a lot of water and hazardous chemicals are often used in tanning the leather. Moreover, leather is difficult to recycle. For this reason, we have decided not to use any leather for our new models as from 2022. Should new recycling methods be developed that make the recycling of leather possible, we will reconsider the use of (recycled) leather.

The CO2 emissions of leather are many times higher than that of other materials

7-8 Source: Ecoinvent database

11.3 kg CO2-eq per kg Microfiber8

23.3 kg CO2-eq per kg of leather7

“We have been working closely together with Allshoes for a long time already. Together we work on designing and making quality, fashionable and comfortable safety footwear. Since sustainability is such an important theme for both our companies, we have joined forces to create even more impact. A good example of our collaboration is the development of a recycled version of the 803, Allshoes most popular model. By challenging, motivating and inspiring one another, this shoe will consist of more than 50% recycled content9. This is a result that both of our companies can be proud of!”

A sustainable favourite the 803, recycled

Our most popular model is the Grisport 803. It is popular because of its fit, its rugged look and long service life. Soon to be added to this list is the ‘sustainable’ characteristic. By the end of 2022, the recycled version of the 803 will be launched.

For almost every part of the shoe, our design team has found a recycled alternative that is not inferior to the original materials with regard to quality and comfort. Quite the task, especially once you realise that the 803 consists of around 25 different parts.

By challenging, motivating and inspiring one another, this shoe will consist of more than 50% recycled content 9 .

FOUNDER OF GRISPORT

Gianni Grigolato

Leather Working Group

As from 2022, we will no longer be designing new models with leather. For existing models that already use leather, we will replace it with leather that has Leather Working Group (LWG) certification. LWG is committed to improving the environmental control and well-being in the leather industry. By the end of 2023, all the leather in our products must have a Leather Working Group certification.

RPET shoe laces

Making our product range more sustainable requires a custom-made approach for each shoe model. Each model is put together differently and is made from different materials. There are, however, changes that we can implement in the entire product range immediately such as replacing all shoe laces with a version made from 100% recycled PET. This has already been done for almost all models. Only the Reebok Work models still have the original shoe laces.

Product quality

In addition to choosing for (more) sustainable materials, we also focus on extending the service life of our shoes. By using materials and testing them thoroughly, we ensure that our products will last as long as possible.

Safety standards

All of our shoes meet the European safety requirements for safety footwear. This sounds logical, but it is still worth mentioning. Many requirements have been set for producing safety footwear. For example, in the area of slip resistance, the prevention of physical and mechanical risks and ergonomic aspects. All requirements are listed in the ISO standard for personal protective equipment (ISO 20345:2011).

Because our products are sold in Europe, a CE certificate is required as well. This shows that a product has been tested and meets the requirements as set by the European Union in the area of health, safety and environmental protection. The CE certificates for all of the shoes in our product range can be downloaded at allshoes.eu or the relevant brand websites. Additionally,

each shoe box contains a booklet, hang tag or information sheet that explains the CE marking on the shoe, the corresponding ISO standards and a statement of conformity.

Tests for quality and comfort

To meet the quality requirements within the ISO standards, our footwear is properly tested by our suppliers. This is how we ensure that we have used the most wear-resistant materials and that shoes will not simply fall apart if a specific movement is made often. For example, the dent resistance of the protective nose is measured in the test area by, for example, allowing a heavy weight to fall from a height onto the nose. This is how we test that it does not become more dented than the maximum amount permitted. Our footwear is also subjected to numerous tests that measure the quality of, for example, ESD (ElectroStatic Discharge), slip resistance, material strength, anti-perforation and flexibility.

In addition to these standard quality requirements, we feel it is important to go yet another step further. Footwear is certified according to many mechanical tests, but the wearing comfort is just as important. Naturally, we want people who wear safety footwear to

be able to enjoy their shoes for as long as possible. This is why new collections are subject to a wear test. We have real professionals test different versions of the footwear for this at their work. This is how we obtain feedback that can really be used and, in the end, we produce the most comfortable version on the market.

Materials and technologies

Several shoes in our collection are manufactured on the basis of proven and known technologies such as GORE-TEX®, XL Extralight®, Vibram® and BOA® .

By combining quality and technology, all parts of the footwear and the entire footwear structure focuses on maximum performance and a long service life. For example, our Grisport Ranger models. In this collection, the knowledge and quality of 3 premium brands (Grisport, GORE-TEX® and Vibram®) come together in one shoe.

Support with product selection and maintenance Shoe Finder

In addition to material quality, the care and correct wearing of footwear is important. By wearing footwear that fits with the type of work and applying the correct care, footwear will last a lot longer. At times it is difficult for customers to determine which footwear is right for their situation.

We therefore view providing our customers with advice as an important task.

Our webshops contain information about different types of safety footwear and the situations for which they are best suited. Via the live chat on our webshops, B2C, B2B and other customers can chat directly with our customer service experts. A person may be very partial to a shoe, but it may simply not fit with his or her work. We are honest about this. For example, S1P footwear is less suitable for construction than an S3 one. In addition to giving personal advice, we launched an online advice tool in the form of the Shoe Finder in 2021.

We encourage customers to take care of their footwear properly, which will make them last longer. We provide tips for the use of care products but also advise, for example, the purchase of two pairs of footwear and to alternate wearing them every day.

Via the Shoe Finder on all our B2C webshops, customers are able to receive tailored advice after completing a couple of questions. The tool has integrated the brands Redbrick, Grisport, Vismo, Mr.Miles and Reebok Work. It is possible that a customer would really like to purchase a pair of Mr.Miles shoes but, on the basis of the answers provided, a certain model by Grisport would be much more suitable.

We are happy to inform the customer of this. We look at style preference and required functions such as ESD or water resistance. We also ask about specific actions during work activities, such as standing on a ladder, in order to give the best advice.

Design for recycling

Our footwear must be able to withstand being bumped, teared or penetrated by sharp or heavy objects but must also be able to be dismantled easily when the footwear has reached the end of its service life. This may sound contradictory but, by implementing the correct dismantling technologies, it is possible. By being able to separate the materials from one another, we can recycle them separately. This allows the materials to be returned to their original raw materials that are of such quality that they can be used at a high level.

Conversation

Albano Fernandes

We are working on a sustainable Redbrick shoe together with AMF, our Portuguese producer. In addition to the fact that this shoe will consist largely of recycled materials, it has also been designed according to the latest technologies in the area

Albano Fernandes

A sustainable addition to the Redbrick collection.”

This means that the materials of the shoe can be recycled easily to obtain highquality materials. Reducing the environmental impact in all phases of the life cycle of the product fits in with the circular vision of Allshoes.

Better materials & design

FOUNDER AMF SAFETY SHOES

FOUNDER AMF SAFETY SHOES

“At AMF Safety Shoes, we support Allshoes in its circular ambitions. During the production of our soles, waste is reused in the production process immediately. This method of operation ensures that there is less new raw materials needed and that we produce less waste. We also work closely together with Allshoes in the design phase of new models, and we use one another’s knowledge and expertise. At this time we are developing a model that is made with as much recycled content as possible. By also applying ‘design for dismantling’ principles, we are working together on the most sustainable Redbrick Safety Sneaker.”

Albano Fernandes Founder AMF Safety Shoes

Sustainable operations

In addition to changes at product level, we are also working on the sustainability of our operational processes. For example by reducing CO2 emissions caused by energy and the transport or reduction of packaging material and waste. We are not only critical of ourselves but also work with our suppliers on implementing changes.

Reducing CO2 emissions

We are determined to contribute to the fight against climate change. In order to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases in both scope 1 and scope 2 as well as scope 3, we have taken an important step. We have mapped all of our CO2 emissions. We started in 2019 with a large-scale analysis in order to gain insight into the quantity of emissions and the location of the largest CO2 hotspots. We repeat this every year.

What are scopes?

Measuring our emissions

Scope 1

Direct CO2 emissions, caused by our own sources within the organisation. An example is the fuel consumption of the transport fleet or the gas consumption of Allshoes.

Scope 2

Indirect CO2 emissions from the generation of electricity or heat purchased and consumed. An example is the electricity consumption by Allshoes.

Scope 3

Indirect CO2 emissions, caused by another organisation’s business operations. An example of this is the gas and electricity consumption of suppliers.

CO2 emissions in 202110

Scope 1 35,267 kg of CO2-eq

Scope 2 61,998 kg of CO2-eq

Scope 311 13,126,321 kg of CO2-eq

Total 13,223,585 kg of CO2-eq

10 What has been included in the calculations:

Scope 1: gas consumption by Allshoes and the fuel consumption (diesel/petrol) by the transport fleet

Scope 2: electricity consumption by Allshoes (including the electricity use for Allshoes’ electrical transport fleet)

Scope 3: transport (the transport of materials to our suppliers and the transport from our suppliers to Allshoes), energy and water consumption by our suppliers and the impact of the production of materials.

11 The data in the report concerns the following brands: Redbrick, Mr.Miles, Strövels, Grisport, Reebok Work, Vismo, Eurofort, ToWorkFor and Sika.

Ecochain

To analyse and monitor our CO2 emissions, we use the environmental management platform Ecochain. Using this platform we measure both the direct and indirect emissions from our own organisation (scopes 1 and 2) and the emissions from companies in our production supply chain (scope 3). Ecochain also makes the environmental impact of our products transparent. We use these insights to make our product range more sustainable (see the chapter ‘impact analysis of the product range’ on page 29) and form the basis for our CO2 reduction targets. The impact calculations by Ecochain are based on the data from Ecoinvent, the world’s leading Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) database.

On our way to being a climate neutral organisation

Our aim is to have reduced our scope 1 and scope 2 emissions by 30% by 2025 relative to 2018. We will compensate for the other 70% by investing in certified projects that are active in removing CO2 from the air.

This will make us a climate neutral organisation. Of course, this is not the overall and final solution. We will be reducing our emissions even more after 2025.

Because we have replaced diesel vehicles with electric alternatives, we used less diesel in 2021. This has reduced our scope 1 emissions considerably. We were also able to reduce our gas consumption by 20.4%.

Replacing diesel vehicles with electric vehicles does mean that we used more electricity. This can be seen in the rise of our scope 2 emissions

Read more in the following chapters about how we are going to achieve our CO2 reduction targets and what changes we have made.

Improving together

Only 0.74% of the total emissions at Allshoes is related to scopes 1 and 2. The other 99.3% arises from the activities of our manufacturers and partners (scope 3). We may not be the direct cause of these scope 3 emissions, but, in our opinion, they are still part of our impact and responsibility. We are working together with our suppliers and partners towards lower CO2 emissions. Our goal is to have reduced the emissions per product sold by 25% in 2025 relative to 2020 (scope 3).

The number of footwear items sold increased by 13.4% in 2021 relative to the previous year. This translates into rising emissions. However, the emissions per product sold have decreased. See the ‘Scope 3 emissions per pair of footwear sold.’

The primary reason for this reduction is that suppliers are using relatively less energy for the production of one pair of shoes. Furthermore, more environmentally friendly materials (= materials with lower CO2 emissions) were used in 2021.

“There is a great need for openness and honesty about sustainability among our suppliers and purchasers. Labelling products or developments as ‘sustainable’, whether relevant or not, without providing proper substantiation has given rise to much scepticism about the developments of sustainability within companies. Because we have made sustainability measurable at Allshoes, our actions can be properly substantiated and our performance is demonstrable. This ensures a clear story and, not unimportant, huge impact.”

I don’t want to just say that we are becoming more sustainable, I want to prove it as well.

Kathleen Debel

12 The data in the report concerns the following brands: Redbrick, Mr.Miles, Strövels, Grisport, Reebok Work, Vismo, Eurofort, ToWorkFor and Sika.

Transportation

2.6% 94.5%

Material production

2.9%

Energy suppliers (gas and electricity)

Energy

Renewable forms of energy (green energy) and efficient energy consumption contribute to lower emissions. In 2022, we will convert to 100% green energy for our office and warehouse. In addition to our plans to adjust the energy contract, we have taken energysaving measures at both locations.

In 2020 our office was moved to a brand-new modern building in Amsterdam. The building’s energy label is A+ and uses LED lighting with light sensors.

Office Warehouse

The warehouse in Alkmaar is heated with the residual heat from industry nearby. Because the heat is a by-product, no extra fossil fuels were used to produce heat. The warehouse has light sensors as well.

Energy at suppliers

We also encouraged our suppliers to reduce their energy consumption and to convert to renewable forms of energy. This has already had an effect. In 2021, the average amount of energy used for the production of one pair of shoes was reduced by 9.5% relative to 2020.

By the end of 2024, all suppliers must have converted to green energy. We monitor the annual energy consumption by our suppliers through our environment management platform (read the Ecochain section on page 40-53).

13 The data in the report concerns the following brands: Redbrick, Mr.Miles, Strövels, Grisport, Reebok Work, Vismo, Eurofort, ToWorkFor and Sika.

The average amount of energy used for the production of one pair of shoes is reduced by 9.5%

Walking on sunshine

The roof of the factory of our Italian producer Grisport, where all Grisport models are produced, holds at least 15,000 m2 of solar panels. That is the size of two football fields. This field of solar panels produces 70% of the power needed for production. The factory also has 700 m2 as a ‘green roof’. An internal microclimate has been created to help fight pollution.

Transport

By actively sourcing products within Europe, we reduce the transport distances and prevent emissions. Eight of the nine companies that provide our footwear are located within the EU. In addition, we stimulate energy-efficient forms of transport such as the train.

Full trucks

Our Supply Chain Planner is committed to efficient planning, distribution and good stock management. With the right planning and a smart placing of orders, we ensure that trucks only travel with a full load thereby avoiding transport with half-empty trucks.

Climate neutral shipping

We ship orders to our Dutch customers through the GoGreen compensation programme of our logistics partner DHL. This means that DHL reduces the CO2 emissions of transport as much as possible by choosing for delivery options that are as green as possible, electric transport and sustainable locations. The remaining emissions are compensated by investing in sustainable projects that actively remove CO2 from the air. DHL and Allshoes each pay a share of the compensation costs for this.

This resulted in a compensation of 2,925 kg of CO2 in 2021.

Our other logistics partner, GVT, also does its best to reduce CO2 emissions. Through Lean & Green, a CO2reducing programme for companies in the logistics sector, GVT is working on reducing its emissions. The reduction efforts by GVT has received a score of 3 stars (where 5 is the maximum) by Lean and Green.

Transport by train

The Grisport and Reebok Work models are produced in Italy. By transporting the footwear by train rather than in trucks, emissions are reduced substantially.

This results in a reduction of more than 90% of CO2 eq per tonne-kilometre14 .

14 Source: Ecoinvent database

Employees on bicycles

We encourage our employees to come to work by bicycle. This is not only more environmentally friendly but also very healthy. Allshoes employees who travel to the office by public transport may use a bicycle at no extra cost.

Electrical transport fleet

Packaging material

Customers and partners are visited regularly and then travelling with a car is often unavoidable. To make this travel more sustainable, we drew up the ‘completely electric driving’ policy. We will replace the entire transport fleet with electric vehicles.

In 2021, half of Allshoes’ transport fleet consisted of electric vehicles. As from the beginning of 2022, employees can only choose an electric vehicle. By the beginning of 2024, all diesel or petrol vehicles will be completely phased out and we will be driving only on electricity.

We feel it is important to reduce the use of raw materials and to prevent contamination. Since we do not produce footwear ourselves, our largest waste stream consists of packaging material. For this reason, we are critical when examining our use of packaging. Is packaging material really necessary? How can we replace conventional materials with more sustainable alternatives? What happens to it as soon as it has lost its packaging function? Asking these questions led to various action points with the focus on the reduction of the use of materials and, where possible, using environmentally friendly and recycled materials.

No more plastics

Our goal is to eliminate the use of plastic packaging materials. Where the use of plastic is absolutely necessary, we look to see whether we can reduce the quantity or replace it with recycled plastic. For example, in 2020 we stopped using plastic tape and we now use paper tape to seal our shipments. The use of plastic wrapping film has also been halved since then.

Footwear boxes

FSC paper – The fibres of this paper come from sustainably managed forests or from recycled paper. At this time, 50% of our footwear manufacturers use Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) paper for their footwear boxes. By the end of 2022, all paper in our boxes must be FSC certified.

Water-based ink – This ink contains less hazardous substances than conventional ink and is therefore better for the health of people and the environment. At this time, more than 65% of our footwear manufacturers use water-based ink when printing their footwear boxes. By the end of 2022, all footwear boxes must be printed with water-based ink.

Reducing input – Although replacing traditional materials with more environmentally friendly alternatives is a step in the right direction, the most sustainable choice continues to be a reduction in the material itself. Reducing the print, making the box smaller or possibly even eliminating the footwear box are options that we are studying at this time.

Outer boxes

The boxes delivered to us by our suppliers are reused when shipping packages to our customers. In this way, we reduce the use of materials and we prevent waste.

Waste

Circularity is based on a world without waste where materials and raw materials are reused as much as possible. We aim to eliminate waste in our own operations. By this we mean that no waste goes to the tip. Rather, it is recycled or, better yet, prevented in the first place. Are we there yet?

No, not yet. We did map the waste streams in our warehouse in 2018. Since that time, the type and amount of waste is registered monthly. Although several changes have been implemented (read the chapter on packaging, page 51), in 2022 there will be a greater focus on the effective management and reduction of these waste streams.

Allshoes supports suppliers in reducing and recycling their waste streams.

Waste Allshoes warehouse (metric tonne)

No waste

AMF, the producer of a large number of Redbrick models, recycles its own production waste. The residual material that arises during the production process is collected and reused in the production of new footwear soles. No material is lost.

Close the loop

With the optimum use of raw materials, waste streams must be converted into raw material flows. In our case, this means that materials from discarded footwear are converted into raw materials again.

Circularity

Even though our footwear has a long service life, there comes a time when they need to be replaced and it will be necessary to purchase a new pair. This does not mean that the materials in this footwear need to be new as well. On the contrary. By collecting and recycling used footwear, we want to manufacture more new safety footwear.

In this way, we prevent raw materials from becoming exhausted and we make a positive impact on people and the environment. Fully circular safety footwear does not exist at this time. But we are working hard on it. It is our goal to have a fully circular product range by 2025. You can read more about the requirements for a circular product on page 21. Ambitious? Absolutely!

Circular Footwear Alliance

The Circular Footwear Alliance (CFA) was established in 2020. This alliance is a unique collaboration between Allshoes and other parties with the larger goal: creating a sustainable future and a circular system for safety footwear.

By collecting used safety footwear and dismantling and recycling this footwear, the CFA ensures that as many raw materials as possible are recovered. By placing CFA boxes at locations where many people who wear safety footwear come, it is easy for old footwear to be handed in. At this time, there are 130 collection locations in all of the Netherlands. Each box is delivered with a total service: as soon as it is full, the collected footwear is picked up. In 2021, we picked up 4200 pairs of shoes. We hope to achieve our goal of recycling 2 million safety shoes annually in this way within a few years.

Sharing knowledge and resources has the highest priority within the alliance. We are working hard to draw more attention to the CFA, expand our network of partners, collect footwear and find new solutions for the reuse of materials.

“Circularity and the reuse of raw materials are important pillars for us. Each step that we do better today when compared to yesterday contributes to a better future for us and for the generations that will follow. In accordance with Friedrich Nietzsche’s motto ‘The doer alone learneth’, Intersafe has joined the initiative of the Circular Footwear Alliance.”

Intersafe is always looking for long-term sustainable solutions.

CATEGORY MANAGER AT INTERSAFE

Gert-Jan van Spanje

Circular Space

This dismantling line makes it possible to dismantle safety footwear and then to separate and sort the materials

Chemelot Innovation and Learning Labs

In 2021, the CFA, and therefore Allshoes, joined forces with Chemelot Innovation and Learning Labs (CHILL). A Circular Space exists in this lab: a learning and working environment concerned with the sustainability and recycling theme.

CHILL links education and the business sector to learn from each other professionally and to innovate together. Together with students at Maastricht University and operators from CHILL, we are researching how we can best separate mono-materials and put them back on the market at a level that is of the highest possible quality.

The Circular Space has all kinds of equipment to return used materials to production chains including a complete dismantling line. This dismantling line makes it possible to dismantle safety footwear and then to separate and sort the materials.

We have already found the next application for much of the raw materials recovered. Metal safety noses are melted down into another metal and material from uppers is reworked into insulation material. At this time, it is not yet possible to use materials from used safety footwear to produce new safety footwear. However, the collaboration between CHILL and the CFA means that the time at which this can be done is getting closer. And therefore our aim to have a fully circular product range with an as small as possible footprint as well.

Supporting people

Our sustainability targets go beyond the products we sell. We aim for our activities to have a positive impact on our stakeholders too. Whether it concerns our own employees or the employees of our suppliers, our customers or the community, we are committed to the safety and wellbeing of the people around us.

Working conditions

Success begins with the people with whom you work. The knowledge and efforts of our people ensure we can provide products with which thousands of people can work safely and comfortably.

This is why the well-being of our own employees as well as the people in our production chain are very important to us. We are continuously in dialogue with our employees, suppliers and partners to ensure working conditions are good and that they stay good.

Our parent organisation Bunzl regularly performs a risk assessment where the procurement countries of subsidiaries are assessed for social risks such as modern slavery and bribery risks. On the basis of this assessment, procurement countries are ranked by risk level. Suppliers located in a country with a high-risk level may be audited. None of Allshoes suppliers were located in a high-risk country in 2021.

Our supplier base consists of nine footwear manufacturers spread among seven countries. Eight of those are located in Europe. We prefer to source our products as locally as possible. This offers advantages for the environment since short transport distances partially prevent CO2 emissions. There are also fewer social risks because these suppliers must meet the strict European legislation and regulations related to safety and working conditions.

We have established a strong relationship with many of our suppliers. The good mutual relationship means that we together decide on the working method within the factories.

Principles of the Ethical Trading Initiative 9

1 Employment is freely chosen.

2 Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected.

3 Working conditions are safe and hygienic.

4 Child labour shall not be used.

5 Living wages are paid.

6 Working hours are not excessive.

7 No discrimination is practiced.

8 Regular employment is provided.

9 No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed.

Before we enter into a business relationship, suppliers must commit to our standards and abide by them.

We expect the working conditions of the employees of our suppliers to at least meet the local legal requirements as well as the applicable international requirements such as those of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI).

A transparent supply chain

In addition to our suppliers, there are many other parties involved in making our products. For example, the tanneries, plastic manufacturers or factories of product parts. Allshoes is only a link in a greater whole, which means that all of these parties together determine the success of our business and our products.

This means that the people working at the beginning of the supply chain are just as important as our own employees. It is therefore essential to treat these people with respect and to offer them a healthy and safe working environment.

In order to be able to determine whether working conditions are good at the parties that are further down the supply chain, the parties involved must first be identified.

We do this step-by-step. At this time, our tier 115 suppliers and a part of our tier 2 suppliers have been identified. Each year, we identify an extra tier up to and including tier 5. This should lead to a transparent supply chain by 2025. As soon as the parties have been identified, we can work together with our partners to improve the conditions in the supply chain.

The Transparency Pledge is a global initiative drawn up by trade unions and human rights organisations. The initiative was developed to promote transparency within the clothing and footwear industry. As a signatory of the Transparency Pledge, we are required to make our production locations public. At first this will only concern our direct suppliers, but in the next few year more tiers15 will be added. As soon as we know who the parties are that make an indirect contribution to our products, they are requested to commit to our Supplier Code of Conduct.

Well-being of Allshoes employees

It is with good reason that team spirit is one of the three core values of Allshoes. Our people are the success of the organisation. It is therefore very important to us that our employees feel good and do their work with great pleasure. This is why we focus on personal development. We also always celebrate successes.

on these sessions during the coming year by offering a number of targeted training courses that delve into present-day challenges (in the area of people and the environment), sustainable solutions and terminologies.

Diversity and inclusion

Training and personal development

It is important to us that our employees can continue to develop. We realise this by stimulating people to follow relevant training or studies and by allowing them to express their ambitions. Employees may participate in the training offered via the Bunzl Academy, the training platform of our parent organisation Bunzl, and the online platform GoodHabitz.

In 2021, Allshoes organised several basic courses in which ‘sustainability’ was specifically discussed. We plan to expand

Every employee must be able to be themselves and be given equal opportunities, regardless of religion, philosophical beliefs, political affinity, race, gender, nationality, sexual orientation or marital status. Our policy is given in our Equality and Diversity Policy that has been drawn up by Bunzl. In 2021, our parent company also distributed a broad survey on diversity and inclusion (D&I). A Bunzl D&I steering committee was set up, consisting of employees from various Bunzl companies. They apply themselves to promoting diversity and inclusivity within the organisations.

It is important to Allshoes that the awareness of employees in the area of diversity and inclusion is at a high level. In 2021, five of our new employees attended a lecture organised by Bunzl on diversity and inclusivity. Two colleagues within Allshoes also followed the ‘Female leadership’ workshop.

Volunteer work

We find it important to offer our employees the opportunity to work actively for the environment and society outside the world of safety footwear. For this reason, Allshoes employees are given three extra days off annually for volunteer work.

Employees get 3 days off that can be used for voluntary work.

Support for the community

Every year we select a few organisations to support. In 2021 we donated around 500 pairs of safety shoes to the homeless through organisations such as the Salvation Army and HVO-Querido.

A large number of footwear items were also donated to the warehouse employees of the Food Bank. Allshoes employees arranged for the elderly at the assisted-living complex Kastanjehof (Cordaan) to receive a small Christmas gift.

What a wonderful donation from our neighbour, Allshoes: a pallet with more than 100 pairs of safety shoes in different sizes.

Michel Sanders

The volunteers in the warehouses of different Food Banks in the Netherlands were very happy with the donation.

MANAGER OPERATIONS, LOGISTICS AND FINANCE AT FOOD BANK AMSTERDAM

Driving change

AT ALLSHOES

A sustainable future requires new innovations and a common approach. We are continuously looking for opportunities to not only improve our own business operations, but also to be a driving factor in the sustainability of our industry. By focusing on permanent, sustainable and positive change, we aim to secure the well-being of future generations.

Extended producer responsibility

Allshoes is one of the proponents of an extended producer responsibility (EPR) for safety footwear. With an EPR, manufacturers and brand owners of safety footwear are responsible for the collection, recycling, reuse and waste phase of the products that they place on the market. An EPR must result in more reuse, less waste and less pollution.

Together with our CFA partners, we are an initiator of a voluntary EPR for the safety footwear industry. It is fairly unique for a brand to hold itself responsible for the waste that it produces. With the Circular Footwear Alliance, we have been busy for quite some time organising a circular system for safety footwear. The EPR helps to professionalise, formalise and accelerate the transition to a circular economy. We hope to be able to launch the EPR mid-2023.

Smart Safety Shoe

In collaboration with the University of Technology (TU) in Delft, in 2021 we began developing the safety shoe of the future: the Smart Safety Shoe. This footwear analyses the posture of the wearers and signals when they assume the wrong posture. When this information is passed onto the wearers, they can adjust their posture or better design their working environment. This can prevent injuries and physical complaints. Students who have specialised in artificial intelligence are participating in this research. They study how the data about the posture of the user can be obtained using sensors in the footwear.

Shoe as a service

Payment for a service rather than owning a product: lease models. These are growing in popularity for a large variety of products. We were curious as to whether this business model would work for safety footwear as well and began a study in 2021. From an environmental point of view, providing such a service is very interesting. Since we remain the owner of the footwear, we are certain

that the footwear will return to us after being used. We are creating a continuous flow of materials that, after recycling, can be used again in the production of new footwear.

Partner in the Frontrunners Network of MVO Nederland

Allshoes has been a partner in the Frontrunner’s Network of MVO Nederland since October 2021. As a frontrunner, Allshoes joins the most ambitious and driven entrepreneurs in the new economy.

Through this network, we work together with other entrepreneurs to accelerate the transition to a new (circular) economy.

“Footwear has been collected and sorted for quite a while already, after which they are given a second life as second-hand footwear in the best-case scenario. They often go abroad. Your guess as to what happens to them after that is pure conjecture. Literally. Because no one knows exactly. There are just a few parties in Europe who recycle footwear on a serious scale. Allshoes is breaking new ground in this area. For many components of the safety footwear, Allshoes already uses very significant percentages of recycled content. In addition, the company is working hard on its ambition to collect safety footwear thus making its own value supply chain circular, which is important. What I appreciate the most is the readiness of Allshoes to work together with companies in the same line of business and to share knowledge through the Circular Footwear Alliance. This is how Allshoes helps the entire business towards a sustainable future.”

There are just a few parties in Europe who recycle footwear on a serious scale. Allshoes is breaking new ground in this area.

BUSINESS DEVELOPER AT MVO NEDERLAND

Frans Tilstra

Transparent marketing and communication

Up until now, we have not communicated much about our plans in the area of sustainability. This was deliberate. Honesty and providing the right information is very important to us. We wanted to be sure of the facts first. The publication of this report is a first step for us. From now on, we will communicate more and more often about our sustainability strategy and the results we have achieved.

In doing so, we focus on quantifiable sustainability. Since we have made our impact measurable, we can support our communication with hard data. Our accountability is up to par and we can be transparent in including our stakeholders in our story. This does not mean that we know everything. Sustainable developments follow one another at a rapid pace and new scientific research ensures that we are able to better understand the interaction between human activities and processes. We, too, learn and grow on a daily basis. So challenge us and ask your questions.

If you have questions or comments about this report, we would love to hear from you! Email your question to sustainability@allshoes.eu

We will be happy to tell you about our working method and motives. And if we do not have the answers, allow us to look for the solution together. After all, are we not all on the same team? Team Earth?

MANAGER

Renée Donker

Standards and policies

At Allshoes, we work according to codes of conduct that are based on internationally recognised standards and conventions. Bunzl has bundled these codes of conduct in a Code of Conduct and a Supplier Code of Conduct. They contain our expectations in relation to our employees, suppliers and other involved parties based on a respectful treatment of people and the environment.

Each new supplier is required to meet this Supplier Code of Conduct. Suppliers are also monitored for their compliance with the requirements in the area of people and the environment through audits.

policies

• Code of Conduct

• Supplier Code of Conduct

• Environment policy

• Equity and diversity policy

• Ethical sourcing policy

• Health and safety policy

• Speak up policy

• Anti-bribery and corruption policy

• GDPR policy

Our way of reporting

This report has been drawn up according to the guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). Part of the reporting process was conducting a stakeholder survey. By means of an online survey, suppliers, customers, logistics partners, industry organisations, employees and management were asked about the importance of 23 different sustainability themes. We believe all themes are important but will devote extra attention to the ten most important themes in this report. This is done by reporting about them according to the GRI guidelines. The topics are categorised under the five strategies mentioned earlier.

This report has not been verified externally since our focus lies on the further development of our sustainability policy and achieving the goals set for this. We aim to have the following editions of the sustainability report verified externally.

Circularity

Contributing to a circular economy by closing material cycles, using renewable forms of energy and applying systems thinking.

Strategy 3: Close the loop. Pag. 54-56

Sustainable assortment

Offering sustainable products (by using environmentally friendly materials and production technologies).

Strategy 1: Better materials and design. Pag. 27-39

Product quality

Providing safe, high-quality products with a long service life.

Strategy 1: Better materials and design. Pag. 34

Transparent communication and responsible marketing

Informing customers, suppliers, employees and other stakeholders as honestly, transparently and fully as possible.

Strategy 5: Driving change.

Sustainable packaging

Using environmentally friendly packaging material and, where possible, reducing packaging material.

Strategy 2: Sustainable operations. Pag. 51

Waste and recycling

Reducing waste and stimulating recycling.

Strategy 2: Sustainable operations.

CO2 reduction

Making CO2 emissions transparent and taking measures to reduce them.

Strategy 1: Better materials and design.

Strategy 2: Sustainable operations. Pag. 40-45

Working conditions at Allshoes

Ensuring a healthy and safe workplace for Allshoes employees.

Strategy 4: Supporting people. Pag. 58-62

Environmental management of the supply chain

Collaborating with suppliers to reduce the environmental impact in the supply chain.

Strategy 2: Sustainable operations.

Innovation

Having an innovative and updated range of products and stimulating innovation through joint ventures and the transfer of knowledge.

Strategy 5: Driving change.

Pag. 51, 52 & 54

Pag. 64-66

Pag. 67

Pag. 40-45

Appendix 1: Notes on employees

Appendix 2: GRI Index

302-1 Energy consumption within the organization Total fuel consumption within the organisation from non-renewable sources in joules in 2021:

398,353 MJ

Total fuel consumption within the organisation from renewable sources in joules in 2021:

82,609 MJ

Electricity consumption in joules in 2021:

265,708 MJ

Heating consumption in joules in 2021: 382,470 MJ

Total energy consumption in joules in 2021:

1,129,141 MJ

Sources used for conversion:

Gasoline > MJ

Diesel > MJ

kWh > MJ

302-2 Energy consumption outside of the organization Energy consumption outside of the organisation in joules for 2021: 4,260,280 MJ

Sources used for conversion:

Gasoline > MJ

Diesel > MJ kWh > MJ 302-3 Energy intensity Energy at Allshoes

305-1 Direct (Scope 1) GHG emissions On our way to being a climate neutral organisation

The report has been drawn up in accordance with the standards of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

In connection with the availability of data, 2018 has been selected as the base year for the reduction goal for scopes 1 and 2.

305-2 Energy indirect (Scope 2) GHG emissions On our way to being a climate neutral organisation

The report has been drawn up in accordance with the standards of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

In connection with the availability of data, 2018 has been selected as the base year for the reduction goal for scopes 1 and 2.

305-3 Other indirect (Scope 3) GHG emissions Improving together

The report has been drawn up in accordance with the standards of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

In connection with the availability of data, 2020 has been selected as the base year for the reduction goal for scope 3.

305-4 GHG emissions intensity

308-1 New suppliers that were screened using environmental criteria

In 2021, Allshoes supplier base was expanded with one supplier. This supplier was asked to commit to Allshoes Supplier Code of Conduct (in which correct interaction with the environment is described).

401-2 Benefits provided to full-time employees that are not provided to temporary or part-time employees

N/A: The same fringe benefits apply to both full-time and part-time employees. More information about the terms and conditions of employment can be found in: Allshoes Safety

In 2021, Allshoes supplier base was expanded with one supplier. This supplier was asked to commit to Allshoes Supplier Code of Conduct (in which correct interaction with the environment is described). Since the suppliers are not located in a high-risk country, no auditing was carried out.