The drive to be sustainable

Last year, we published our very first sustainability report. A report in which we proudly demonstrated how Allshoes is making a positive impact when it comes to circularity, CO2 reduction and a responsible supply chain. In the report, we talked about how we want to be a climate-neutral organisation by 2025 and we highlighted the projects we have implemented and will be implementing in the future. The steps we envisioned for 2022 have certainly been taken. Some at a much faster pace than I could have ever imagined.

In 2022, our core values of team spirit, courage and perseverance were heavily called upon. Not just at Allshoes, but throughout our entire supply chain. The war in Ukraine, which caused and is causing great social and human suffering, has created a huge shortage of energy and raw materials. Some of our suppliers were hit hard by those raw material shortages. Thanks to our partnership with these suppliers and flexibility across the organisation, we never failed to deliver to our customers.

The current global situation called for vigorous action. We already knew that we wanted – and needed – to work in a different way. And going back to an ‘economy as usual’ was not an option. Especially if you want to contribute to a sustainable economy for the benefit of our earth and life on it, now and in the future. The high energy prices and scarcity of materials meant that we had to be even more flexible, innovative, and change our way of thinking. This was true for our suppliers as well. Remaining steadfast and sticking to our sustainable trajectory turned out to be crucial. Trying to protect our current business model is no longer an option. Our flexibility, innovation and perseverance resulted in six new safety shoes with over 50%weight-based* recycled material. A huge step in the market toward a circular safety shoe!

The drive to be sustainable is in Allshoes’ DNA. It is reflected in both the work and personal lives of our employees. From the sustainability to the marketing department. From facility (we drive electric and have vegetarian lunches) to our warehouses. We don’t want to ‘do’ sustainability, we are sustainable. And we back up the results with validated facts and figures that we share transparently.

I am proud that we have accomplished so much this past year. Proud of the teamwork within Allshoes and with our suppliers, and proud of our customers. In fact, among our customers, we observe an increasing awareness of the importance of sustainability. Sustainable initiatives, such as the Circular Footwear Alliance, are being embraced by them.

We do not know where we will be by the end of 2023. But I’m sure we will continue to take many exciting steps this year to reach our goal of a fully circular range by 2025.

Jan Arts Manager Operations, Sustainability & Innovation