Running News Daily

Brooks announces its new sustainability strategy, launching a carbon-neutral running shoe

Brooks Running has announced its new planet strategy that will take immediate responsibility for the impact the brand has on the environment. With its science-backed plan, the brand is committing to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, starting by launching its first carbon-neutral running shoe, the Ghost 14.

In 2020, Brooks Running joined the Climate Pledge and has committed to reaching the Paris Agreementgoal of net-zero carbon emissions 10 years early, by 2040. David Kemp, Senior Manager of Corporate Responsibility, says the company believes climate change demands “urgent and universal action” and they must “participate on a global scale.”

“Because more than 150 million people run outside and enjoy the planet during their runs, it’s critical that we take responsibility for our impact on the planet,” he adds.

Climate action: a timeline

Brooks’ emissions reduction strategies were recently approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative, which supports companies with science-based target setting and developing a clear path towards decarbonization. The brand is putting a strong focus on working toward the creation of a circular product, which is a product that has no need for virgin resources and is designed with the end of their life in mind. Brooks is also placing a strong emphasis on eliminating manufacturing waste to landfills. Their plan is as follows:

July 1 2021: Introduce the brand’s first carbon-neutral shoe, the Ghost 14. TheGhost is Brooks’ highest-volume footwear franchise, moving forward all Ghost products will be carbon neutral. In addition to reducing the product’s environmental impact by incorporating recycled materials, Brooks will purchase carbon offsets from projects that meet strict criteria that make a meaningful difference in addressing climate change.

2022: the brand will launch a take-back program, which will be the first step to enable fully circular shoes and apparel in the years to come.

2023: Brooks aims to convert all sockliner top cloths to dope dyed ( a low-impact dyeing technique that can reduce carbon emissions by as much as 90 per cent). Brooks will also move to 100% recycled polyester in footwear and new apparel materials.

2024: all lining materials in footwear will be dope dyed and 100 per cent of the nominated apparel fabrics sourced from Asia will be bluesign® approved.

2025: all assembly factories will be converted to renewable energy. Brooks will reach the milestone of zero footwear manufacturing waste to landfill, incineration, and the environment. In addition, all DNA Flash and DNA Loft midsoles will contain 10 per cent recycled content, and all outsoles will contain 10 per cent recycled content. Simultaneously, all nylon in Brooks apparel will be recycled yarn and all Run Bras will contain a minimum of 20 per cent recycled or bio-based content with 100 per cent of the polyester being created from recycled yarn.

2027: all high-volume material factories will be converted to renewable energy and 100% offootwear textiles will be dyed using a low-impact dyeing process.

2030: all materials in Brooks product will contain a minimum of 50% recycled or renewablecontent, with all upper materials containing 100% recycled or renewable content.

This is an aggressive timeline, but Kemp says transparency will hold the brand accountable for reaching its targets. “The finish line of this marathon is a long way off,” he says, “but we are committed to positive change and we will be transparent about how far we’ve come and where we can do better.”