Caleres Says 93% of Owned Products Contain At Least One ‘Environmentally Preferred’ Material in New ESG Report

Caleres is seeing progress towards its 2025 environmental, social, governance (ESG) goals, according to its new 2023 ESG report.

Released on Tuesday, the new report touches on the St. Louis-based footwear company’s notable ESG achievements over the last year including the launch of the One Planet Standard, a designation for its products that meet the company’s highest level of sustainability criteria measured across six lifecycle stages.

As for its 2025 ESG targets, Caleres noted in Tuesday’s report that it is reached 93 percent of its goal that all of its owned products contain at least one environmentally preferred material, like the use of algae infused foams in outsoles, footbeds, and EVA strobels; LWG Silver or Gold rated leathers; recycled polyester and more.

In 2023, Caleres also reached 86 percent of its goal that all of its strategic factories comply with heightened labor standards including fair wage programs and social working standards.

What’s more, Caleres said it reached 100 percent of its annual goal to reclaim, recycle or refurbish 90,000 pairs of shoes. The company also reached 100 percent of its goal to see a 35 percent reduction in physical samples through its “Edit to Win” initiative, which uses 3D technologies, new planning methods and improved trend forecasting to achieve a higher adoption rate with less waste.

Other highlights from the report are the company’s combined contribution of $800,000 from associates and the Caleres Cares Charitable Trust to United Way through its annual campaign. The company also partnered with the Soles4Souls 4EveryKid program, with combined customer and Caleres Cares Charitable Trust donations, to provide 30,679 children experiencing homelessness with brand new athletic shoes in 2023.

Last year, the company said it reported its inaugural Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions data and helped suppliers reduce their environmental footprints. Caleres added that it also tailored its people management efforts to align with company values by bringing DE&I and talent acquisition operations under one leader in 2023.

The 2023 report also highlights notable achievements by individual brands in the Caleres portfolio and their contribution toward the company’s overall ESG goals.

Jay Schmidt, president and chief executive officer of Caleres, said in a statement that the company is committed to driving a sustainable business and generate value for all its stakeholders beginning with a caring and inclusive culture.

“We are actively working to reduce our own environmental footprint while at the same time promoting best practices and responsibility across our supply chain and the broader footwear industry,” Schmidt said. “Caleres made significant progress in 2023 on our 2025 ESG goals, which serve as a compass for our strategic choices and day-to-day decision-making. These achievements would not be possible without the efforts of our global team of associates.”