Allbirds Sustainability Report 2021

Creating and implementing a sustainable “flight plan” for all consumers

The proof is in the footprint – Allbirds, a growing sustainable footwear company has committed their professional mission of giving back to the Earth. Believing that they owe us nothing, as in a fully net-zero production chain, they are set to achieve these goal through five foundations of focus – fair labor, water, chemistry, animal welfare, traceability & transparency, as well as creating influential partnerships that further not only their mission, but bring a better understanding to the topic at hand. The Allbirds 2021 Flight Plan, or Sustainability Report, outlines the slated responsibility to produce smart agriculture and a reduced carbon footprint.

The Progress

In 2021, they reduced their carbon footprint by 12%, or 1.21kg of CO2e – most coming from the responsible use of energy, and some from the transition over to renewable materials.

Since they are a smaller company, they are able to measure each footprint of each product, compared to other standard corporations.

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Regenerative Agriculture

Conducted a carbon footprint study with New Zealand Merino at one of their wool farms, Temple Peak Station. Sequestered 60,500 tonnes of CO2 over the last 40 years, 40+% footprint reduction.

Launched Regenerative Wool Capsule Collection – scarves & beanies are set at 12%-16% less carbon than the standard brand.

Launched ZQRx Platform – brought together scientists, suppliers, farmers and more to discuss the importance of regenerative farming –

Partnered with Smartwool & Icebreaker
Brought on 499 farms, about 15% of NZ farmland
Help pave way for better farming

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Renewable Materials

In 2021, renewable materials accounted for 2% carbon footprint reduction.

Launched Tree Dasher 2 – revamped their first every running shoe –

21% lighter midsole
Removable wool eyelet lining
Resulted in a 5% product-based footprint reduction

Invested in Plant Leather – in partnership with NFW

100% plastic-free, 100% vegan
Only uses natural materials – plant oils, agricultural byproducts, & rubber
Produces 88% less carbon than traditional leather & 75% less than synthetic, or “pleather”

Launched FUTURECRAFT.FOOTPRINT. – in partnership with Adidas

Shoes revealed to produce a footprint of 2.94kg of CO2e, rather than 14.1kg for the standard shoe pair.
Applied “tangram” process to minimize waste
Used stitching as structural reinforcement

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Responsible Energy

In 2021, responsible energy accounted for the 98% reduction in their carbon footprint –

Facilities across the globe are working to install on-site solar systems.

Once products leave the warehouse, it is unaware how the customers care for their items –

Allbirds believe it's their responsibility to encourage proper care for a longer lasting lifespan.

Allbirds is in the works of purchasing energy credits for manufacturing hubs in Vietnam and the Americas.

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The Setbacks

Allbirds believe that highlighting their misses is just as important as celebrating the successes.

In 2021, regenerative agriculture accounted for a 0% reduction value across their carbon footprint – not because of poor execution but the steady growth of farming takes time.

Their total energy use is driven by suppliers, since they do not own any of their manufacturing facilities around the world – but they are a small company so their energy usage is minimal.

Innovating new technologies to increase footwear durability –

Using lab testing paired with real-life user data to gain a better understanding of a shoes lifespan through daily routines

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2025 Targets

Allbirds aims to cut per unit carbon emissions in half (to 5.50kg) by 2025, then be near net-zero by 2030.

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“We’re on a mission to elevate natural materials and drive fossil fuels out of our industry.”

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Agriculture –

100% wool from regenerative sources
Reduce or sequester 100% of annual CO2e emissions from wool

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Materials –

75% sustainability sourced, naturally or recycled materials
25% of carbon footprint from raw materials
Reduce raw material usage across supply chain by 25%
Double lifespan of clothing & footwear products

Energy –

Want 100% renewable energy for all “owned & operated” facilities
Steady state of above 95% of ocean shipping transportation
Apparel readiness – 100% washed on cold, and 50% hang-dry by customers

12%

Carbon footprint (CO2e) reduction from 2020 to 2021

84%

Ocean shipping in 2021, up from 80% in 2020”

“Our ambition is to leave this planet better than we found it.”

Everything’s connected – Allbirds mission is to minimize their production amount and not over stretch themselves. They would rather do a small quantity of procedures responsibly and efficiently, than try to accomplish a lot of mediocre things. In order to reach their goal of minimizing climate change, they realize they have to address all other factors across the board first – patience is key. Following through thoroughly on each foundational focus helps support their overall ambitious strategy and outlook.

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READ FULL REPORT

“Climate change is the problem of our generation because it’s linked to all other problems.”