Design Life-Cycle

Saniya Kotwal
Rashi Bihani, Emily Chen
Professor Cogdell
DES 040A

The Sustainability of Allbirds Wool Runners through Raw Material Use

Allbirds, a San Francisco-based company founded in 2016 by Time Brown and Joey Zwillinger, has quickly become well-known for its dedication to eco-friendly design and cutting-edge technology in the clothing and footwear industry. Specifically, the Allbirds Wool Runners exemplify the company's commitment to sustainability through the use of raw materials and the analysis of the product’s life cycle. The main component of the shoe, wool, is sourced sustainably from the abundant sheep population in New Zealand, which helps reduce energy consumption. Additionally, materials such as recycled bottles, castor bean oil, and recycled cardboard are utilized throughout their manufacturing and distribution processes. These materials also enhance the product's maintainability, recyclability, and waste management, highlighting benefits in all areas of the product life cycle.

The company's dedication to sustainability through the use of raw materials is best demonstrated by the Allbirds Wool Runners. Reducing the environmental effect of consumer goods requires careful consideration of sustainable raw material choices. Throughout the product lifecycle, sustainable materials minimize waste, cut carbon footprints, and consume less energy. One of the best examples of sustainable material is the wool used in Allbirds Wool Runners. Wool has significant environmental advantages over conventional synthetic materials, such as lower greenhouse gas emissions and less water used in production ("Life Cycle Assessment of Wool"). According to the Allbirds 2022 Flight Status report, a report which highlights sustainability practices, the company has committed to halving its per-product carbon footprint by the end of 2025 and reducing it to near zero by 2030. In 2022, Allbirds achieved a 19% reduction in their carbon footprint ("Carbon Footprint Report"). This reduction was due to increased use of renewable materials, improvements in supply chain logistics, and lower production of Wool footwear styles. This commitment emphasizes the importance of the product life cycle and sustainable raw materials in achieving significant environmental benefits.

The main component of the shoe, wool, is sourced sustainably from the abundant sheep population in New Zealand, which helps reduce energy consumption. New Zealand’s sheep farming involves extensive grazing systems that use land efficiently and reduce environmental impact. These practices ensure that wool production is energy-efficient and promotes biodegradability. The wool industry in New Zealand adheres to rigid certifications and standards, ensuring high-quality and sustainable wool production ("Life Cycle Assessment of Wool Clothing"). For instance, Allbirds partners with The New Zealand Merino Company and Made For Good to implement regenerative agriculture practices which aims to reduce 100% of annual CO2e emissions from wool (Henry et al.). This further demonstrating Allbirds' commitment to sustainability.

In addition to wool, materials such as recycled bottles, castor bean oil, and recycled cardboard are utilized throughout their manufacturing and distribution processes, the next steps in the life cycle of the product. The laces are made from recycled plastic bottles, reducing plastic waste and lowering the environmental footprint compared to new plastic production. The insoles use castor bean oil, a renewable resource that minimizes reliance on petroleum-based products. Furthermore, Allbirds utilizes recycled cardboard in their packaging, ensuring sustainability in both the production and distribution processes ("Sustainability Guide & Practices"). The Allbirds 2022 Flight Status report details how the company updated their footwear packaging by replacing molded cardboard shoe inserts with lighter tissue paper, reducing the carbon footprint of shipping ("Carbon Footprint Report"). Additionally, Allbirds transitioned from virgin nylon to recycled nylon in their Wool styles, showcasing their commitment to reducing environmental impact through material innovation (Sherman 12-33).

In order to improve the sustainability of its distribution and transportation processes, Allbirds has made notable progress. The 2022 Flight Status report indicates that the company has achieved a massive increase in ocean shipping, which is less carbon-intensive than air transportation. By 2022, Allbirds had reached 96% ocean shipping, up from 84% in 2021 ("Carbon Footprint Report"). This shift plays a crucial role in reducing the carbon footprint associated with transporting their products from manufacturing sites to consumers worldwide.

Continuing through the life cycle of Allbirds Wool Runner, these materials also enhance the product's maintainability, recyclability, and waste management. Wool, known for its durability and natural resistance to odors, stains, and wrinkles, requires less frequent washing, saving energy and water over the product’s lifespan ("Life Cycle Assessment of Wool"). Moreover, wool's biodegradability ensures that the product does not contribute to long-term environmental pollution. At the end of its lifecycle, the components of Wool Runners are recyclable, further reducing environmental impact. Allbirds' approach to waste management includes the use of recycled materials and the promotion of recycling initiatives among consumers ("Sustainability Guide & Practices"). By incorporating recycled plastic bottles for laces and using recycled cardboard for packaging, Allbirds ensures that their products contribute to a circular economy.

Reflecting on the impact of this product, the sustainable practices employed by Allbirds in the production of Wool Runners have broader implications for the footwear industry and consumer behavior. Allbirds provides an example for other businesses to follow by showcasing the advantages and viability of employing sustainable raw materials. By encouraging the industry to adopt similar procedures, this strategy can advance sustainability on a broader basis. The demand for sustainable footwear is expected to increase as a result of consumers' growing awareness of environmental issues and desire for products that reflect their beliefs (Cheah et al., 18–29). Furthermore, the Wool Runners by Allbirds has demonstrated that it is possible to include sustainability into business plans without compromising revenue. This case may encourage other businesses to be creative in their sustainability endeavors, which may result in improvements to the industry as a whole that further lessen environmental effects.

Additionally, consumers play a pivotal role in driving the demand for sustainable products. As awareness of environmental issues grows, more consumers are seeking out products that align with their values (Truong). Allbirds has benefited from this trend by educating customers about the environmental impact of their purchases in addition to providing sustainable items. The brand discloses the carbon footprint of every product on the label, enabling customers to make knowledgeable choices and fostering transparency. This strategy not only distinguishes Allbirds in the market, but also allows for a more personal connection with environmentally conscious customers (Wang 685-687).

Looking ahead, Allbirds continues to innovate in its mission for sustainability. The company's commitment to achieving a near-zero carbon footprint by 2030 sets a high standard for the industry. Future innovations may include further advancements in sustainable materials, more efficient manufacturing processes, and expanded recycling programs. Allbirds’ ongoing research and development efforts will likely lead to new solutions that can be adopted across the footwear and apparel industries (Kwak, Kim, and Heo).

In conclusion, the Allbirds Wool Runners exemplify the company’s commitment to sustainability through the thoughtful use of raw materials. By sourcing wool sustainably from New Zealand and incorporating recycled materials, Allbirds significantly reduces the environmental impact of their products. The maintainability and recyclability of Wool Runners further enhance their sustainability, making them a model for eco-friendly footwear. The practices adopted by Allbirds not only benefit the environment but also set a standard for the industry, paving the way for a more sustainable future in consumer products.

Bibliography

1. B.K. Henry 1, et al. “LCA of Wool Textiles and Clothing.” Handbook of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Textiles and Clothing, Woodhead Publishing, 7 Aug. 2015, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780081001691000101. 

2. Carbon Footprint Report, cdn.allbirds.com/image/upload/v1620406601/marketing-pages/FUTURECRAFT.FOOTPRINT_methodology_carbon_footprint_report_FINAL.pdf. Accessed 1 May 2024. 

3. Cheah, Lynette, Natalia Duque Ciceri, Elsa Olivetti, Seiko Matsumura, Dai Forterre, Richard Roth, and Randolph Kirchain. “Manufacturing-Focused Emissions Reductions in Footwear Production.” Journal of Cleaner Production 44 (April 2013): 18–29.

4. Kwak, K., Kim, D., & Heo, C. (2023). Sustainable innovation in a low- and medium-tech sector: Evidence from an SME in the footwear industry. Journal of Cleaner Production, 397, 136399. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.136399

5. “Life Cycle Assessment of Wool: Wool Sustainability: IWTO.” International Wool Textile Organisation, 2 June 2023, iwto.org/sustainability/life-cycle-assessment/. 

6. “Life Cycle Assessment of Wool Clothing.” Life Cycle Assessment of Wool Clothing, www.woolmark.com/industry/newsroom/lca/. Accessed 1 May 2024. 

7. Sherman, Herbert. "Allbirds: A Strategic Analysis - Nicole Chan, Alpha Theory." Case Studies Journal, vol. 13, no. 1, 2024, pp. 12-33.

8. “Sustainability Guide & Practices.” Allbirds, www.allbirds.com/pages/sustainable-practices#reality. Accessed 1 May 2024. 

9. Truong, Huong “Katie.” “Environmental Sustainability: Impacts on Business Performance in Apparel Industry.” TSW, 1 May 2021, repositories.lib.utexas.edu/items/8d26e269-7fe2-4e30-b6cd-cc4ca730ef50. 

10. Wang, Yongjin. “New Perspectives on Health and Social Care new perspectives on Health and Social care, by Jason Powell, Cham, Springer, 2023, 144PP., ISBN 978-3-031-25431-4 (hardcover), ISBN 978-3-031-25434-5 (softcover), ISBN 978-3-031-25432-1 (ebook).” European Journal of Social Work, vol. 27, no. 3, 24 Nov. 2023, pp. 685–687, https://doi.org/10.1080/13691457.2023.2284664. Embedded Energy Paper pasted here

Rashi Bihani 

Kotwal, Saniya and Chen, Emily

DES 40A / SQ 2024 

Professor Cogdell 

Allbirds Wool Runners: Embodied Energy

The history of the Allbirds Wool Runners dates back to the company’s founding in 2016 in the United States, and it strives to maintain its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. When most people think of Allbirds, they associate the brand with eco-friendly, conscious consumerism. This reputation is reflected in the company’s use of sustainable materials like merino wool, and their emphasis on minimal machine use. In fact, “In 2016 the brand gained B-corporation status, meaning it meets the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose” [6]. This commitment is integral to the company's approach to calculating and minimizing the total embodied energy of their Wool Runners. The Allbirds Wool Runners harness a diverse array of energy sources from the beginning to the end of their lifecycle, with the total embodied energy calculated from the collection of raw materials such as wool, to manufacturing, distribution, transportation, consumer use, and ultimately disposal. 

Acquiring the raw materials for Allbirds Wool Runners involves significant energy expenditures. The Allbirds Wool Runners stand out because of their use of wool as a raw material, specifically “merino wool from NZ, because it makes the sneakers comfortable to wear” [4]. First, wool begins in farms where sheep are raised. The process of acquiring the wool from sheep is energy intensive, encompassing sheep farming, shearing, and wool processing. Since this process involves a living creature, most of the energy used here is human mechanical energy. Another material that is important in the production of the Allbirds Wool Runners is Lyocell, which is “made from tree fibers, uses 95% less water and significantly reduces their carbon footprint in comparison to conventional materials like cotton” [4]. The process of creating Lyocell from trees is also extremely energy intensive, involving both mechanical and chemical energy. However, the choice of sustainable materials is a crucial component of the total embodied energy of Allbirds Wool Runners, emphasizing the company's commitment to minimizing environmental impact from the collection of raw materials to the end of the product life cycle. Other raw materials required for this product include “100% virgin synthetics: 32% polyurethane (PU), 29% polyester, 11% polypropylene (PP), 10% ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, 10% rubber, 4% nylon, 4% thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)” [1]. Acquiring the raw materials for Allbirds Wool Runners involves significant energy expenditures. Understanding these initial energy demands sets the stage for examining the energy required during the manufacturing process, including the transportation of these materials to the production facilities. 

The manufacturing of Allbirds Wool Runners requires substantial energy, not only for the assembly of the shoes but also for transporting raw materials like wool and rubber to the production facilities. Once the raw materials are acquired, they are sent to a production facility in China [1]. Since Allbirds has a commitment to sustainability practices, before a production factory is approved, it must “pass a rigorous social and environmental audit. This audit includes confidential worker interviews, a review of documentation and records, and a visual inspection of safety conditions” [4]. The production facilities “use energy efficient appliances and lighting” [9]. Since this is an auditing process, the energy expended is primarily mechanical energy. While the direct energy expenditure in conducting these audits may not be significant compared to other stages of the product life cycle, the indirect impact on the total embodied energy is substantial. By ensuring that manufacturing facilities meet high standards, Allbirds helps to minimize the risk of costly mistakes, inefficiencies, and environmental harm during production. This, in turn, contributes to a more streamlined and sustainable manufacturing process, reducing overall energy consumption and environmental impact over the lifecycle of Allbirds Wool Runners. Once the raw materials arrive at an approved production facility, the shoes start becoming assembled. Allbirds Wool Runners are unique in their manufacturing process because “the most distinctive feature … is the significant reduction in CO2 emissions in production” [4] In fact, the manufacturing process for these shoes “made a significant contribution to sustainability, because it achieved emissions of only 10.0 kg equivalent mass of carbon dioxide (CO2-eq) based on a life-cycle assessment (LCA), compared with the average emissions of sneakers, 14.2–32.9 kg CO2-eq” [4]. According to CEO Joey Zwillinger “carbon dioxide reduction as the most important metric for our business” [10]. To stay true to this metric, Allbirds created their own LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) tool which they use to track their carbon emissions [2]. Since the manufacturing process relies heavily on carbon emissions, the main form of energy expended during this phase of the life cycle is thermal energy. However, the substantial reduction in carbon emissions underscores Allbirds’ dedication to lowering the total embodied energy of their Wool Runners, and is a key component of the total embodied energy. While the manufacturing of Allbirds Wool Runners does require quite a bit of energy, not only for the assembly of the shoes but also for vetting the production facility, the total embodied energy is significantly less compared to the industry average. With the manufacturing process completed, it is essential to consider the energy needed for the distribution phase, including transportation and shipping methods that prioritize sustainability. 

The distribution of Allbirds Wool Runners involves significant energy expenditures, focusing on the transportation and shipping of finished products to consumers worldwide while prioritizing sustainability. The main energy needed in this part of the product life cycle is the energy needed to transport the shoes out to consumers. In order to focus on minimizing the total embodied energy, Allbirds “prioritize(s) shipping via ocean versus air” [1]. Both ships and airplanes typically use heavy fuel oil, which involves burning fossil fuels, shipping the Allbirds Wool Runners primarily pertains to thermal energy. However, “airplanes emit 500 grams of CO2 per metric ton of freight per kilometer of transportation, while container ships emit only 10 to 40 grams of CO2 per kilometer.” [4] Hence, by prioritizing ocean shipping, Allbirds reduces the overall thermal energy expenditure associated with distributing the Wool Runners to consumers around the world. Next, it is important to examine the energy and environmental implications associated with consumer use and the disposal of the shoes at the end of their lifecycle. 

The energy and environmental impact of Allbirds Wool Runners extend beyond manufacturing and distribution to include the energy used during consumer use and the emissions associated with their disposal. The industry standard involves “Nike and Adidas releas(ing) over one hundred new designs each year, fueling a short and frequent repurchase cycle” [9]. In contrast, “Allbirds aims to have consumers purchase and wear its footwear for years” [6]. Allbirds’ goal is for their products to last, hence “offering a carefully curated product range fit for all seasons” [10]. In fact, “In 2019, Allbirds had four different shoe styles” all made from the same materials [7]. The company spends time informing consumers on proper care for their products, with “100% of customers machine washing on cold and 50% hang-dry” [8]. With footwear, the embodied energy for consumers are “emissions associated with washing products over lifetime (3 cycles)” [1]. This kind of energy is primarily electrical energy, which is needed to power the washing machine during the wash cycle. Since all their products are made of the same materials, consumer care is made much more efficient, leading to a reduction in energy consumption. The last phase of the product life cycle beyond consumer use is waste and disposal. When discarded, 80% of the footwear ends up in landfills while 20% is incinerated [1]. Landfilling and incineration processes involve chemical and thermal energy, respectively. The chemical energy is used in decomposing organic materials, whereas thermal energy is released during the incineration of waste. These processes result in carbon dioxide emissions and other environmental pollutants. This approach to waste emphasizes the company’s commitment to sustainability by not only focusing on the production and use phases but also considering the environmental impact of disposal. Considering the energy used during consumer use and the emissions from disposal highlights the comprehensive environmental impact of Allbirds Wool Runners, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices throughout the entire lifecycle of the product. 

In the quest for sustainable footwear, Allbirds has become synonymous with eco-conscious consumerism. This reputation is not just a marketing ploy; it is rooted in the brand’s meticulous approach to sustainability, evident from the selection of materials like merino wool and eucalyptus fibers to the emphasis on minimal machine use in production. However, the environmental footprint of Allbirds Wool Runners extends far beyond the creation of the shoe itself. Acquiring raw materials involves significant energy expenditures. Once the materials are acquired, the manufacturing process demands substantial energy, not only for assembly but also for transporting raw materials to production facilities. To distribute the finished product, energy-intensive transportation methods are employed, albeit with an emphasis on more sustainable options like ocean shipping. Yet, the journey of an Allbirds shoe does not end upon reaching the consumer. The energy and environmental impact persist through consumer use, with emissions associated with washing and eventual disposal. This holistic view underscores the need for sustainability efforts at every stage of the product life cycle. By understanding and addressing these energy demands, Allbirds continues to pave the way for environmentally responsible footwear, setting a standard for the industry to follow. 

References 

[1] “Allbirds Product Carbon Footprint Methodology” Allbirds, April 2020, https://cdn.allbirds.com/image/upload/v1586808732/Carbon%20Number/Allbirds_Product_Carbon_Footprint_Methodology.pdf. 

[2] Bär, Michael, et al. “Performing life cycle assessment at scale in the footwear industry.” Textile Science and Clothing Technology, 2023, pp. 231–260, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-9634-4_9. 

[3] Baxter, Kevin. “Air Freight vs Ocean Freight Carbon Footprint & Environmental Impact.” InTek Freight & Logistics Blog, 6 Apr. 2022, blog.intekfreight-logistics.com/air-freight-vs-ocean-freight-carbon-footprint-environmental-impact. 

[4] Chan, Nicole, and Herbart Sherman. “Allbirds: A Strategic Analysis.” Case Studies Journal, vol. 13, Jan. 2024, https://www.casestudiesjournal.com/. 

[5] Kwak, Kiho, et al. “Sustainable Innovation in a Low- and Medium-Tech Sector: Evidence from an SME in the Footwear Industry.” Science Direct, 2023, doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.136399. 

[6] McLaren, Tamsin. “Allbirds.” Fashion Business Cases, 2021, https://doi.org/10.5040/9781350197046.010.   

[7] Pavlovich, Kathryn, et al. “Allbirds: Sustainable Innovation disrupting the casual shoe industry.” Sage Pub, 2020, https://doi.org/10.4135/9781529713206.  

[8] “Sustainability Guide & Practices.” Allbirds, www.allbirds.com/pages/sustainable-practices#reality.  

[9] Truong, Huong. “Environmental Sustainability: Impacts on Business Performance in Apparel Industry.” Texas ScholarWorks, https://doi.org/10.26153/tsw/50635.  

[10] Qiu, E., and T. Vitone. “Corporate Sustainability in the Fashion Industry ”. Journal of Student Research, vol. 12, no. 1, Feb. 2023, doi:10.47611/jsrhs.v12i1.4065. 

Emily Chen

Saniya Kotwal and Rashi Bihani

Professor Cogdell

DES 40A

Allbirds Waste Management

Introduction:

The New Zealand and American company Allbirds is a shoe company with a goal centered around producing footwear that is both sustainable and environmentally friendly while maintaining its comfort as well. The company is known for their use of natural and renewable materials that help their brand achieve their goal of reducing waste production and minimizing carbon emissions (“Sustainability Guide & Practices”). Through their creative implementation of waste management techniques such as reduce, reuse and recycle materials throughout their production process, Allbirds Wool Runner shoes set the standard for environmentally friendly fashion in the footwear industry.

Raw Materials Acquisition:

The raw materials part of the life cycle is the part of the life cycle when the materials necessary to create the product are gathered. Most shoes are made out of synthetic materials that take years to biodegrade. Every year in the US alone, 300 million pairs of shoes are thrown away with 95% of them ending up in landfills (DiNapoli). These shoes use materials that create a lot of waste as a byproduct of production because the materials used are synthetic and not biodegradable. 

Allbirds Wool runners acquire their materials for production with a significant emphasis on sustainability by sourcing materials that are both natural and renewable. One of the main materials used in the production of the Allbirds Wool Runners is wool. Allbirds use Merino wool and source their wool from sheep farms. What makes Merino Wool special as opposed to using factory produced synthetic wool is that Merino wool is a natural fiber (Brilleman). When producing wool from sheep, the entire sheet of fabric is maximized and used. All scrap pieces not used are put together to create insulation and ensures that there is minimal waste produced as a byproduct (“Saving Merino Wool From Waste”). In addition to Merino wool, Allbirds also uses the tree fiber, Tencel Lyocell, as a means of production. Tencel Lyocell is a kind of tree fiber that comes from wood grown in South Africa. The growth of these trees rely on natural rainfall which means they do not use irrigation and fertilizers in their plants. Compared to traditional materials, Tencel Lyocell uses 95% less water than conventional cotton which helps reduce carbon footprint (“Allbirds Materials - Tree: Our Natural & Sustainable Materials”). Allbirds Wool Runners also use sugarcane sourced from southern Brazil to make their shoes. Sugarcane is fully renewable and grows quickly while removing carbon from the atmosphere in the process (“Allbirds Materials - Sugar: Our Natural Materials for Flip Flops to Running Shoes”).  By sourcing natural materials in a natural manner, they minimize waste production as a byproduct because all materials can be renewed and reused as opposed to going to the landfill.

Manufacturing Process:

The manufacturing process involves the creation of the product using the materials gathered. In order to minimize waste production, Allbirds use all parts of materials gathered in order to maximize material use. Unlike many other shoe companies that throw away scrap pieces not used in their products, Allbirds Wool Runners recycle scraps and leftover wool and tree fiber so that they reduce the amount of raw materials necessary to manufacture the shoes as well. The use of renewable materials such as Merino Wool, tree fiber, and sugarcane helps ensure that the materials not utilized in the manufacturing process can be recycled and not wasted by ending up in the landfill.

Packaging, Distribution, & Transportation:

The distribution and transportation process entails getting the product from the manufacturers to the stores and consumers. Once the Allbirds Wool Runners are assembled, they are then packaged to be shipped to its customers. Most shoes are made from plastic which comes from oil (“2020 Sustainability Report”). The packaging of the Allbirds Wool Runners uses a minimalist design with 90% of its packaging material being made out of post consumer recycled cardboard (“Our story: Sustainable Shoes & Apparel”). Allbirds Wool Runners don’t rely on plastic bags and packing unlike other companies. Instead, their packaging is durable and uses renewable alternatives to plastic to keep the product safe (“2020 Sustainability Report”). Once the shoes are packaged, the products are transported using cars, planes, ships, and trains. These means of transportation emit carbon dioxide which causes air pollution and greenhouse effects. Allbird prioritizes ocean shipping over air transport which helps reduce carbon emissions into the atmosphere. As stated in their 2020 sustainability report, Allbirds plan to have over 95% of their transportation be ocean shipping which shows their dedication to sustainability and the environment.

Use, Reuse, and Maintenance:

The use, reuse, and maintenance is what happens to the product after the customer has purchased and used it. Cleaning the Allbirds is an excellent way to make the most use out of the shoes since it allows you to wear them for longer periods of time. Allbirds shoes are washable and won’t lose performance abilities or shape after wash (“How to Care for Your Shoes: Cleaning & Repair”). This allows for consumers to maximize its use rather than throwing away a pair of shoes and buying a new pair simply because it's dirty. If the consumer cleans their shoes regularly, the shoes can last a long time which helps the environment because they are helping reduce the amount of waste from throwing away pairs of shoes that are shrill durable.

Recycle:

Recycling is when old products that are no longer in use get converted into new materials. Allbirds use innovative recycling strategies to minimize waste production when they manufacture their shoes in order to maintain their goal of sustainability. The company recycles scraps and parts of their materials that they don’t use so that they don’t produce unnecessary waste. Unused raw materials such as tree fiber and wool are recycled and used to create new products so that all materials are utilized. Allbirds use a closed loop process which means that materials used are continuously recycled and reused in their production cycle (“Allbirds Materials - Tree: Our Natural & Sustainable Materials”) . This helps them reduce waste because they are not throwing away old material but instead, incorporating into their new products which are sold to its customers. The company also uses other recycled items such as recycled bottles to create the laces in their shoes (“Allbirds Materials - Tree: Our Natural & Sustainable Materials”). Everything used is a part of the closed loop process which ensures that all materials are constantly getting reduced, reused, and recycled, thus helping them achieve their goal of sustainability.

Waste Management:

The waste management process is the stage where the materials utilized in creating the product are no longer needed and get thrown away. In the United States, at least 300 million pairs of shoes end up in the landfill each year. Most people throw away their shoes every 125 to 200 days which is extremely harmful to the environment because shoes in landfills can take 30 to 40 years to decompose. During this process, harmful chemicals get released into the air and soil which causes pollution and harms the environment (“A Zero-waste Sneaker Recycling Company”). Allbirds strive to minimize waste as much as they can by sourcing natural and renewable resources, reusing products, and recycling old products that are no longer in use. Maximizing the use of natural resources and materials used helps reduce the amount of waste produced as a byproduct of manufacturing. The company also tries to extend a products’ life by selling gently used shoes from their customers. Allbirds ReRun allows customers to trade in gently used shoes for store credit while their shoes are sold to other buyers. This maximizes the life cycle of the shoes because the shoes get used for longer periods of time and less shoes are getting thrown away in the landfill.

Conclusion:

The Allbirds Wool Runner shoes approach to waste management demonstrates their commitment to sustainability through their innovative use of waste management strategies. They reduce, reuse and recycle materials throughout their production process and their packaging process as well. By using raw materials that are natural and renewable, they are able to produce their shoes with natural materials rather than having to create synthetic material to make shoes. Allbirds sets a standard for environmentally friendly fashion and minimizes negative environmental effects in the footwear industry.

Bibliography

2020 Sustainability Report, cdn.allbirds.com/image/upload/v1625161698/marketing-pages/Allbirds_Sustainability_Report_2020.pdf. Accessed 4 June 2024. 

“A Zero-Waste Sneaker Recycling Company.” GotSneakers, 22 May 2024, gotsneakers.com/#:~:text=In%20the%20United%20States%2C%20at,own%20a%20pair%20of%20shoes. 

“Allbirds Materials - Sugar: Our Natural Materials for Flip Flops to Running Shoes.” Allbirds, www.allbirds.com/pages/our-materials-sugar. Accessed 4 June 2024. 

“Allbirds Materials - Tree: Our Natural & Sustainable Materials.” Allbirds, www.allbirds.com/pages/our-materials-tree. Accessed 4 June 2024. 

Allbirds Product Carbon Footprint Methodology, cdn.allbirds.com/image/upload/v1628280054/marketing-pages/Allbirds_Product_Carbon_Footprint_Methodology.pdf. Accessed 4 June 2024. 

“Allbirds Regenerative Agriculture - Sustainable Practices: Goals, Activities, Why We Care.” Allbirds, www.allbirds.com/pages/regenerative-agriculture. Accessed 4 June 2024. 

Brilleman, Sam. “Which Baselayer Material Is Best? Merino Wool vs Synthetics.” Ultimate Gear Lists, www.ultimategearlists.com/advice/baselayers-merino-wool-vs-synthetic#:~:text=Merino%20wool%20is%20a%20natural,perfect%20materials%20for%20hiking%20clothing. Accessed 4 June 2024. 

Brilleman, Sam. “Which Baselayer Material Is Best? Merino Wool vs Synthetics.” Ultimate Gear Lists, www.ultimategearlists.com/advice/baselayers-merino-wool-vs-synthetic#:~:text=Merino%20wool%20is%20a%20natural,perfect%20materials%20for%20hiking%20clothing. Accessed 4 June 2024. 

DiNapoli, Tess. “Global Shoe Waste: The Environmental Impact of Footwear.” Unsustainable, 10 Feb. 2024, www.unsustainablemagazine.com/global-shoe-waste/. 

“How to Care for Your Shoes: Cleaning & Repair.” Allbirds, www.allbirds.com/pages/shoe-care. Accessed 4 June 2024. 

Kwak, Kiho, Dongyoup Kim, and Chan Heo. "Sustainable innovation in a low-and medium-tech sector: Evidence from an SME in the footwear industry." Journal of Cleaner Production 397 (2023): 136399.

“Our Story: Sustainable Shoes & Apparel.” Allbirds, www.allbirds.com/pages/our-story. Accessed 4 June 2024. 

“Saving Merino Wool from Waste.” Smartwool® - Merino Wool Outdoor Clothing, Socks & Accessories, www.smartwool.com/blog/smartloft-recycled-wool-insulation.html. Accessed 4 June 2024. 

Sherman, Herbert. "Allbirds: A Strategic Analysis-Nicole Chan, Alpha Theory Author Details."

“Sustainability Guide & Practices.” Allbirds, www.allbirds.com/pages/sustainable-practices#beginnings. Accessed 4 June 2024.