Sustainability

Allbirds was founded with a clear purpose: to create products in a way that is better for people and better for the planet. Sustainability is not treated as a single initiative or short-term goal, but as a long-term responsibility that shapes how the company operates, designs products, and plans for the future. This commitment touches many areas, including climate action, ethical labor practices, animal welfare, renewable energy use, and the ongoing effort to reduce environmental impact as much as possible.

Addressing climate change is a central focus of this work. Allbirds approaches its climate responsibility through a structured strategy that begins with understanding impact, continues with reducing emissions wherever possible, and extends to supporting efforts that remove carbon from the atmosphere. By combining measurement, action, and collaboration, the company aims to move closer to a future where its products contribute minimal harm to the environment.

A key part of this strategy is measuring carbon emissions in a transparent and consistent way. The concept of a carbon footprint is treated like a scorecard that reflects accountability. By calculating emissions and making the results visible, Allbirds holds itself responsible for improvement over time. This footprint reflects the full life cycle of a product, capturing emissions across multiple stages rather than focusing on a single part of the process.

Material selection plays an important role in this measurement. Natural and renewable materials such as Merino wool, tree-based fibers, and sugarcane are used whenever possible. These materials are chosen not only for comfort and performance, but also for their ability to store or absorb carbon as they grow. While no material is impact-free, Allbirds believes that working with nature-based resources can help lower overall emissions compared to traditional petroleum-based alternatives.

Manufacturing is another significant contributor to environmental impact. Producing footwear requires energy, but the way that energy is used makes a difference. By partnering with manufacturers that prioritize efficiency and share similar values, Allbirds works to reduce emissions during production. Continuous improvements in processes, energy use, and waste reduction help lower the footprint associated with making each product.

Transportation is also carefully considered. Products travel from factories to distribution centers and then onward to customers around the world. In some cases, items are returned or exchanged, adding further movement. Every stage of transportation contributes to emissions, and Allbirds includes these impacts in its overall calculations. Understanding this full journey helps identify opportunities to improve logistics and reduce unnecessary environmental costs.

Product use is another area where customers play a role. Allbirds shoes are designed to be machine washable, but how they are cleaned matters. Washing with cold water and allowing shoes to air dry can significantly reduce energy use compared to hot washes and machine drying. These small choices help lower the product’s footprint over its lifetime while also extending durability.

The end of a product’s life is one of the most challenging sustainability issues. Many items eventually end up in landfills, where they can release greenhouse gases as they break down. While there is no perfect solution yet, Allbirds is working toward better outcomes. Programs such as ReRun and partnerships that keep shoes in circulation aim to extend product life and reduce waste, keeping materials in use for as long as possible.

Beyond emissions, Allbirds’ sustainability commitments extend into broader foundational areas. As a certified B Corporation since 2016, the company measures success not only by profit, but also by positive impact on people and communities. Operations span multiple countries, from the United States to New Zealand, Peru, Vietnam, Brazil, and beyond. As the company grows, it seeks to do so in partnership with suppliers and organizations that share a commitment to responsible practices.

Supporting carbon removal projects is another part of the long-term vision. While working toward reducing emissions internally, Allbirds also contributes to nature-based projects that help remove carbon from the atmosphere, especially those connected to its supply chain. Together, these efforts reflect an ongoing commitment to learning, improving, and taking responsibility for the impact of every step taken.