KEEN Footwear Receives Prestigious Good Housekeeping 2021 Sustainability Innovation Award for PFC Free, Detox The Planet Initiative
PFCs/PFAS, a class of approximately 5,000 fluorinated chemicals also known as “permanent chemicals,” are often used in water-repellent finishes for everyday products. These toxic chemicals enter the environment where the chemicals, components, and finished products are made, through contaminated water or waste, and spread easily, posing health risks to humans and animals. .
In 2014, KEEN made a commitment to eliminate PFCs from its supply chain and successfully eliminated PFCs across its entire footwear line in 2018. This year, KEEN opened its process to become PFC-free through its Green Paper: The Path to PFC-Free Footwear, so that other brands can follow the same course faster and more efficiently. Product developers can visit www.vivefootwear.com/Detox to see the details of the detox process.
“Being recognized for these efforts by Good Housekeeping underscores the importance of this issue,” said Erik Burbank Vice President of KEEN Effect. “Our journey to eliminate these chemicals has been a top priority at KEEN. PFCs/PFAS are so prevalent that they bioaccumulate and don’t break down, which is why they’re called forever chemicals. The goal of KEEN is not only to eliminate these toxins from our line, but also to help other brands do the same.We have a proven method of replacing these chemicals with safe, affordable and effective alternatives, and we want share this knowledge to protect people and the planet.
Established in 2014, KEEN’s Detox the Planet Initiative was created to take proactive action against harmful chemicals in its supply chain by identifying them, removing them and replacing them with safe and effective alternatives. Committed to eliminating everything that shouldn’t be in its products and discovering eco-friendly alternatives, 100% of KEEN’s leather comes from zero liquid waste tanneries, as its designers eliminated antimicrobial chemicals and biocides dangerous from their soles. The brand continues to aggressively pursue innovative solutions, including waste harvesting and recycling, to use the earth’s resources wisely and reduce KEEN’s overall impact on the planet. To learn more about the KEEN effect, visit www.keenfootwear.com/the-keen-effect.html
About KEEN:
Driven by a passion to make the outdoors and jobs accessible to everyone, KEEN is a values-based family shoe brand Portland, OR is committed to creating original and versatile products, enhancing lives and inspiring adventures outdoors. Founded in 2003, it started a revolution in the industry with the launch of the Newport adventure sandal. He continues to launch game-changing products and set new standards for performance, comfort and design while actively working on Detox the Planet. The brand formalized its commitment values under The KEEN Effect banner. Learn more about www.keenfootwear.com and www.keenfootwear.com/the-keen-effect/
SOURCE KEEN, Inc.