Advanced Sustainability *
Since 1908, Converse has stood at the intersection of sport, culture, and creativity. From the unmistakable silhouette of the Chuck Taylor All Star to today’s bold collaborations, the brand’s journey is stitched with stories of individuality and innovation. Rooted in American basketball heritage, Converse evolved into a global icon worn by rebels, artists, and game-changers who see the world differently.
As a brand with over a century of cultural relevance, Converse understands that legacy alone isn't enough. Innovation is essential—not only in design but also in the way products are made and used. The company has taken meaningful steps towards responsible material choices, longevity-focused product design, and transparency about its journey. Through its evolving initiatives, Converse is reimagining classic styles focusing on today’s priorities: durability, transparency, and reducing resource impact, one step at a time.
This means Converse are above average compared to other companies in the Apparel, Accessories & Footwear.
Converse positioning within the Apparel, Accessories & Footwear
The apparel and footwear industry faces complex sustainability hurdles. The impact is significant, from water-intensive processes and chemical pollution to unfair labour conditions and a lack of traceability. As global awareness grows, so does the demand for brands to take real responsibility — not only for their products but also for the systems behind them. Transparency, ethical production and resource efficiency are no longer optional; they are essential for building trust and lasting value.
Converse has taken notable steps to reduce its environmental footprint and support people across its supply chain. The brand invests in materials with lower resource impact and promotes inclusive programmes that give back to local communities. Converse performs above industry averages regarding environmental and social practices, clearly intending to improve and engage. There's room to grow in governance and the policies and accountability behind its promises. But the direction is positive, and Converse is showing up where it matters most: in the lives of its customers, workers, and the planet.
Converse creates footwear, apparel and accessories that celebrate originality and self-expression. Best known for its iconic Chuck Taylor All Star and One Star trainers, the brand blends timeless design with seasonal updates and creative collaborations. From everyday essentials to limited edition drops, Converse offers options for all ages and styles, with comfort, culture and personal style at the heart of every product.
Converse is working to make sustainability more accessible, not a luxury add-on. The brand is building products with purpose by using recycled materials in key product lines like the Renew series and introducing designs that extend product lifespan. These innovations are offered at prices that respect everyday budgets, so consumers don’t have to choose between cost and conscious shopping. It’s a growing effort, not a finished story — but one rooted in clear intentions and tangible changes that anyone can wear with confidence.
Converse is shaping a future where iconic design and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. The brand is weaving sustainability into the fabric of its business, from choosing recycled and responsibly sourced materials to designing with durability in mind. These actions are part of a broader effort to reduce impact without compromising style.
Beyond materials, Converse supports community-led initiatives and champions inclusive platforms that amplify diverse voices. Its social impact work reflects a brand that listens and acts. Converse is committed to ethical decision-making and greater transparency in how it operates. While there’s more to do, these efforts reveal a brand working to earn trust, not just attention. Converse is not just making what’s next — it’s working to improve it for people and the planet.
Converse is making solid progress towards reducing its environmental footprint. The brand shows strength in managing energy use, prioritising more sustainable sources across operations. Its work in waste reduction also stands out — from smarter packaging choices to better handling of hazardous materials, Converse is building cleaner systems behind the scenes.
The brand continues to explore new environmental opportunities, integrating low-impact materials and exploring circular solutions. Yet, challenges remain. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a key area where deeper progress is still needed. Similarly, while Converse acknowledges climate-related risks, this is a space where more detailed planning and disclosure would build further confidence. The journey is ongoing, but with clear commitments and visible action, Converse is stepping in the right direction.
Converse’s approach to social sustainability is grounded in meaningful action. The brand invests in communities through long-standing philanthropic partnerships and local programmes that uplift young creatives and underrepresented voices. This commitment to social impact isn’t an afterthought — it’s part of the brand’s identity.
Internally, Converse maintains strong standards for product quality, ensuring that what’s offered reflects care, consistency, and trust. Its focus on inclusivity is also clear, with ongoing work to create a diverse and welcoming culture across its teams and campaigns. One area with room to grow is supplier engagement — deepening relationships throughout the supply chain could strengthen transparency and fairness where it matters most. Still, Converse shows it is serious about doing better by people, both inside and outside the brand.
Converse shows a clear commitment to responsible governance — the systems and decisions behind how the business is run. Strong corporate compliance is a core strength, with policies in place to ensure that ethical standards and regulatory expectations are consistently met. This accountability supports a culture of integrity and reinforces trust with customers, partners, and communities.
That said, Converse has room to go further when it comes to resilience—how the business adapts to change and prepares for future challenges. Strengthening these areas would help ensure that sustainability progress isn’t just current but future-ready. As environmental and social expectations evolve, so too must the ways brands lead. Converse is building that foundation, with opportunities to make it even stronger.
Converse stands apart by blending cultural legacy with personal style and purpose-driven design. The brand’s USP lies in its iconic status — shoes that have transcended generations, now reimagined with sustainability in mind. Whether through classic silhouettes made with recycled materials or modern collaborations championing creativity and inclusivity, Converse delivers more than just footwear. It offers a canvas for self-expression that evolves with the times. For shoppers seeking style with substance, Converse offers a bold, recognisable choice that carries a commitment to responsible design without losing its edge or authenticity.
Converse is making visible efforts to tread more lightly on the planet, while staying true to its creative roots. From using recycled canvas in classic styles to backing inclusive community projects, the brand shows that style and sustainability can walk side by side. It’s not perfect, but it’s honest, evolving, and open about where it’s heading.
Quick Guide: How to Shop Lower-Impact with Converse
Choosing Converse means choosing heritage with a conscience. Every purchase signals that transparency, fair practices and lower-impact materials matter. And that’s a step worth celebrating.
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