~ Leading the charge for environmental responsibility, one step at a time ~
One of the top and most reputable shoe retailers in India, Metro Brands Limited, has launched an innovative campaign to highlight its continued dedication to sustainability through the recycling of footwear. By giving used shoes a second chance at life and changing industry standards on waste and accountability, this project seeks to address the urgent environmental issues caused by discarded shoes.
Metro Brands’ CSR campaign highlights the growing issue of waste in the footwear industry with the tagline, “Your shoes won’t last forever, but neither will the world we walk on if we don’t care.” Millions of shoes that could be recycled are disposed of in landfills or pollute the ocean each year, worsening the state of the environment. Metro Brands emphasizes in this campaign the value of both individual and group action in tackling this issue.
Link of the campaign- https://youtu.be/EbA-ar2Np5g?si=jk3sX0GHeUfc1XnP
Commenting on the initiative, Nissan Joseph, Chief Executive Officer at Metro Brands Limited said, “At Metro Brands, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a responsibility we actively embrace. Through our eco-friendly processing of old, discarded footwear (ODF) project, we are taking meaningful steps to address environmental challenges while inspiring our customers to join us on this journey. By the end of this FY 24-25, we wish to achieve the goal of ‘1 Shoe Processed for 1 Shoe Sold’. Together, we can transform the way we think about waste and ensure a greener future for generations to come.”
Central to the campaign is the poignant story of Kiaan, a young boy whose cherished shoes have accompanied him through countless milestones—from triumphant soccer matches to unforgettable family outings. When these shoes could no longer keep up with his adventures, Kiaan chose to recycle them through Metro Brands, turning a simple act into a powerful statement of environmental responsibility. This narrative embodies the campaign’s core message: small, thoughtful actions can create a monumental impact. It encourages audiences to reimagine the lifecycle of their own footwear and embrace sustainable practices.
Metro Brands’ ODF initiative is more than just a promise—it is backed by measurable results:
- FY 2021-22: Sold 54 lakh footwears; processed 3 lakh pairs
- FY 2022-23: Sold 78 lakh footwears; processed 21 lakh pairs
- FY 2023-24: Sold 95 lakh footwears; processed 47 lakh pairs
- FY 2024-25 (Projected): To process equal number of footwears that we sell
These figures demonstrate Metro Brands’ steady progress and its pivotal role in mitigating the environmental footprint of the footwear industry. The campaign also seeks to foster a culture of sustainability among customers, urging them to rethink their relationship with products. Every pair of footwear processed represents a step toward a greener planet and a more sustainable future. As one of India’s largest footwear retailers, Metro Brands is uniquely positioned to lead by example. This campaign reaffirms the company’s commitment to balancing profitability with environmental stewardship. By aligning business goals with sustainability priorities, Metro Brands demonstrates that innovation and responsibility can coexist seamlessly.
With ambitious goals for FY 2024-25 and beyond, Metro Brands plans to expand its ODF program, scaling both its reach and impact. This forward-thinking approach solidifies its reputation as a pioneer in sustainability, proving that businesses can serve as catalysts for environmental change while maintaining growth and excellence.
