Schuh launches recycling initiative with incentives

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Nov 5, 2019

Footwear chain Schuh has launched a Sell Your Soles initiative in a deal with Recyclatex. It encourages customers nationwide to recycle their unwanted shoes, no matter where they’re from, as long as they’re in a wearable condition.

Its just the latest in a long series of recycling projects that have been launched by companies at all price levels in recent periods as consumers demand action and the industry becomes more aware of the need to be sustainable.

For every pair donated, customers will receive a £5 voucher redeemable against full-priced items. And it’s happening in all of the firm’s 130 stores in the UK and Ireland as part of its wider commitment to operating sustainably. 

Recyclatex is one of the textile reuse experts that are becoming increasingly important to the industry in the face of the eco revolution and it will collect all donations weekly, resulting in a massive 98% of all components and materials being recycled. 

For every tonne collected, it will make a payment to Schuh which, in turn, will donate this to sustainable charity World Land Trust. 

MD Colin Temple said: “As a fashion retailer, we recognise the importance of protecting the environment and are on a mission to proactively find new ways to operate sustainably.”

The company is heavily focused on driving through various initiatives around eco and other important issues, and earlier this year it formalised Purpose Pillars “that support the brand’s culture of diversity, self expression and inclusivity". These include Mental Health Awareness, LGBTQ+, Fostering Young Talent and Sustainability, with each pillar supported by an internal committee consisting of representatives across the business.