CLARKS

Introduction

CLARKS is a footwear brand that has its roots in the humble beginnings of two brothers, Cyrus and James Clark, who founded the company in 1825 in Street, Somerset, England. Initially focused on creating shearling slippers, the brand quickly grew in scope and ambition, evolving with the changing times while maintaining a commitment to quality craftsmanship. Over the years, CLARKS established itself as a pioneer in shoe design and manufacturing, often incorporating innovative technologies that enhance comfort and style.

The philosophy of CLARKS revolves around the idea of providing exceptional comfort and distinctive designs that cater to a wide range of consumers. The brand's dedication to quality is evident in the materials it uses, often combining traditional methods with modern manufacturing techniques. This ensures that each pair of shoes not only looks good but also feels great. They focus on creating footwear that is both timeless and relevant, making CLARKS a popular choice for various occasions – from casual outings to formal events.

What makes CLARKS special is its ability to blend classic designs with contemporary lifestyle needs. The brand enjoys a reputation for durability and comfort while continually embracing fashion trends, ensuring that it appeals to various demographics. Their commitment to sustainability is another aspect that sets them apart, as they strive to minimize their environmental impact through eco-friendly practices in materials and production. This combination of tradition, innovation, and social responsibility helps CLARKS remain a beloved choice among footwear enthusiasts.

Signature Products

CLARKS products are emblematic of the brand's dedication to craftsmanship, comfort, and style. Each piece reflects the core values that have been instilled since its inception, appealing to a broad audience.

• Desert Boot : A classic silhouette introduced in the 1940s, characterized by its unlined leather upper and spacious fit, perfect for casual and formal wear alike.
• Wallabee : Known for its distinctive moccasin construction and crepe sole, this shoe offers unparalleled comfort and a laid-back aesthetic.
• Trigenic Flex : A modern design that merges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary technologies, providing flexibility and cushioning for maximum comfort.
• Stinson : A versatile casual shoe combining sleek looks with advanced comfort features, designed for everyday wear.
• Natasha : A chic women's shoe that balances style and functionality, perfect for both office settings and casual outings.

Materials and Ingredients Used by CLARKS

• Suede : Suede is a type of leather with a soft, napped finish. It is often used by CLARKS for the upper parts of their footwear, providing a stylish and luxurious texture that enhances comfort and breathability, making it suitable for casual and formal designs.
• Rubber : Rubber is a flexible and durable material commonly used for outsoles. CLARKS utilizes rubber in their shoes to offer excellent grip and insulation, ensuring that their footwear is functional for various terrains and weather conditions.
• Lace : Lace is a thin cord or string, often made from textile fibers, used for fastening shoes. CLARKS incorporates lace in their designs to provide easy adjustability and a secure fit, allowing for customization based on comfort preferences.
• Ethylene Vinyl Acetate : Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) is a lightweight and flexible polymer used in cushioned midsoles. CLARKS employs EVA in their footwear to enhance comfort and shock absorption, making their shoes suitable for extended wear.
• Leather : Leather is a durable material made from animal hides, known for its strength and adaptability. CLARKS uses leather in both functional and aesthetic elements of their footwear, providing longevity and a classic look that appeals to a wide audience.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From CLARKS

Water Consumption:

The production of various materials such as suede, cotton, and lace requires a significant amount of water. For instance, producing one kilogram of cotton can consume up to 20,000 liters of water, heavily straining water resources in arid regions. Tanning suede also involves extensive water usage, leading to the depletion of local water bodies. These practices affect both the environment and local communities who depend on these water sources for their daily needs.

Chemical Usage:

The use of chemicals in the production and processing of materials like suede, leather, and lace presents substantial environmental and health risks. In leather tanning, chemicals such as chromium are commonly used, which, if not managed properly, can cause severe water pollution, impacting aquatic life and contaminating drinking water resources. Workers often face exposure to hazardous substances, leading to long-term health issues.

Non-Biodegradability:

Materials like Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), polyester, and TPU are problematic due to their non-biodegradability. EVA, often used in footwear, does not decompose easily, leading to long-term environmental pollution. Similarly, polyester contributes to landfill waste and ocean microplastic pollution, profoundly affecting marine ecosystems.

Fossil Fuel Usage:

The production of synthetic materials such as EVA, polyester, and TPU relies on fossil fuel extraction and processing, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. For instance, the production of polyester is closely tied to the petrochemical industry, which is responsible for a significant portion of global carbon emissions, exacerbating the climate crisis.

Worker Health and Safety:

Manufacturing environments dealing with chemicals, such as those for suede, leather, and certain recycled materials, pose serious health risks to workers. Exposure to toxic substances like chromium in leather tanning processes can result in chronic health conditions, including respiratory and skin disorders. Ensuring robust health and safety protocols is critical to mitigating these impacts.

Animal Welfare:

Materials derived from animals, like leather and wool, raise concerns about animal welfare. In leather production, cattle are often raised in conditions that may not meet ethical standards. Wool production also raises concerns about the treatment of sheep, with practices like mulesing causing distress to animals. Promoting humane treatment and ethical sourcing is vital to addressing these issues.

Biodiversity Loss:

Materials like rubber and cork can lead to significant biodiversity loss. Rubber plantations often replace biodiverse rainforests, disrupting habitats and leading to the extinction of various species. Similarly, cork harvesting, if not done sustainably, can reduce forest cover and adversely affect the flora and fauna dependent on these ecosystems.

Carbon Footprint:

Transporting raw materials and finished products contributes significantly to the carbon footprint. For example, leather sourced from Brazil may involve deforestation and long-distance transportation to factories, each step adding to the carbon emissions. Similarly, the global supply chain for synthetic materials amplifies the overall environmental impact through fuel consumption in transit.

Soil Degradation:

Agricultural-based materials like cotton and wool can lead to soil degradation. Cotton farming often relies on monoculture practices, which deplete soil nutrients and necessitate heavy fertilizer use, leading to long-term soil health deterioration. Wool grazing can also degrade land if not managed sustainably, leading to erosion and habitat destruction.

Pesticide Use:

The heavy reliance on pesticides in cotton farming and some lace production can have far-reaching consequences. These chemicals can contaminate water bodies, affect non-target species, and pose health risks to agricultural workers. The long-term use of such substances can also lead to pesticide resistance, necessitating even stronger chemicals, further exacerbating the issue.

Energy Consumption:

Certain materials, particularly recycled ones, demand considerable energy for processing. Even though recycling is more sustainable than producing new materials, the energy-intensive recycling processes can negate some of the environmental benefits. For example, recycling plastics into polyester still involves significant energy use, often derived from non-renewable sources.

Land Degradation:

Wool and rubber production can lead to significant land degradation. Overgrazing for wool can erode soil and reduce its fertility. Rubber plantations, often established at the expense of tropical forests, lead to soil compaction and loss of forest cover, further exacerbating land degradation issues. Sustainable land management practices are essential to mitigate these effects.

By understanding and addressing these complex interactions within the supply chain, CLARKS and similar brands can better navigate the balance between industrial activity and environmental stewardship.