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Science is evolving, and with it, our understanding of climate change. An effective environmental strategy, therefore, will be one that can adapt to factual and current data — an approach that the ALDO Group has decided to invest in.

In 2013, the company officially embraced sustainability by calculating its scope 1 (direct greenhouse gas emissions), scope 2 (indirect emissions from energy use), and, starting in 2016, scope 3 (other indirect emissions) carbon footprint. This initiative led the company to become the world's first carbon-neutral footwear and fashion accessories company in 2018.

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At the time, based on the available information, it was the logical first step to take. Today, in light of scientific recommendations, the project has shifted towards an even more ambitious goal: achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. So, what's the difference between the two? Rather than offsetting greenhouse gas emissions through the purchase of carbon credits, in this new scenario, emissions will primarily be reduced at the source by 90% to 95%.

It is important to note that the company set a goal to reduce its scope 1 and 2 emissions by 60% by 2030, compared to its 2016 levels. As of now, this reduction has already reached 79% compared to the 2013 measurement.

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Now, the question everyone is asking: net-zero, but how? Currently, the group is in the process of developing its action plan for the next 27 years. To ensure that their initiatives will truly lead to the finish line, the company participates in coalitions such as the Fashion Pact or the UN Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action. From corporate vehicles to the shoes themselves, every aspect will need to be thoroughly examined.

One area in which the company is already heavily invested is the use of more sustainable textiles, from recycled polyester to waterborne polyurethane. Their leather is also certified by the Leather Working Group. The challenge becomes more complex when it comes to innovative fabrics like vegan leather, for example, whose consistency in quality is too uncertain to supply their 1500 retail locations, according to the company.

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The other major challenge for the ALDO Group is the circularity of its products. An interesting solution being explored is their collaboration with Give Back Box, an organization to which customers can send their unwanted shoes to be redistributed to various causes, including Dress For Success and The Salvation Army. The dream scenario? To one day find a partner capable of recycling every component of their shoes — an outlet that would completely change the game.

The distribution of this article is made possible by the contribution of Détail Québec, comité sectoriel de main-d'œuvre du commerce de détail.

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