Sustainability

A JOURNEY TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainability has been at the heart of Apex since almost day one. Starting with designing our first factory in 1990 to bring in natural light to LED lighting in our stores, eliminating plastic in our packaging, LWG certification, air quality checks in the factory, and our own water filtration and supply system. We have come to understand that Sustainability is a journey, not a Destination.

Three in every five items bought today are globally thrown away within a year. Moreover, every second, one garbage truck full of textiles is burned or sent to landfills, causing pollution, and like this, the fashion industry causes 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, being a part of the fashion industry, we believe we also contribute to climate change. Hence, we must step forward and take initiatives to minimize our negative contribution towards climate change because we believe, “We should start changing so that the Climate does not”.

Our Commitment

Sustainability has been at the heart of Apex since almost day one. Starting with designing our first factory in 1990 to bring in natural light to LED lighting in our stores, eliminating plastic in our packaging, LWG certification, air quality checks in the factory, and our own water filtration and supply system. We have come to understand that Sustainability is a journey, not a Destination.

Three in every five items bought today are globally thrown away within a year. Moreover, every second, one garbage truck full of textiles is burned or sent to landfills, causing pollution, and like this, the fashion industry causes 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, being a part of the fashion industry, we believe we also contribute to climate change. Hence, we must step forward and take initiatives to minimize our negative contribution towards climate change because we believe, “We should start changing so that the Climate does not”.

Environmental Responsibility

We strive to influence society not only through fashion but also through our environmental responsibility. This is why we are taking concrete and ambitious actions for the climate. Because we only have one planet.

We pay attention to our environmental responsibility to keep up with and drive progressive, sustainable footwear manufacturing practices. This includes focusing on production processes that have less impact on the environment, waste treatment, and distribution processes.

We believe a business can only sustain itself in the long run through honesty and transparency. Therefore, while setting our future goals, we tried to keep our initiatives well-aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Wastewater Management

We are committed to achieving “Clean Water and Sanitation for all” and have taken initiatives to reduce water consumption. Part of these efforts includes an Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) on our tannery premises; a sustainable process of water saving and consumption, and saving groundwater from pollution. The ETP converts, treats, and filters hazardous chemically mixed water, to clean drinking and usage water. We have also started rainwater harvesting in order to conserve rainwater for reuse and reduce overall water consumption and waste.

Chrome Recovery Plant

A notable highlight of our sustainability initiatives is the establishment of the first functional chrome recovery plant in Bangladesh. This innovative plant is designed to recover and recycle chrome, a common element used in leather tanning processes. By efficiently recovering chrome, we aim to minimize our environmental impact and set a precedent for sustainable practices within the industry.

Energy Consumption

At Apex, we recognize the significance of energy consumption and its environmental implications. In a determined effort to reduce its carbon footprint, we actively aim to reduce energy consumption by 50%. This is achieved through the widespread replacement of traditional incandescent and tube lights with energy-efficient LED lights. The complete transition to LED lighting not only significantly reduces energy consumption but also contributes to prolonged light source lifespans, thereby reducing the frequency of replacements.

Solid Waste Management

Managing waste properly is essential for building sustainable and livable cities, but it remains a challenge for many developing countries and cities. As a responsible manufacturer, Apex is committed to giving high priority to all kinds of environmental impacts when managing waste. As such we prioritize environmentally conscious solid waste management practices.

Our commitment to this aspect is evident in our comprehensive approach to waste reduction, recycling, and reuse. We place a strong emphasis on minimizing waste generation at the source. Waste materials are systematically sorted and categorized for potential recycling or repurposing, ensuring that waste is managed efficiently and sustainably.

Reduction of Air and Sound Pollution

Recognizing the need to mitigate air and sound pollution, Apex has invested in a centralized power management and distribution system. By optimizing power usage and distribution, the company not only minimizes energy waste but also reduces emissions and noise associated with power generation and distribution.

Recycle and Reuse

At the heart of our waste management strategy lies the 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) policy. This policy is aligned with the national waste management objectives and focuses on achieving zero waste disposal in open dumps, rivers, and flood plains. Mandatory waste segregation at the source is a pivotal aspect of this strategy, promoting efficient recycling and reducing the burden on landfills. Apex integrates the principles of the national 3R policy into its operations, demonstrating a firm commitment to responsible waste management.

Solar System

Apex Footwear Limited has taken a significant step towards sustainable energy by installing a 50 KW solar system within its factory premises. This solar system harnesses clean and renewable energy from the sun, contributing to the overall reduction of the factory’s reliance on non-renewable energy sources.

Environmental Practices

With the increasing severity of climate change damage, it is critical that every sphere of society take the initiative to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in order to contribute to the limitation of global warming.

At the same time, it is critical to consider material impacts at every level of any organization. Apex recognizes the importance of responsible consumption and production from the start in order to build a sustainable and responsible business.

Apex sets high standards for environmental stewardship. These goals are related to its administrative facilities, manufacturing facilities, retail store planning and operation, and logistics. As a responsible corporate citizen, we are committed to protecting people, natural resources, and the local and global environment.

Commitment to Environmental Management

Our dedication to environmental management drives us to continually minimize any adverse impact our operations may have on the environment. Our environmental management system is built on a foundation of compliance with environmental laws and regulations, which play an essential role in our sustainable practices.

Sustainable Footwear Manufacturing

At Apex, we take our environmental responsibilities seriously as we lead the way in progressive and sustainable footwear manufacturing. We are committed to ensuring remarkable environmental safety and pollution prevention through adherence to global standards. Our operational guidelines are aligned with the best practices in the industry, encompassing eco-friendly production processes, efficient waste management, and responsible distribution methods.

Pioneering Sustainability in Tannery Operations

Apex takes pride in being the first tannery in Bangladesh to adopt the groundbreaking Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) system, earning recognition from the Leather Working Group (LWG). Our tannery unit has earned the esteemed “LWG Gold” rating, boasting 100% traceability and physical marking, setting us apart as the sole achiever of 100% traceability within Bangladesh’s footwear industry. LWG, a collaborative effort of brands, manufacturers, technical experts, and suppliers, sets the standard for environmental stewardship in leather manufacturing.

Empowering Resource Responsibility

Apex is resolute in its pursuit of responsible natural resource management. By setting ambitious targets for consumption reduction, including energy, emissions, water, and reusable materials, we aim to achieve significant milestones by 2025. Our objectives entail a 15% reduction in energy consumption, a 12% decrease in CO2 emissions, and a 15% decline in water usage pertaining to our production processes.

A Network of Responsibility

We proudly boast a robust network of suppliers, carefully selected to align with our sustainability goals. Among our esteemed suppliers for raw materials, 18 have seamlessly integrated environmental audits and certifications into their operations. This not only reflects their dedication but also reaffirms our collective commitment to responsible sourcing.

Creating Sustainable Value Through a Responsible Supply Chain

At Apex, we recognize the power of a sustainable supply chain in not only enhancing value creation but also contributing to a more environmentally conscious and ethical business landscape. Ensuring the sustainability of our value chain is a paramount goal, and this hinges on our ability to monitor and align our supplier’s strategies with our core company values.

We believe that a truly sustainable supply chain is one where every link resonates with our commitment to responsible business practices. That’s why we go beyond the conventional approach and proactively monitor our suppliers’ business strategies. We ensure that their endeavours are harmonized with our company’s vision, creating a synergy that extends beyond the bottom line.

In our pursuit of sustainability, we leave no room for complacency. Our commitment extends to stringent actions and thorough monitoring within our organization. This commitment isn’t confined within our walls – we actively seek out responsible suppliers who share our passion for sustainability. Our dedication to a greener future is embodied in every facet of our operation, from sourcing to delivery.

Leather Sustainability

We understand that sustainability transcends industry boundaries. In our leather sourcing, we’ve forged partnerships exclusively with suppliers who carry the Leather Working Group (LWG) certification. This seal of approval ensures that the wet blue leathers we procure uphold the highest standards of environmental consciousness. What’s more, our LWG-certified suppliers guarantee an impressive 100% traceability, adding an additional layer of transparency that is tangibly enforced.

Championing Sustainability Through Thoughtful Material Choices

At Apex Footwear, we understand the profound impact our choices today have on the world we pass down to future generations. That’s why we’re committed to embracing sustainable materials and practices that align with our mission to create a better tomorrow. From the heart of our production processes to the soul of our products, sustainability is at the core of everything we do.

Empowering Change through Recycling

Recycling materials isn’t just a practice; it’s a promise to safeguard our planet’s future. At Apex, we proudly craft new products while breathing new life into existing ones. By doing so, we’re directly reducing the demand for environmentally taxing processes like resource extraction, refining, and raw material processing. These processes often come with a heavy toll in the form of air and water pollution. Through recycling, we save energy and curtail greenhouse gas emissions, taking a meaningful step towards mitigating climate change.

Elevating Sustainability through Materials

From pioneering materials to reimagining recycling, our journey to sustainability is marked by innovation. We’re ceaselessly exploring avenues for improved manufacturing processes and materials that are kinder to both people and the planet. While leather remains an essential natural material in our products, we’re committed to sourcing it with accountability and transparency. Our dedication to full traceability ensures that the leather used in our products comes from tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group, reinforcing our commitment to ethical practices.

Ethical Sourcing

Our pursuit of sustainability extends beyond materials alone. We hold our suppliers to the highest standards, partnering only with those who share our ethical values. Our raw materials are sourced with meticulous care to align with our environmental responsibilities, ensuring that each step of our supply chain embodies the principles we stand for.

Quality and Durability

We believe that true sustainability rests in creating products built to last. Through unwavering dedication to quality craftsmanship and durable materials, we design footwear that stands the test of time. By reducing the need for frequent replacements, we minimize waste and the environmental impact associated with disposability.

Embracing the Future with Innovative Materials

Innovation drives our commitment to sustainability. We’re not only adopting recycled materials and eco-friendly alternatives but also harnessing cutting-edge technologies that challenge our reliance on virgin resources. This holistic approach redefines how we create footwear, paving the way for a more conscious and responsible industry.

At Apex, sustainability is not just a buzzword; it’s a way of conducting business that enriches value, preserves our planet, and stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to a brighter, greener future.

Campaigns and Initiatives

Plastic To Products – A Step Towards Sustainable Product Development

Around 8 million tons of plastic enter our oceans every year and about 80% of this debris sinks into the ocean’s ecosystem, releasing toxins and polluting underwater life.

In our efforts to reduce plastic pollution, and as part of our ongoing initiative toward sustainable product development to impact life below water and on land, Sprint from the house of Apex launched Plastics to Products” – the first-ever sustainable performance shoe collection.

As a step toward a better world and to help prevent plastic pollution, the performance collection is crafted from recycled PET bottles that have been transformed into plastic threads to create the upper material of each pair; utilizing used plastic bottles dumped in landfills and oceans in the most sustainable way.