Metro Brands' Green Footprint: Transforming Old Footwear into Sustainable Gold

Metro Brands Limited, one of India's largest footwear retailers, has launched an eco-friendly initiative to process old, discarded footwear. Partnering with ReCircle since 2021, they aim to reduce landfill waste and promote a circular economy. The initiative has seen significant progress, with 50% of discarded footwear processed by FY 2023–24.

Metro Brands Limited, a leading Indian footwear retailer, has embarked on an innovative journey to recycle old, discarded footwear in an environmentally responsible manner. Together with ReCircle and other partners, this initiative aligns with global climate action priorities, seeking to cut down on landfill waste and champion a circular economy.

The footwear industry's fast-paced growth over the years has significantly exacerbated environmental problems, with millions of shoes reaching landfills annually. Metro Brands and ReCircle have responded robustly; in just three fiscal years, they have increased their eco-friendly footwear processing coverage from 5% to 50% of their sold products. ReCircle alone managed 1300 tons of discarded footwear during this period.

Aziz Fidai, Head of CSR and Sustainability at Metro Brands, emphasized the company’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. Rahul Nainani, CEO of ReCircle, highlighted how the collaboration reaffirms the power of rethinking systems to drive meaningful, sustainable change. This initiative not only addresses significant environmental issues but also supports informal waste workers, boosting their earnings and contributing to job creation.