Footwear Supply Chain Sustainability: Going Green for ROI

Scott Hothem • August 31, 2015

Each year . The industry as a whole has in the past five years and that trend is expected to continue. At the same time, the landscape for how consumers are shopping for and purchasing shoes has changed. Shoppers now have more options, more demands that have resulted in shifting preferences from a focus on price to a focus on convenience. This new criteria is forcing supply chains across all industries to shift priorities and resources to meet these demands. Cost savings and operational efficiencies have taken a higher precedent than ever before. Simultaneously, becoming more environmentally responsible has come to the forefront for many companies as well. New technology, strategies and methods has made it not only possible for companies to turn their supply chains “green”, but also allowed them to capitalize on cost trimming opportunities and new process efficiencies. 


It is not uncommon for supply chain operations to account for 50-70% of a manufacturer’s total expenses. In a market where the hard costs of brick and mortar are competing with streamlined e-commerce outlets, a lean supply chain can create a dramatic competitive advantage. 


A recent report from Accenture and the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) took a closer look at the business value of instituting a sustainable supply chain. Supply chain sustainability was once considered a nicety, it would be ideal but wasn’t fiscally necessary. This report along with recent trends is showing a shift in opinion and application. Not only are there strategic advantages, but the return on these investments, and subsequent cost savings, is being realized faster than ever before.


Reduction in risk

70% of the study’s respondents identified a current or potential future environmental event that could directly impact their business. Reducing these risks with green initiatives is viewed as an effective mitigation strategy.


Innovation in services

With a sustainable supply chain, and the corresponding resources, more opportunities are available for sustainability related service offerings. This can create higher profit margins, as well as additional product offerings.


Premium pricing

By offering products and using sustainable processes, premium prices can be justified and offered as a result. These green alternatives can be supported with a higher market price, even if the hard costs haven’t increased or been recaptured.


Sustainability related investments’

  • Transportation use: 65% cite a payback period of less than one year.
  • Transportation fleet: 42% cite a payback period of less than one year.
  • Energy savings from process changes: 38% cite a payback period of less than one year.
  • Energy savings from infrastructure changes: 30% cite a payback period of less than one year. 40% within 3 years.


When it comes to sustainability, supply chain operations offer a wide range of opportunities. Aside from the beneficial environmental impact, there are definitive strategic and business advantages. Innovations like green package designs, low carbon products and sustainable services can not only save money, but actually increase revenues. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Centers has been recognized for their supply chain sustainability achievements. With experience and expertise in the footwear sector, for both retail and e-commerce, they craft customized logistics, fulfillment and transportation solutions. These solutions solve existing problems and create bottom-line opportunities.

FOOTWEAR LOGISTICS CASE STUDY

Recent Blog Posts

Team Tactacam Celebrates Go-Live With Team ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½
By Bryan Corbett May 9, 2025
ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Centers is excited to announce that Tactacam, the market leader in action and trail cameras for hunting, shooting, and outdoor enthusiasts, has officially launched operations with ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ as their 3PL provider.
By Katherine Wroth April 17, 2025
We’re nearly halfway through 2025, and eCommerce brands already feel the impact of major shifts in fulfillment, automation and consumer expectations. At ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Centers , we’re helping our partners stay agile and ahead of the curve. Here are four key trends and how ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ delivers solutions that make a difference. 1. Brands Are Prioritizing U.S.-Based Fulfillment More Than Ever With global shipping delays, rising tariffs and increased regulatory complexity, the need for a dependable U.S. 3PL partner has become a top priority for growing brands. Many are rethinking their footprint and shifting volume back onshore to reduce risk and increase speed to the customer. How ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ supports this: We operate over 25 strategically located fulfillment centers across the U.S., offering scalable support from coast to coast. Whether brands need to supplement an international setup or build a full domestic distribution strategy, we’re creating flexible models to meet their needs. What we’re hearing: More brands are asking for dual-node fulfillment strategies to shorten delivery windows and improve regional responsiveness, especially heading into peak season. 2. Smart Bundling is Beating the Shipping Rate Surge Shipping rates—especially for lightweight packages under one pound—continue to rise, with increases of 18–25% hitting hard in Q1 and Q2. Brands that haven’t yet adapted are seeing margin pressure grow. What ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ is doing: We’ve helped several partners redesign their packaging, consolidate SKUs into bundles and reconfigure order logic to optimize shipping brackets. Our fulfillment and support teams work with brands to test and implement smart bundling strategies that lower costs while driving customer value. Quick win: Bundling offsets shipping costs, boosts average order value and makes promotions more profitable. 3. Automation Is No Longer Optional Warehouse automation isn’t just for enterprise brands anymore. With labor challenges and service-level expectations higher than ever, automation has become a necessity, especially for brands navigating rapid growth. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½’s approach: We use automation in facilities where it makes the most significant operational impact. These aren’t million-dollar systems; they’re right-sized tools that improve accuracy, reduce cycle time and speed up fulfillment. What’s changed in 2025: Automation has become more plug-and-play and faster to implement, meaning brands can see ROI within months, not years. 4. Personalization Is Driving Loyalty (and Repeat Orders) In 2025, personalization has shifted from “nice to have” to a competitive necessity. Customers expect a tailored experience, from the products to the packaging they arrive in. What ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ delivers: We offer a full suite of value-added services, including embroidery, engraving, branded inserts, custom pack-outs and influencer kits. Whether you’re a luxury brand or a high-growth DTC company, we help create a fulfillment experience that feels on-brand and memorable. Why it matters now: As consumer spending tightens, brands that deliver on the details see higher customer lifetime value and stronger repeat purchase behavior. Looking for a True Partner—Not Just a Provider? The pace of 2025 isn’t slowing down. If your current 3PL isn’t keeping up, it may be time for a change. At ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, we combine hands-on operational excellence with strategic insight to help brands scale smarter.  Let’s talk—schedule your complimentary supply chain consultation here.
By Katherine Wroth April 14, 2025
Not Just a Vendor. A Partner Who Gets It.
More Posts