Footwear brand Vans has introduced VR3 accreditation, a new in-house certification that denotes footwear and apparel made of at least 30% regenerative, sustainably sourced, renewable, and/or recycled materials.

Vans claims that its new VR3 Accreditation is a significant step forward in providing greater openness to consumers about how, where, and what its goods are made of.

Vans footwear, gear, and accessories with the VR3 Checkerboard Globe Logo are made of at least 30% regenerative, ethically sourced, renewable, and/or recycled materials, whether purchased in-store or online.

The decision comes after the company committed a set of worldwide sustainability pledges in April of last year, with the goal of developing circular products and systems that use regenerative and recycled materials, reducing waste, and keeping items in use and out of landfills.

Vans stated at the time that it recognizes the need of moving toward circular products and will install systems that eliminate waste in tandem, assisting the UN in attaining the organization's Sustainable Development Goal 12 to promote responsible consumption and production practices.

It intends to meet worldwide commitments to environmental sustainability and responsibility by 2030. Among them is a vow that all of Van's top materials, including as rubber, cotton, leather, and polyester, will be regenerative, responsibly sourced, renewable, or recycled.

Vans, meanwhile, has opened a new global sustainability headquarters. The sustainability hub will serve as a dedicated location where consumers can learn more about sustainable products, materials, commitments, goals, and ways in which Vans is adapting its business to be more sustainably focused as part of its ongoing commitment to creating sustainable products in pursuit of a lower-carbon future.

The brand says the hub will help to amplify and reinforce Vans' efforts to reduce its overall footprint by 2030.