Steve Madden, the New York-based fashion accessory company, launched a sub-brand ‘Cool Planet’ this week. This sub-brand is committed to making sustainable footwear affordable. The first collection of this brand consists of 19 casual sneakers and sandals which are all made using renewable, recycled and environmentally preferred materials. 

Gregg Meyer, VP of corporate social responsibility at Steve Madden said that typically a sustainable product is priced at a high end, hence through fashion footwear, they want to offer consumers an opportunity to participate in the space.

Steve Madden, founder and creative/design chief of Steve Madden, added that Cool Planet's look and the vibe is just that: cool. And he felt glad about what they are doing on their part to protect the environment. Along with the sustainable element in the shoe, to ensure human rights are protected along with the environment each shoe is manufactured in audited third-party factories. 

The launch of a new collection marks an ambitious new chapter for the company, although the collection is just a sub-brand now. Through Cool Planet, Steve Madden is provided with the opportunity to develop new approaches to sustainable manufacturing that will eventually be combined into the whole store, including the flagship brand Steve Madden. Ed Rosenfeld, CEO said that it takes time for retooling the global supply chain to produce sustainable products but to test innovative approaches and materials, Cool Planet gives them an immediate avenue that can then be utilized in the rest of their business.

Cool Planet is also collaborating with One Tree Planted which is a non-profit organization committed to reforestation efforts globally. To help repopulate forests in vital need of renewal, Cool Planet will plant a tree for every pair of shoes purchased. 

Meyer said that they felt excited about this partnership. Through this partnership, they would be able to line their customers along with their sustainability journey and provide them the chance to share in the experience of directly and positively impacting the planet.