Earth Day Reflection: Why SMEs Must Lead the Sustainability Movement

The Startling Truth About Carbon Emissions 

I recently came across a startling statistic that stated SMEs (small and medium enterprises with less than 250 employees) are responsible for 60–70% of the world’s industrial carbon emissions. It’s a surprising statistic that challenges the common narrative, and I had to re-read, digest, and do some further research.

Surely industries such as oil, gas, and aviation contribute far more than 30–40% of carbon emissions globally? Just a quick Google tells me that the fossil‑fuels sector is the most polluting in the world, followed by transport.

SMEs: The Hidden Giants of Global Emissions 

At first glance, the number feels counterintuitive. How could SMEs – including your local window cleaner and milkman, the corner shop and coffee shop, and the independent boutique – contribute more to global emissions than global giants? The answer must be scale. There are over 400 million SMEs worldwide, and while each one may have a small footprint individually, the cumulative effect is massive.

Whether or not this stat is accurate, one thing is for certain: the conversation around sustainability has never been more critical, and the message is clear. Every business, no matter the size, has a role to play in building a more sustainable future.

Our Commitment to Sustainability at Cocorose London 

Over the years, I’ve become much more aware of the impact that my actions have on our planet, and I’ve learned a few things about sustainability within our business too. Every choice we make—whether as individuals or as a company—has an impact. Although I feel we’ve put in place some incredible initiatives to help us on our path toward a greener future, there’s still so much more to do. It really is a continuous journey of learning and improvement—and we know this journey will never end.

From the outset, we’ve proudly championed hand‑crafted, small‑batch production to reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing. By not over‑producing, we minimise material waste and excess inventory. It also gives us greater control over our manufacturing process, as we’re able to closely monitor every step, ensuring resources are used efficiently and catching any potential quality issues early—thereby preventing waste.

Although small‑batch production is more costly and can be frustrating when inventory sells out more quickly, this approach gives us a more sustainable business model over the long run. Not only does it help with cash flow, but it also promotes stronger relationships with our partners, as we can schedule regular production runs and support a consistent labour workforce.

A cornerstone of our sustainability efforts lies in our material choices. We prioritise quality leathers sourced from the food industry, supporting the circular economy and repurposing what would otherwise be waste material.

Leather is widely known for its biodegradability and durability. Unlike synthetic materials, leather decomposes naturally over time, significantly reducing its environmental footprint. Additionally, its durability ensures that products made from it have a longer lifespan, promoting a culture of reuse and repair.

We also recognise the importance of researching and exploring planet-friendly, plant-based leathers, which align with vegan and eco-lifestyles, offering a responsible alternative for those seeking non-leather trainers.

Our recent Kew project features trainers made from organic cactus leather and recycled materials, exemplifying our dedication to innovation and sustainability.

The use of this material within British footwear is innovative, groundbreaking, and a watershed moment in footwear production.

Kew epitomises the fashion industry’s shift towards circularity, with full recyclability at the end of life, and helps mitigate climate change. With this plant-based leather created from cactus leaves, we can tap into a wholly sustainable resource and simultaneously support cactus production, which itself aids in combating climate change (just 14 acres absorb 8,100 tonnes of carbon annually). Cacti also naturally regenerate the soil and require minimal irrigation, thriving even in drought conditions.

Our product range is beautifully packaged in recycled and recyclable packaging and presentation boxes.

At the end of life, our customers have the opportunity to return their Cocorose shoes for recycling in exchange for Rosebud loyalty points. Our shoe recycling scheme, in collaboration with First Mile Charity, ensures that every pre-loved pair of shoes is responsibly recycled, preventing them from ending up in landfill.

Recycling is crucial for the environment because it reduces the demand for raw materials, conserves energy, and minimises the amount of waste sent to landfill. This, in turn, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and mitigates the impact of climate change. So, if you have a well-loved and used pair, you can return it to us using our reuse and recycle scheme here.

One of the most effective strategies in combating the climate crisis and maintaining global temperatures below the critical threshold of 1.5°C is through extensive tree planting initiatives. Trees not only serve as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere, but they also play a pivotal role in preventing ecological collapse by preserving biodiversity and stabilising ecosystems.

We partner with Ecologi to plant a tree for every order received. Through this partnership, we contribute directly to reforestation efforts and offset carbon emissions. With the invaluable support of our Cocorosers, we’ve already made significant, tangible strides towards a greener, more sustainable future.

Sustainability is also about social responsibility. We proudly support the Honeypot Children's Charity, which helps young carers aged 5–12 years old across the UK who bear the heavy load of caring for a loved one, often single-handedly. Our Honeypot collection directly raises vital funds to support the work that The Honeypot Children’s Charity undertakes.

Join the Movement Toward a Greener Future 

Our journey towards a greener future is ongoing, and we continuously seek new ways to improve. From responsible sourcing to innovative materials and community partnerships, we are proud to lead the charge towards a more sustainable fashion industry, one step at a time.

As consumers, your choices matter. By supporting purpose-driven brands, you're helping shape a better world.

This Earth Day and beyond, let’s move forward—one conscious step at a time.