U.S. publication Good Housekeeping has honored Portland, Oregon-based brand Keen with the Good Housekeeping 2021 Sustainability Innovation Award for its Detox the Planet initiative, launched in 2014, which aims to ensure the brand completely eliminates perfluorochemicals (PFCs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from its footwear. These so-called “eternal chemicals” are commonly used in water-repellent finishes on everyday products and enter the environment where the chemicals, components and finished products are manufactured through contaminated water or waste, spreading easily and posing a health risk to humans and animals. In 2014, Keen committed to eliminating PFCs from its supply chain, and in 2018 successfully transitioned its entire footwear line to PFC-free. This year, Keen disclosed its process to transition to PFC-free in its Green Paper: The Road to PFC Free Footwear, so that other brands can follow the same path more quickly and efficiently.
Each year, a team of experts from Good Housekeeping recognizes innovation and excellence with the award. In the 12-year history of the program, a team of Good Housekeeping Institute researchers, analysts and experts review thousands of submissions in 11 consumer product categories from brands across many industries, resulting in the prestigious award for 7 brands.
Keen continues to aggressively seek innovative solutions, including collecting and upcycling waste, to use the Earth’s resources wisely and reduce its overall impact on the planet.
