10 years ago, we found PFAS in our shoes. It took us four years of being more persistent than these ultra-persistent "forever chemicals" to eliminate them from our supply chain. Since then, we've been sharing how we did it. Because our planet is one big shared supply chain, we need to work together to get rid of what may be "the most persistent and dangerous class of chemicals ever produced". Our latest step: urging our retail partners to unite to do something about these forever chemicals - with this personal letter from our founder, Rory Fuerst. Friends and Partners, We must take action on Forever Chemicals, together. Thanks to you, Keen is a growing, 21-year-old family-owned, Consciously Created business. As partners, we have a shared commitment to creating and selling high-quality products that support and enhance our customers' lives. Your partnership and this shared responsibility are two things we take seriously. Back in 2018, KEEN took a bold step in our journey to create the world's cleanest shoes by eliminating forever chemicals from all KEEN products. While we're proud of this milestone, the work is far from over. We recently attended the National PFAS Conference where leading scientists, regulators, UN liaisons, and affected community members agreed that PFAS may be the most persistent and dangerous class of chemical ever produced. Consumer awareness, laws, and regulation are increasing but not fast enough. Together we must do something about this. Perhaps you're just learning about PFAS and their effects on human health, or maybe you're feeling the effects of new PFAS regulation. We're here to help wherever you may be on your journey. In our 'Road to PFAS Free' Green Paper, you'll find an open-sourced roadmap for eliminating PFAS from our shared supply chain. It's been downloaded more than 1000 times and has helped other brands transition to PFAS Free in a safe, effective, and affordable way. You'll find our PFAS Free Policy on keenfootwear.com today and later this summer we'll launch an educational content series and a Forever Chemical info hub to continue to educate our partners, families, and friends. Our businesses are grounded in shared values, and we can do more together. Let's unite to educate consumers, support impacted communities, and help put a stop to Forever Chemicals. Join our Consciously Created movement by contacting PFASfree@keenfootwear.com With Kind Personal Regards, Our team just returned from the National PFAS Conference in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, where we heard from leading scientists and affected community members about PFAS exposure, health effects, and solution-based approaches. It was incredibly moving - and alarming. We came home with a renewed sense of urgency to do more. PFAS aren't just found in shoes. They are literally everywhere, even in our drinking water. What are some steps we can all take to remove PFAS from our lives? 1. Learn more about the prevalence and dangers of forever chemicals in our daily lives. 2. Buy only PFAS-free products. 3. Grow the PFAS free movement. Spread the word and ask your favourite businesses to go PFAS free if they haven't yet. Every step moves us closer to a PFAS free world. Thanks for all you're doing to help get there.
