Corporate Social Responsibility

The SG Companies values the importance of a more sustainable supply chain, and we are committed to the integration of eco-friendly practices throughout our operations, from our corporate offices to our production facilities. Taking the lead and sharing what we learn is a key component of our corporate social responsibility strategy.  

The SG Companies is committed to the adherence of its core values:  

• Honor – We treat each other with honesty and respect.  

• Excellence – We always strive to do better 

• Accountability – We hold each other accountable. 

• Responsiveness – We move quickly and adapt to change. 

• Teamwork – We work together to support each other and reach our goals. 

Commitment to Stakeholders 

Our people are our greatest strength, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace where everyone is treated with respect and fairness. We value diversity and provide equal opportunities for all to contribute, succeed, and advance within our company. Our comprehensive benefits reflect our dedication to supporting the well-being and growth of each team member. At SG, we prioritize work-life balance and are proud to create an environment where people can achieve their personal and professional goals. 

With over 125 years of industry experience, we believe in fostering strong, collaborative relationships with our suppliers, retail partners, and customers based on integrity, trust, and shared success. We work with suppliers who uphold ethical practices, respect for human rights, and ensure responsible sourcing and innovation, delivering products that meet high standards of quality and environmental care. With our retail partners, we build long-term, mutually beneficial relationships that help us deliver exceptional value to our customers. We are committed to providing high-quality products and maintaining transparent, responsible business practices that enhance the customer experience.  

Environmental Sustainability 

SG is committed to reducing the company’s environmental footprint across its operations through Waste Reduction, Energy Efficiency and Responsible Sourcing. SG is RCS (Recycled Claim Standard) and GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified with all retail facing paper packaging FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified. These certifications give us confidence when showing consumers and retail communities that we are taking steps towards being a more responsible supplier. We are currently focused on the reduction of GHG (Greenhouse Gas Emissions) with a goal to use 25% renewable electric energy by 2030. Our 2023 waste and energy efficient highlights include:   

• 2.6 Tons of FSC Packaging – 70% Post Consumer Recycled/30% Responsibly Sourced  

• 151.8 Tons of Waste diverted from landfill through RCS and FSC certification 

• 3.1 Tons (CO2e equivalent) of Scope 1 & Scope 2 electricity saved through efficiency and conservation  

 

Social Impact and Community Involvement 

SG has always had a long-standing commitment to giving back to Bergen County, NJ, where our company’s roots have been for over 100 years. For the past 7 years, we have been partnering with Bergen’s Promise, a community-based care management service, contributing to their Annual Back-to-School Backpack Drive and Holiday Toy Drive. Past projects have also included Salvation Army Coat and Suit drive, collecting food for local food banks and/or Red Cross needs, clothing collection for teen shelters, and serving lunch at Bergen County Housing, Health, and Human Services Center. 

The company also donates to several footwear industry related foundations including Two Ten Footwear Foundation to help with aid to hurricane victims and Soles 4 Souls which aims to create opportunities for education and employment to people in need. 

Ethical Business Practices 

SG conducts business with integrity, fairness, and transparency. We follow all legal standards and prioritize ethical decision-making in everything we do. By promoting responsible practices, upholding our values, and maintaining open communication, we aim to build trust and create long-term positive impact for all. 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) 

SG values a diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We embrace the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and talents of our people and believe this is what makes us a stronger and more unique team.  

Governance and Accountability 

Our governance structure for CSR initiatives is designed to ensure that progress is diligently monitored, reported, and continuously improved. These efforts are primarily driven by leadership, where accountability is highly transparent. CSR is a key topic in our monthly Town Hall meetings, and we take pride in and enjoy sharing aspects of this journey, both the successes and the challenges, with our staff and stakeholders.    

Innovation and Continuous Improvement 

SG is always thinking about how to be more sustainable. Our company is dedicated to advancing sustainable development through innovative product designs, state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities, and optimized workflows. We continuously invest in innovative technologies and processes to enhance efficiency, minimize environmental impact, and improve the quality of our products and services. Driven by a commitment to excellence, we prioritize continuous learning, adapting our CSR strategies to reflect evolving best practices and the insights of our stakeholders, ensuring our growth is both responsible and responsive to societal needs. We understand this is a journey. We are committed to improvement over time and ready to push the footwear industry forward.