How Atoms is reducing its footprint

We all know April is celebrated as Earth Month and this year we thought to share how Atoms is integrating sustainability into its operations – from design and materials to packaging and shipping. We aim to create thoughtful shoes for our people and the planet.

A Quiet Commitment to Care

We’ve always believed that good design isn’t just about aesthetics or performance – it’s about care. The kind of care that considers where your shoes come from, how they’re made, and where they’ll go after you’re done wearing them. Sustainability, to us, isn’t a campaign or a checkbox. It’s a quiet commitment that lives in every decision we make.This Earth Month, we’re reflecting on that commitment, and we want to share a few ways we’re walking a little lighter, every day.

Waste-Free Design

It starts with how we design. We use injection molding for our midsoles, a process that produces zero waste by eliminating scraps and excess. It also ensures durability and comfort, which means your Atoms last longer – and fewer pairs end up in landfills. Our design philosophy has always centered around making fewer, better products. Timeless styles, neutral colors, and materials that are made to move with you, season after season. Just as you know, while achieving the design for model 000, each detail had to fight for its life to make it to the final sample. And that’s how much attention we tend to give to simplicity and comfort.

Better Materials, Smaller Footprint

Materials matter. That’s why we carefully select ones that do more good and less harm. Our shoes feature waterless dyeing techniques that conserve thousands of liters of water, and vegan uppers that are biodegradable in neutral conditions. Even the smallest details – like our recycled brass eyelets are chosen for their lower environmental impact. These aren’t big flashy changes. They’re quiet improvements, made with intention.

Minimal Packaging

When it comes to packaging, less is more. Our boxes are made from recycled cardboard and designed to double as the shipping container – no extra waste, no frills. We don’t include packing slips, saving paper and protecting your privacy at the same time. It’s a small shift, but when applied at scale, it makes a meaningful difference.

Carbon-Neutral Shipping

Shipping is another place where we’re cutting back. Most of our shipments are now carbon-neutral, meaning we offset the emissions created during delivery by supporting verified environmental projects. It’s one of the ways we’re making sure your Atoms arrive with as little impact as possible. And if you’d prefer not to have a package left at your doorstep, we now offer pickup options at local drop-off points – reducing emissions, increasing security, and giving you more control.

A Better Way to Return

We didn’t stop there. Returns have gotten a sustainability upgrade too. Through our partnership with Happy Returns, you can drop off your shoes without a box or label. It’s literally a hassle-free experience. Just scan a QR code and go. It’s quicker, cleaner, and it eliminates excess packaging.

Sustainability Means Caring for People, too

But sustainability isn’t just about the planet. It’s also about the people behind the product. We work closely with our suppliers to ensure safe working conditions and fair labor practices. From our design team to our factory partners in Vietnam, every relationship is built on respect and transparency. Because sustainability without ethics isn’t really sustainable at all. 

Earth Month is a Mindset

At Atoms, we know Earth Month isn’t just a moment. It’s a mindset. A daily commitment to do better – for the planet, for the people, and for the future we’re walking toward. The work is ongoing. We’re learning, evolving, and doing our best to make decisions that align with our values – and yours. Thank you for walking with us, for choosing thoughtfully, for being part of something better.

Happy Earth Month.