PUMA RE:SUEDE Pilot Project Turns Experimental Sneakers Into Compost
Sports company PUMA has successfully transformed an experimental version of its classic SUEDE sneaker into compost, according to the results of its two-year-long RE:SUEDE project. The German company created 500 pairs of the RE:SUEDE sneakers in 2021, incorporating Zeology tanned suede, a TPE outsole, and hemp fibers. After being worn for six months by volunteers in Germany to test durability and comfort, the shoes were sent to an industrial composting area operated by PUMA’s partner Ortessa Group in the Netherlands.
The process of composting the shoes required a special procedure. The sneakers were shredded and mixed with other green household waste, and then placed into a composting tunnel. The tunnel facilitated controlled air circulation and biological activity, which naturally heated the materials as they were sprayed with leaching-water containing nutrients from previous composting. After approximately 3.5 months, the materials that passed through a sieve with a diameter of less than 10mm were designated as Grade A compost for agricultural use, while the remaining materials were returned to the composting tunnel until breaking down to the desired level.
Chief Sourcing Officer at PUMA, Anne-Laure Descours, stated, While the RE:SUEDE could not be processed under the standard operating procedures for industrial composting, the shoes did eventually turn into compost. The company is committed to continuing collaboration with its partners to develop the necessary infrastructure and technologies for a commercial version of RE:SUEDE, including the implementation of a takeback scheme by 2024.
As part of PUMA’s dedication to transparency, detailed insights from the RE:SUEDE experiment will be shared in a report. This will allow peers and others interested in sustainable initiatives to learn from the project and apply its findings to their own endeavors.
Marthien van Eersel, Manager of Materials & Innovations at Ortessa Group, emphasized the importance of the trial in streamlining the composting process for items that require longer decomposition times. While the RE:SUEDE materials all ultimately broke down, the sole of the sneakers required additional processing and time in the composting tunnel to completely decompose.
In response to feedback from individuals who wore the RE:SUEDE sneakers for six months, PUMA plans to enhance the comfort of future iterations by introducing new material patterns for the upper and sock liner.
The RE:SUEDE experiment is the inaugural program of PUMA’s Circular Lab, an innovation hub led by the company’s design and innovation experts. The Circular Lab aims to develop PUMA’s future circularity initiatives. Additionally, PUMA is a leading global sports brand that designs, sells, and markets footwear, apparel, and accessories. The company has a history of pushing the boundaries of sport and culture by creating innovative products for the world’s fastest athletes. PUMA distributes its products in over 120 countries and employs roughly 20,000 people worldwide.
Ortessa Group, PUMA’s partner in the composting project, is a consortium of five waste companies: veyzle, Lammertyn.net, van Kaathoven, Rondo, and Valor Composting. The subsidiaries collectively cover all aspects of waste management, collection, and processing, and prioritize open communication about waste. Through a realistic, pragmatic, and results-oriented approach, Ortessa Group assists clients in addressing waste challenges.
In conclusion, PUMA’s RE:SUEDE experiment has demonstrated the feasibility of composting experimental sneakers. The company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability will drive the development of a commercial version of RE:SUEDE, accompanied by a takeback scheme. By sharing the insights gained from the project, PUMA aims to inspire and guide other organizations in their pursuit of environmentally friendly initiatives.
