Developing a completely sustainable system for footwear remains an enigma that has yet to be solved. The comfort level of sustainable shoes is frequently inferior to their petroleum-derived foam alternatives, or their production costs are exorbitant. Moreover, the recycling process at the end of its lifespan is frequently too expensive or complicated.
Kane Footwear, a frontrunner in eco-friendly athletic recovery shoes, aims to rectify this predicament through Project Renew. This innovative initiative introduces an upcycling program that enables customers to transform their Revive slip-ons into functional yoga mats or versatile surfing mats, ensuring their continued usefulness.
By doing so, Kane Footwear aims to contribute to a sustainable future for footwear while offering practical solutions.
“Sustainability has always been a core tenet of Kane’s principles, and this latest initiative expands our offerings even further, providing customers with a simple upcycling option,” said John Gagliardi, Kane Footwear Founder and CEO.
Through a collaboration with Lava rubber, the shoes undergo a process of shredding, reducing them to flakes. These flakes are subsequently combined with a specialized Lava rubber blend, which incorporates recycled materials from wetsuits. The resulting mixture is utilized to create the yoga and changing mats.
“Lava Rubber and Kane Footwear are focused on providing customers with consciously-made goods, and it was only natural we work together,” said Michael Briody, founder and CRO at Lava Rubber. “We recognize the same positive energy in each other’s business models and knew our collaboration would produce something special. The KANE x Lava Rubber Mat Collection really brings our visions together and translates them into a physical form. Each mat is unique and considered a one of one. We hope the world enjoys these as much as we do!”
Remarkably, each mat incorporates materials that divert an impressive five pounds of waste from ending up in landfills. This innovative approach effectively tackles the issue of waste management and also promotes environmental sustainability.
