Adidas Unveils First Running Shoe Made from Parley Ocean Plastic!
If you’re all about recylcling and saving our environment (who isn’t?) then you’re going to love this rather game-changing news from adidas. The fitness brand has unveiled the first mass-produced footwear created using Parley Ocean Plastic, making it possible to make the world a better place just buy investing in a new pair of running shoes. The UltraBOOST Uncaged Parley running shoe will launch mid-November, with 7 000 pairs available globally.
UltraBOOST Uncaged Parley features a Primeknit upper made from a mix of Ocean PlasticTM, created from plastic waste retrieved by Parley coastal interception and clean-up operations in the Maldives (95%), and recycled polyester (5%); with each pair reusing eleven plastic bottles. The shoe laces, heel cap base material, heel webbing, heel lining and the sock-liner cover are also made with recycled materials. Its design is inspired by ocean waves, to reflect the shoe’s unique story and adidas and Parley’s commitment to end the cycle of pollution in the oceans.
UltraBOOST Uncaged Parley is created using new technologies specifically engineered to up-cycle marine plastic debris into technical yarn fibres. The specially-developed Primeknit upper is combined with UltraBOOST’s signature elements that we’ve come to know and love from adidas and the result is an innovative running shoe that doesn’t compromise on performance.
But, before you think it’s all going to end with the initial 7000 pairs, think again! “This represents another step on the journey of adidas and Parley for the Oceans. But we won’t stop there,” said Eric Liedtke, adidas Group Executive Board member responsible for Global Brands. “We’re now committed to scaling those initiatives. We will make one million pairs of shoes using Parley Ocean Plastic in 2017 – and our ultimate ambition is to eliminate virgin plastic from our supply chain.” This commitment to by adidas means that at least eleven million bottles, retrieved from coastal areas, will be recycled and repurposed into performance sportswear.
UltraBOOST Uncaged Parley will be available in limited quantities online launching at 10am on 15 November for R2799. For more information on drop dates and the UltraBOOST Uncaged Parley running shoe sign up online on the adidas website here. The shoes will be available to South Africans from the adidas online store here.