Sportswear manufacturer Puma has launched a range of footwear, clothing and accessories which are entirely biodegradable or recyclable.
The InCycle range has been developed as part of the company’s ambition to reduce its carbon footprint and give consumers more sustainable product choices.
All the products in the range are certified by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute who rate products against sustainability factors such as the use of environmentally safe and healthy materials; the ease of which products can be re-utilized, recycled and composted; and water stewardship.
Puma's recyclable InCycle products include the Puma Backpack, which use homogenous materials to ensure they are fully recyclable at the end of their lifespans. It is made from polypropylene which can be broken down to the original substance and used again to make new backpacks.
The recyclable Puma Track Jacket is made from recycled polyester deriving from used PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles. To fully ensure the homogeneity of materials, the Track Jacket’s zipper is made from recycled polyester. The jacket can be turned back into polyester granules which then serves as a secondary raw material for other products made of recycled polyester.
To aid in the product collection and recycling process, Puma has launched the “Bring Me Back” program globally within its stores and outlets. Customers can return used shoes, clothing and accessories of any brand using the recycling bins provided.
Commenting on the launch Bridgett Luther, president of the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute said: "Puma’s InCycle Collection raises the bar on what consumers can expect and what the apparel and textiles industries can deliver: products that are not only a delight to use and wear and but are also designed from the start to have a positive environmental footprint as they biodegrade safely to soil and are returned to industry as a valuable resource.”
PUMA’s InCycle collection will be available in March 2013.