At Amer Sports, we continuously improve our actions and operations for greater impact and sustainability together with our brands, customers, partners, and global suppliers. We also support and encourage our brands to move ahead and realize their own sustainability ambitions.
Salomon, known for its commitment to sustainable innovation, unveiled the latest version of its recyclable running shoe, the INDEX.03. Building upon the success of the original INDEX model launched in 2021, Salomon has continued to refine and enhance the design to offer runners a more sustainable and high-performing footwear option.
The INDEX.03 has many improvements compared to the previous INDEX.02 model. It now uses a lighter midsole material, 100% recycled polyester for the tongue, and a better way to cut the upper parts. This has reduced the amount of wasted material from 40% to 26%.
The shoe is designed to be fully recyclable, with two main parts: TPU for the lower section and polyester for the upper part. This design makes it easy to take apart the shoe when it’s worn out. The TPU can be used for ski boots, and the polyester can be turned into new fabrics, reducing waste and using resources efficiently.
To make the running experience better, the INDEX.03 has a lighter and improved foam that keeps the same shape but performs better. It weighs only 249 grams, making it softer and lighter than the previous model for a more comfortable run.
Continuing the circular story from INDEX.02, the construction of the upper has undergone a significant transformation in the INDEX.03. The new upper uses un-dyed materials and is now made of five different parts to improve the cutting efficiency in the recycling process.
“Thanks to the new construction of the upper, we reduced the material waste from 40% of material being thrown away/recycled during the manufacturing process to 26%. We went from a cutting efficiency of 60% to 74%,” says Olivier Mouzin, Sustainability Program Manager for Salomon Footwear.
If you are looking to recycle your worn-out INDEX.03 shoes, the process is simple: scan the QR code on the shoe’s tongue to register the pair, print a shipping label, and drop off the shoes at a local post office or shipping center for free. To minimize environmental impact, collected shoes will be processed at designated centers in Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific regions, where they will be washed, disassembled, and recycled locally.
Read the full article on Salomon.com.
