Buying shoes made from discarded plastic may be our future after Adidas managed to transform millions of plastic bottles into running shoes. These bottles were recycled and used to make modern running shoes.
This dream has become the reality in Adidas and its customers. Back in 2015, the company worked with the environmental group Parley for the Oceans to go through with this futuristic venture.
Adidas’s Efforts to Fight Off Plastic Pollution
The founder of Parley, Cyrill Gutsch, was grateful that Adidas were planning on joining them in their idea to create apparel from recycled bottles from 2012.
Moreover, in 2016, Adidas vowed to cease the usage of plastic bags in 2,900 stores worldwide and switched to paper bags from plastic shopping bags.
Then, in 2017, approximately 5.5 million plastic bottles were used to make one million UltraBoost running shoes in three versions, according to the CEO of Adidas, Kasper Rorsted.
What Are the Goals for 2019?
The goal of Adidas for this year is to make 7 million shoes, said Eric Liedtke, Adidas’s executive board member. After million pairs in 2017, five in 2018, they plan on making 11 million from ocean plastic.
Even though the shoes cost $220, the reviews by customers have been very positive and emphasize the shoes’ fashionable, durable, and light design. Adidas have also connected with consumers due to a major concern for plastic pollution and are doing their best to make a difference in the world.
Adidas also make apparel from the recycled material, like the Champions League jersey for FC Bayern Munich and the outfit of Alexander Zverev for the Australian Open.
The company is also planning to make all of their shoes with recycled plastic by 2020 with the goal to help save the ecosystem. This is also a great marketing idea- the shoes are comfy and lightweight.
Plastic Pollution in the Oceans Is Alarming
The World Economic Forum emphasizes that plastic is being thrown into our oceans one truckload per minute and has a significant negative influence on marine life.
Plus, more than 480 billion of plastic bottles were sold in 2016, worldwide, which is around 300 billion more than from a decade ago.
Before heading out, do not forget to check out the video below and learn more about the shoes by Adidas made from recycled ocean plastic:
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