sportstyle

4 • March/April 2024 sportstyle • sportstylemag.com O rthoLite's sustainability-focused subsidiary Cirql has unveiled a new midsole foam called Cirql rTPU30 that is a fully recyclable midsole solution aimed at helping footwear brands to reach their climate and sustainability product goals. Cirql rTPU30 is made with 30-percent post-consumer recycled TPU material and manufactured through a chemical-free, supercritical foaming process. It incorporates 30-percent GRS- certified, post-consumer recycled TPU materials directly into the foam using a patented technique exclusive to Cirql's chemical- free supercritical injection foaming process. "Our goal is to exceed the expectations of footwear developers searching for advanced, sustainable footwear materials designed with consideration for their end-of-life," said Glenn Barrett, founder and CEO of OrthoLite. "OrthoLite is proud to meet the staggering demand from our 550+ brand partners for more trusted solutions with Cirql rTPU30." In March 2022, OrthoLite first introduced Cirql to the footwear industry. Two years later, the company is expanding Cirql's product offerings with new sustainable materials solutions. Fully recyclable Cirql rTPU30, along with the fully biodegradable and compostable range of products, round out the Cirql materials solutions for addressing product end of life cycles. Matt waites, Vice President and General Manager of Cirql, stated, "e big picture goal of Cirql is to help move the footwear industry toward true circularity, by reducing carbon footprints, delivering more sustainable materials solutions, and eliminating the use of hazardous chemicals in the manufacturing process. We are excited for the future of footwear as well as the upcoming announcements that will continue to come from Cirql this year." Cirql rTPU30 will be available to footwear brands in Q2 2024. "We know this is an excellent midsole product, and we are ready if brands choose to fast-track it into their product lines before the end of this year," waites added. n T he new Peregrine RFG is the latest innovation in Run For Good (RFG) from Saucony. e Peregrine RFG shoe, $140, features responsibly sourced mesh, an Austin Rubber outsole made from a 50% blend of recycled tires and PWRRUN BIO+ cushioning made of 30% sugarcane ethanol-based foam. Saucony's Run For Good standard is a baseline measurement indicating when a product meets Saucony's sustainabil- ity goals, while continuing to deliver on performance. In footwear, the brand lists that standard as: 75% organic, recycled, or renewable materials in the upper and 50% organic, recycled or renewable materials in the sole and midsole. When it comes to renewable material goals, Saucony has stated that the company's aim by 2025 is to have 90% of what it makes include recycled, organic, or renewable materials. And by 2030 the goal is for every- thing the brand makes to include recycled, organic, or renewable materials. n NEWS/ANALYSIS CIRQL LAUNCHING FULLY RECYCLABLE MIDSOLE INNOVATION NEW RFG DROP FROM SAUCONY

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