ASICS calls on runners to kick start the circular journey of its
new NIMBUS MIRAI™ by returning them at the end of their life – so
they can be remade to run again
KOBE,
Japan, April 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ASICS today
announces the NIMBUS MIRAI™, a performance running shoe designed to
be remade* at the end of its life – all without compromising the
quality or performance you would expect from a
GEL-NIMBUS™ product.
In Japanese, the word 'MIRAI' translates to future, reflecting
ASICS' commitment to make a positive impact on future generations
of runners, paying them a kindness in advance.
Designed with recycling in mind, the NIMBUS MIRAI™ running
shoe is launching with a new returns program, encouraging runners
to give back the shoes at the end of their use to support the
circular journey.
The NIMBUS MIRAI™ represents another important step in ASICS'
mission to achieve net-zero carbon emissions as a business by 2050,
hot on the heels of its iconic GEL-LYTE™ III CM 1.95 shoe.
Shoes made to be remade, so they can run again
The new NIMBUS MIRAI™ is one of the most advanced shoes ASICS
has ever made. Designed with uniform polyester material, the entire
upper has no overlays, meaning the shoe can be easily sorted to be
placed under recycling process when the time comes.
A special type of original ASICS-created glue also promotes
easier recycling process, providing a durable bond that can be put
through its paces but easily pulled apart for its next lifecycle.
In fact, the whole shoe has been designed for the upper to be
easily detachable from the sole when the time comes, so it can be
remade to run again. At this point, the entirety of the upper will
go through recycling process.
At this point, the entirety of the upper will go through the
recycling process. ASICS has confirmed through testing that 87.3%
of the upper material, which underwent the recycling process, can
be retrieved as a new polyester material ready to be remade to run
again.
Additionally, the shoe features an FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO midsole
that delivers cloud-like cushioning is made from approximately 24%
renewable source such as leftovers from sugar cane processing. The
NIMBUS MIRAI™ running shoe delivers the quality and performance
runners would expect from ASICS while prioritizing sustainable
design.
As part of its circular ambition for the NIMBUS MIRAI™ shoe as a
whole in the future, ASICS is also working with its partners to
ensure the shoe's sole too has a second life as part of the
recycling process.
Joining the Race Towards a Sound Earth
Creating a circular journey for the NIMBUS MIRAI™ running
shoe is ASICS' rallying cry to runners as we tackle a
significant issue in the shoe manufacturing industry.
For a long time, shoes have been designed with single use in
mind. However, the sheer quantity of the roughly 23.9bn shoes*
produced globally each year that goes into landfill or incinerated
at the end of their life is simply not sustainable if we're to
create a Sound Earth.
ASICS' approach to shoe design ties in with its philosophy of
helping everyone achieve a Sound Mind in a Sound Body – factors
that are only possible if we have a Sound Earth to move on, for
this generation and the next.
NIMBUS MIRAI™ is a celebration of ASICS' unique design
philosophy – based on a dedication to creating superior products
and technologies validated by the ASICS Institute of Sport
Science.
Designed with returns in mind
In an ASICS first, runners can return the NIMBUS MIRAI™ at ASICS
stores or through shipping in a number of markets around the
world to give their shoes new life and purchase their next pair.
The participating markets include the U.S., UK, Netherlands, France, Japan, Australia, and New
Zealand.
As ASICS continues to realize its commitment to sustainability,
it hopes to make circular sportswear the norm. Fumitaka
Kamifukumoto, project leader of the NIMBUS MIRAI™ product
development, at ASICS said: "The announcement of NIMBUS MIRAI™ is a
proud moment for us and an important milestone in our ambition to
be a net-zero carbon emission business by 2050. It has remained our
focus not to compromise the product's performance at all, so that
runners can wear the shoe as they would any other from ASICS –
protected and supported as they replenish their body and mind. We
ask runners to take an extra step with this shoe, however, and
bring it back to us once they have finished with it. That way, we
can continue our mission towards creating a Sound Earth for future
generations."
The NIMBUS MIRAI™ will be available for men and women from ASICS
retail and online stores from April 12,
2024, for $180.
Find out more about the NIMBUS MIRAI™, its advanced
technologies, and how you can contribute to our circularity
efforts in your home nation at asics.com/mk/mirai.
*Footwear production worldwide 2022 | Statista
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