Adidas and Parley for the Oceans have been in talks about helping the environment in their own way. Together, they have decided to collaborate on a product that aims to reduce plastic waste being thrown into the oceans.
During the presentation of the footwear concept, both organizations Adidas and Parley showcased their innovative approach to building products that are environment-friendly and promote sustainability. Last year, a 3-D printed prototype was made to influence the shoe industry to rethink their designs and help stop ocean pollution from plastic waste. The shoes made from ocean waste demonstrates how manufacturers like Adidas and organizations like Parley for the Oceans can work together to develop solutions that everyone can benefit from.
This year, Adidas has started producing actual products from these prototypes and the shoes will be available for sale at their physical and online stores by mid-November. The shoe giant Adidas will be releasing 7,000 pairs of these shoes made from ocean waste and will be sold for $220 per pair.
According to Business Insider, Adidas' shoe, called "UltraBOOST Uncaged Parley," has an "upper" made of 95% ocean plastic, scooped up near the Maldives, and the rest of the shoe is made from largely recycled materials as well.
Coming soon on #adidas US.
Parley x Ultra Boost Uncaged.
—> https://t.co/CpaAnX836s pic.twitter.com/c4P06YkrZH— adidas alerts (@adidasalerts) November 4, 2016
"World leaders forging an agreement is wonderful," Adidas Group Executive Board Member Eric Liedtke said, "but we shouldn't need to be told to do the right thing." He further added that the "industry can't afford to wait for directions any longer."
Adidas has made the effort to take the first step. "Together with the network of Parley for the Oceans, we have started taking action and creating new sustainable materials and innovations for athletes."
As the new shoe designs start to gain attention through the news and social media, Adidas aims to not only promote their product but also encourage buyers to support products that promote environmental awareness. With this, Liedtke emphasizes that the 3D-printed ocean plastic shoe midsole represents how "we can set new industry standards if we start questioning the reason of what we create."
With this bold move, Adidas wants to "bring everyone from the industry to the table and create sustainable solutions for big global problems."
