Cradle to Cradle certified products

In 2013 Puma launched two new collections called “incycle”. Puma Incycle is the Industries first cradle to cradle certified selection of recyclable and biodegradable clothes, acesorries, and shoes. They have implemented a technical and a biological process to create their first 100% closed loop and cradle to cradle certified product line specifically footwear, apparel and accessories. This collection is very efficient and sustainable because it takes into account the whole life cycle and the supply chain of the product. The incycle range is broken down as in the figure below for PUMA suede sneakers and T7 track jackets.

The biological cycle starts with industrial composting to decompose the product, and turn it into biological nutrients. These nutrients then can be used to help grow resources such as cotton to make new products. The technical cycle shreds the product into raw materials by a machine that is specifically designed to break down clothes. Then those materials are melted down to make polyester pellets, which are then used in the production of other products.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9zfkYHtuMc

Puma implemented “Bring Me Back” program in order to prevent people from tossing the products in the garbage and put them back into the production cycle. They have placed bins into their store to make it more convenient, and increase the customer participation for this initiative.

This is not the first step Puma has taken to reduce their environmental “paw” print, and it sure will not be the last. We as consumers are expecting the brand to take stronger initiatives and make the clothing industry greener.

References:

http://www.sustainablebrands.com/sites/default/files/A4_Cycles_PREVIEW_sm.jpg

http://www.apinatbio.com/eng/apinat-puma.html

http://www.gizmag.com/puma-incycle-recyclable-biodegradable/26273/

http://www.c2ccertified.org/innovation-stories/puma