Vans partneres with PLUS Compound Technologies to create sandal made of 100% recyclable material

[via transworld biz]

Vans Inc. has partnered with PLUS Compound Technologies in creating a sandal made of 100% recyclable material. The collab comes in four colors, and is set to hit stores for Summer 2012, with the “Nexpa” sandal already available at certain retailers in the US.

“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with such a well-established and well respected brand like Vans,” said Brett Ritter, CEO and Co-Founder of PLUS. “It’s been great working with the team at Vans and we look forward to expanding the use of our materials into more sandal styles and other collections as well. We’re also really enthusiastic about the marketing opportunities this will create for both companies”.

NEWPORT BEACH, CA (June 19, 2012) – By using PLUSfoam® to make the Nexpa sandal, Vans is virtually eliminating the post-manufacturing waste that is typically associated with footwear production.

“A project like this will typically yield approximately 30% scrap for each pair of sandals produced”, said Michael Carr, Associate General Manager at PLUS.

“For the Vans production order this translated into approximately 3.5 kilos. Because PLUSfoam® is 100% recyclable, we are able to regrind, reconstitute and reuse this scrap for other products”.

Using PLUSfoam® in just one product can make a huge difference at the manufacturing level. “Anyone that’s been to a manufacturing facility in China within the last 20 years has seen the piles of post-manufacturing scrap first-hand”, says Ritter.

“Our goal at PLUS is to eliminate these piles while producing the best possible performance-based products. With Vans getting on board, we’re making a difference”.

As consumers become more socially and environmentally aware, their buying habits are affecting the way brands approach new products. Many brands are searching for eco-friendly solutions to help minimize waste and decrease their carbon footprint without sacrificing performance.

“Working with PLUS was an easy decision,” says Ryan Quinn, Product Category Manager at Vans, “their material performed great and this is key for our consumers. The fact that we’re essentially eliminating waste and doing something good for the world is icing on the cake.”

PLUS Compound Technologies operates reclaim facilities in the US and Asia where any products made with PLUS Compounds can be returned and recycled.

“The reclaim service we offer is simply a value add that comes with our material”, says Carr, “while the biggest environmental impact will occur at the factory level, the fact that consumers can get involved and close the loop on these products is something we are extremely proud of”.