Puma compostable sneaker Re: Suede 2.0 makes commercial debut

German sportswear brand Puma is set to launch the commercial version of its experimental Re: Suede 2.0 sneaker following a two-year pilot project, where it demonstrated the successful composting of its sneaker under specialised industrial conditions.

As part of the experiment volunteers were enlisted to wear the sneakers for six months before returning them to Puma so that they could be turned into compost. Credit: Puma

Drawing from insights gained during an experiment back in 2022 and feedback from volunteers, Puma has refined its sneaker design to introduce the Re: Suede 2.0.

The experiment involved the production of 500 special pairs of Puma‘s Suede sneakers, using materials carefully chosen for their biodegradability, including Zeology-tanned Suede.

Volunteers were enlisted to wear these sneakers for six months before returning them to Puma so that they could be turned into compost at Puma’s composting partner, in a specialised industrial composting setup.

Upon reaching the end of their lifecycle, customers can return their Re: Suede 2.0 sneakers free of charge. Puma will facilitate the composting process through its partners, ensuring the sneakers are disposed of sustainably.

In exchange for sending them back, customers will receive a 20% discount on their next purchase.

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Anne-Laure Descours, Puma’s chief sourcing officer said: “Re: Suede 2.0 is an important step towards finding viable end-of-life solutions for our footwear.

“While we are excited about this progress, we will continue to innovate with our partners to determine the infrastructure needed for a scalable long-term solution, essential for achieving meaningful impact in waste reduction.”

The Re: Suede project, alongside Puma’s polyester recycling initiative, Re: Fibre, are products of Puma’s Circular Lab. This innovation hub, spearheaded by the retailers’ innovation and design experts, is dedicated to shaping the future of the company’s circularity programmes.

Earlier this month, Puma sought to elevate its US business with an LA studio that is set to open in early 2025 to give its creatives the chance to design and tailor “product propositions” for the local market.