German sportswear brand Puma is to launch a new sustainable sportswear collection with First Mile, a company that supports low-income communities in Haiti, Honduras and Taiwan by collecting plastic bottles to produce recycled polyester.
First Mile supports more than 4,000 people in its collection networks, recovering plastic bottles that would have otherwise polluted streets, canals and landfills. Using such bottles as a raw material source, First Mile produced more than 300 tonnes of recycled yarn in 2018.
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“Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental problems the world faces today. That is why we are very excited to join First Mile and be a part of the solution while supporting low-income communities and transparency in supply chains,” explains Adam Petrick, global director of brand and marketing for Puma.
The Puma x First Mile collection, which will be in stores in 2020, will consist of shoes and apparel featuring utility pockets and outdoor elements. By buying the products, Puma says consumers will support responsible sourcing and create a positive social and environmental impact around the world.
“We are thrilled to welcome Puma to join a group of bold, innovative brands leading the way in responsible sourcing,” says Kelsey Halling, director of partnerships at First Mile. “The PUMA x First Mile collaboration will positively impact lives by giving value to plastic waste.”
