In continuing to finetune its research and reapply the findings, ASICS has been able to make hundreds of incremental gains across the four key stages of the product life cycle (materials and manufacturing, transportation, use and end-of-life), identifying all the small differences that combine to make a big impact. The result is the Gel-Lyte III CM 1.95, the company said in a press release.

Among the sneaker’s series of innovations is a new carbon negative foam, which features as part of its midsole and sockliner. Made from a fusion of bio-based polymers derived partly from sugarcane, these combine to deliver high-level comfort and quality in a sustainable way.

Other key design details in the shoe include the use of recycled and solution dyed polyester in the main upper material and the sockliner mesh, reflecting ASICS’ target of sourcing 100 per cent of its polyester from recycled sources by 2030. The shoe features a new structure utilising tape that enables less material usage, and 100 per cent renewable energy used throughout the manufacturing phase.

The result of all these innovations and changes coming together is the Gel-Lyte III CM 1.95. The ground-breaking new sneaker is a milestone in ASICS’ long-term ambition of achieving net-zero emissions as a business by 2050, helping conserve the ability of future generations to continue experiencing the uplifting power of sport on the mind.

“At ASICS we have long been committed to exploring and testing more sustainable methods through our value chain to reduce our impact on the planet. While the Gel-Lyte III CM 1.95 is a hugely significant milestone on this journey, this is only the beginning. Our ambition now is to continue applying the learnings and build on the blueprint of this shoe in a way that can be rolled out on an even bigger scale in the future,” Minako Yoshikawa, senior general manager, ASICS sustainability division, said.

“ASICS has long believed in the powerful intrinsic link between sport and the mind. That’s why we’re so committed to doing our part to ensure the long-term viability of our planet. That way we can ensure that future generations can continue to experience the uplifting impact of sport on the mind. To achieve a sound mind in a sound body, you need a sound earth to move on, after all. The road ahead maybe long but the Gel-Lyte III CM 1.95 is our latest statement of intent on this journey. We hope it can help inspire real positive change in the sports industry on the way to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050,” Yasuhito Hirota, ASICS CEO, said.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (GK)