At CyclingDestination.cc, we are always on the lookout for great sustainability initiatives. Although we also sometimes indulge in short stays with flights, we try to opt for the train more often. In our articles, flying is the last option, unless you are talking about islands like Tenerife or Lanzarote. Then flying is really the only option. Therefore, we are very happy that companies in cycling are also developing more awareness for sustainability. Superpower Shimano is also making a move, starting to collect and recycle used shoes.
45 drop-off points for your used shoes
Shimano has teamed up with FastFeetGrinded to set up a nice system. All shoes handed in at one of the 45 drop-in points do not end up in the residual waste, but get a second life. Think of a coat hanger, picnic table or sports floor. Shimano sees this as a small, but important, step in making the production chain more sustainable. With a small nudge, the company makes a contribution: when you buy a new pair of shoes, you get free cleats with it.
Sports shoes are big business
Did you know that around 24 billion pairs of sports shoes are produced on an annual basis? That's 48 billion shoes! Sports shoes are consumables that wear out. Especially in the case of cycling shoes, they 'run out' at some point. Although you can enjoy a good pair of shoes for years, they are sometimes difficult to repair and therefore in need of replacement. If these shoes end up in the residual waste, they end up in the incinerator, which is a shame. Better to give them a second life then!
How does that work now?
During the recycling process, the various materials are separated and then given a second life as sports flooring, picnic table, shoe shelf or coat hanger. Through smart production, these products consist almost entirely of old shoes (85%) and bio-based materials. So we not only reduce waste, but also reduce the need for new raw materials.
