Global running lifestyle brand Saucony has officially launched its most sustainable shoe to date. The new Triumph RFG (Run For Good) shoe collaboration features a corn-based PWRRUN BIO+TM midsole, 55% of which is made from bio-based Susterra® propanediol. The launch is part of Saucony’s recent sustainability goals to have 90% of its products contain organic, recycled or renewable materials by 2025, with 100% by 2030. And it’s thanks to Covation Bio’s Susterra.
CovationBio PDO is the world’s largest producer of 100 percent bio-based 1,3 propanediol. By using nature as a source, CovationBio transforms a plant-based feedstock into high performance building blocks designed to reduce the need for petroleum-based components and improve product performance. Such products contain Susterra® propanediol and Zemea® propanediol.
The new shoe brings together plant-based dyes in the upper with a 55% corn-based PWRRUN BIO+TM midsole foam to help limit the dependence on plastic, a major contributor to negative environmental impact. The midsole foam is made with Susterra® propanediol, a 100% regeneratively grown, dent corn-based 1,3-propanediol.
As 22.2 billion pairs of footwear are produced each year, legacy brands like Saucony are partnering with bio-based performance brands like Susterra® propanediol to support a shared mission of reducing industry use of fossil fuel dependency.
“This partnership with Saucony on the Triumph RFG was a natural collaboration as we aim to build a more circular economy with a renewable footprint globally, especially in the performance footwear brands category,” said John Hurban, vice president of global marketing and sales at CovationBio. By using nature as a source, CovationBio™ PDO transforms the plant-based feedstock into a
“We are proud to be a part of Saucony’s sustainable mission, and this marks a milestone for Susterra® propanediol. It’s the first example we’re aware of where this percentage of bio-based content is used in the midsole of an athletic shoe. We believe runners and fitness enthusiasts will benefit from increased high-performance shoe flexibility, comfortability, and durability. This shoe sizes up against the competition and goes the distance to have a lighter environmental footprint,” said Hurban.
