Puma calls for 500 people to take part in biodegradability experiment for RE:SUEDE
Sportswear brand Puma is looking to recruit 500 people in Germany to act as brand ambassadors alongside Cara Delevingne and Raphaël Varane by testing its new RE:SUEDE sneaker.
The move is part of an experiment to discover whether the brand can make a biodegradable version of its classic SUEDE shoe as it works to set new standards of sustainability for the product.
In May, 500 participants will receive a pair of RE:SUEDEs to test. They will then be expected to wear them for six months before sending them back to Puma. The products will then be tested for biodegradability at an industrial composting facility operated by Dutch waste specialist Ortess.
Stefan Seidel, Puma’s head of corporate sustainability, said: “We want participants to wear the RE:SUEDE as part of their daily routine, That is how we can gather realistic feedback about the durability of the materials used in the sneaker.”
German residents looking to join the experiment can register on Puma’s website. Those who do take part will be sent a new pair of RE:SUEDEs as a thank you.
Puma said the results of the initiative will be shared with industry peers to help the sector find better solutions to waste management challenges.
