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Reebok is leading the industry to reduce petroleum-based plastics

ReebokThe fitness company is partnering with Siena Farms of the Boston area to bring Forever Floatride GROW, one of the first plant-based performance shoes, to market with custom CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) boxes, which will be available to the first 50 customers in the US on Jan. January will be available in October exclusively through Reebok UNLOCKED.

The sustainable wooden box comes with sneakers that can compete with top running shoes and half a bushel of a dozen kinds of fresh vegetables. For every purchase, Reebok donates a CSA box to people living with food insecurity as part of the Siena Farms-sponsored Farm Shares program, which improves fair access to vegetables.

The only USDA-certified performance running shoe has a highly cushioned, responsive midsole made from sustainably grown castor beans, a breathable eucalyptus tree upper, a sock lining made from odor-resistant BLOOM algae foam and a durable outsole made from real rubber trees.

"Reebok's Forever Floatride GROW is for runners who value performance and want to be comfortable with the products they use every day," said Emily Mullins, Product Director at Reebok. "This shoe is the result of a long journey to develop a plant-based running shoe that looks and works like other premium shoes and withstands running a marathon."

Mullins continues, “This is an important milestone for sustainable performance as making running shoes from plants is challenging as they have to withstand the impact. We've been able to replace petroleum-based plastics traditionally used in running shoes with plant-based plastics. We anticipate that we will be able to use more herbal alternatives in our products in the future and we will make rapid progress in this area. We have the responsibility and the ability to help the planet. It is the right thing. "

People are becoming more aware than ever of what they are buying to pursue a sustainable and meaningful lifestyle. They're also paying more attention to how they fuel their bodies, and sustainable farming practices are on the rise as people look for alternative ways to get healthy foods.

James Beard's award-winning chef Ana Sortun, who is married to Siena Farms owner Chris Kurth and owns three renowned restaurants in the Boston area, uses products from the family farm to prepare her menus. Her commitment to plant-based ingredients and healthy foods runs through every dish she creates.

"The CSA is an investment for the farmer and a promise to yourself that your daily diet is filled with the best, freshest vegetables from rich, healthy soil," said Sortun. “Good cooking starts with good ingredients. A chef's job is easiest when the ingredients are pure. "

The same goes for an athlete with the right equipment and uncompromising performance. Sortun's daughter, 14-year-old Siena Kurth, who gave the farm its name, works on the farm, is equally committed to sustainability and leads an active lifestyle as a casual runner, rider and dancer.

"It felt good to be at Reebok's Forever Floatride GROW," said Kurth. “They were bouncing and made walking on rocky dirt roads more comfortable. Most of all, they are super durable; Perfect for running and working on the farm. "

Kurth continues: “Growing up on a farm and learning different farming methods has influenced my view of the importance of sustainability in many ways. Sustainable living is very important to me because I believe that we have to give back as much to the environment as the environment gives us back. “Find out more about Ana and Siena here on the Reebok blog.

“I'm impressed that Reebok is setting an example, pushing for change and advocating for a more sustainable material. This is the beginning of a whole new area of ​​fashion that is making the planet happier, ”said Sortun.

Reebok's sustainability efforts fall under two pillars: (REE) GROW, which focuses on making products from plant-based materials; and (REE) CYCLED, which focuses on making products from recycled materials. Reebok is committed to reducing virgin polyester from its mix of materials and eliminating it entirely by 2024.

“We have focused on process innovations, e. For example, how we make things, who we work with and where we make them, and you've got a truly innovative and unique product, ”said Mike Andrews, Advanced Development Director at Reebok. "We conducted extensive testing to ensure that athletes would not feel a difference when running in a plant-based shoe."