Are trainers that have been resold, donated or recycled a step in the right direction for sustainability? The initiative could be coming to the UK soon.
Last month, Nike announced that it would be selling used trainers: a new scheme known as ‘REFURBISHED’ will allow customers to return Nike shoes that are then either resold, donated or recycled.
It works by giving someone’s unwanted shoes a new lease of life with three grades of condition; ‘almost new’, ‘gently worn’ and ‘cosmetically flawed’.
But will it catch on? Would you buy refurbished trainers instead of a brand new pair?
Loading ...I personally do like the idea of major brands taking part in recycling schemes with their customers. It could work well for parents who are constantly buying their children new shoes that may not last very long, so this could be an option to ensure they’re reused.
There’s still a long way to go, but could it be the start of something positive in the world of fashion?
Combatting waste
The fashion industry is often regarded as one of the most wasteful – research by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation found that a bin lorry of textiles is wasted globally every second, due to a massive increase in production and lack of commercially available recycling processes.
With shoes, the problem is that different materials can be used depending on the type of footwear. Trainers are often comprised of mixed up of leathers, suedes, mesh and plastics held together with chemical-heavy, hard-to-recycle glue.
The Nike initiative has begun to roll out over in the US this year, but it does plan to come over to the UK eventually.
With other large brands following suit, would you buy refurbished shoes? Do you already recycle your current pairs/donate them to charity shops?
