PUMA has announced a new concept of sustainable footwear, apparel and accessories for Spring/ Summer 2013 that are either biodegradable or recyclable when consumers return them to PUMA’s Bring Me Back Program at the end of their lifecycles.

Photo: PUMA InCycle shoes, clickable

Called PUMA InCycle, the collection addresses environmental awareness of consumers inviting them to contribute to the sustainability program.

The collection includes among numerous others the biodegradable lifestyle sneaker Basket and shirts, and the recyclable PUMA Track Jacket and a backpack. The company used “only clever raw materials” such as biodegradable polymers, recycled polyester and organic cotton in order to eliminate pesticides, chemical fertilizers and other hazardous chemicals. PUMA analyzed the impact of the InCycle products compared to conventional ones.

For example, PUMA InCycle Basket and a PUMA InCycle shirt impact the environment 31% less than a conventional product. The recyclable PUMA Track Jacket is 98% made of recycled polyester deriving from used PET bottles, while the traditional PUMA Track Jacket contains additional materials, such as elastane. The new PUMA Backpack is made of polypropylene. It will be recycled by the original manufacturer in China to produce new backpacks.

“While we have already implemented numerous initiatives to reduce PUMA’s footprint on our mission to become the most desirable and sustainable Sportlifestyle company, the PUMA InCycle collection is the first step to help reduce the amounts of garbage that consumer products cause at the end of their lives,” said Franz Koch, CEO of PUMA.

The PUMA InCycle collection will be available in the brand stores worldwide in February 2013.

Other company’s recycling projects include  Clever Little Bag and Re-Suede shoe.

Photo: PUMA InCycle jacket, clickable

Photo: PUMA InCycle backpack, clickable