Puma brings its experimental biodegradable Re:Suede sneaker commercially, following the success of the project to compost the sneaker.

The two-year pilot project ended in late 2023, with production of 500 pairs of its classic sneakers specially made from decomposable materials, including Zeology-tanned suede. Volunteers wore Re:Suede sneakers.

After the successful pilot, 500 pairs of Re:Suede 2.0 sneakers, a new commercial version, will be launched. In its official statement the brand indicates “Re:Suede 2.0 is an important step towards finding viable end-of-life solutions for our footwear,” said Anne-Laure Descours, Puma’s sourcing director.

He adds “While we are excited about this progress, we will continue to innovate with our partners to determine the infrastructure necessary for a scalable, long-term solution, essential to achieving a significant impact on waste reduction.”

Available for sale on puma.com/eu and Zalando Plus from April 22.

Customers can return their used Re:Suede 2.0 sneakers for free in exchange for a 20 percent discount on their next purchase. Puma will send it to its sustainable partner who will turn it into compost.

This is all part of Puma’s “Circular Lab” which is the brand’s sustainability strategy, and focuses on reinventing production processes for the future.