#United States #Infinium #Sacramento #On #eNaphtha

Introduction

In a groundbreaking initiative, Infinium has teamed up with Borouge International and On to introduce a revolutionary product in the athletic footwear sector. The companies have collaborated to leverage CleanCloud technology, utilizing Infinium’s eNaphtha, a renewable feedstock derived from waste CO₂ and renewable hydrogen, to manufacture EVA rubber for the On Cloud X 5 shoes. This marks a significant milestone as it is the world’s first commercially scaled use of captured carbon emissions in making athletic shoe midsoles.

What is CleanCloud Technology?

CleanCloud technology is designed to enable a more sustainable approach to footwear production. Traditionally, athletic shoe midsoles have been constructed from EVA or polyurethane foams typically sourced from fossil fuels, primarily through conventional naphtha. Infinium’s innovative approach replaces this outdated model by using eNaphtha, allowing for the production of footwear components that not only meet performance standards but also reduce environmental impact.

The Process of Transformation

The process begins at Infinium’s Project Pathfinder in Corpus Christi, Texas, where eNaphtha is produced. This substance is chemically identical to its fossil-based counterpart, permitting its use in existing petrochemical manufacturing systems without requiring extensive modifications. As such, it provides an efficient pathway toward achieving lower carbon emissions in manufacturing processes.

Infinium's CEO, Robert Schuetzle, emphasizes the company's mission by stating, "Carbon isn't merely a waste product; it's a valuable feedstock." This initiative exemplifies the potential of transforming captured carbon into consumer goods, demonstrating the untapped possibilities of sustainable chemistry.

Scaling Up Production

Beginning in 2024, Infinium commenced shipping commercial quantities of eNaphtha to Borouge International in Porvoo, Finland. Here, this renewable feedstock is converted into e-ethylene and then into EVA, preserving the molecular structure and performance characteristics critical for high-performance footwear. The collaboration thus enables On to produce over a million pairs of Cloud X 5 shoes, achieving this ambitious goal four years ahead of the original timeline.

Performance Meets Sustainability

What sets Cloud X 5 apart is not just its sustainability credentials but its performance attributes that are on par with conventional footwear offerings. Athletes and casual users alike can enjoy the same high-quality experience without bearing the environmental cost associated with traditional shoe production methods. Jean-Philippe Romain, On’s Director of Polymer Science Engineering, expressed profound excitement at the swift journey from prototype to large-scale production underscoring a remarkable collaboration among the supply chain stakeholders.

Supply Chain Integrity and Future Outlook

Every participant in this supply chain, from Infinium’s production plant to On’s manufacturing partners, possesses ISCC PLUS certification. This certification guarantees traceability and sustainability of feedstock throughout the production process, further solidifying consumer trust.

As Infinium prepares to expand its eNaphtha production capabilities with the upcoming Project Roadrunner in West Texas – which will also focus on producing sustainable aviation fuel – the future looks bright for renewable materials in everyday consumer products, paving the way toward achieving sustainability across industries.

Conclusion

This partnership between Infinium, Borouge, and On exemplifies innovative thinking in addressing climate change while enhancing product performance. With advancements like CleanCloud technology, the footwear industry is set to embrace a new era of carbon-reduced practices, aiming to minimize reliance on virgin fossil feedstocks and push toward a more sustainable future for all.