#USA #San Francisco #Allbirds #Sustainable Footwear #Runner NZ Remix

A Step Towards Sustainability: Allbirds Presents the Runner NZ Remix

In a bold move toward sustainable fashion, Allbirds has launched its latest groundbreaking shoe, the Runner NZ Remix, on August 21. True to its commitment of "Better Things, Better Ways," this new athletic footwear represents a significant milestone in the brand's dedication to eco-friendly practices and innovation.

Innovative Partnerships for a Greener Future

The Runner NZ Remix has emerged from a unique collaboration between two pioneering companies: Blumaka, which focuses on transforming waste into high-quality footwear, and Circ®, renowned for leading textile-to-textile recycling. Together, they have crafted a sneaker that takes waste generated in the apparel and footwear manufacturing process and repurposes it into an entirely new shoe, providing discarded materials a second life.

With billions of shoes produced annually worldwide, the footwear industry creates astonishing amounts of waste during cutting, shaping, and manufacturing processes. For instance, 344,000 tons of midsole foam waste is generated each year, enough to produce 2.5 billion midsole units, much of which ends up in landfills, contributing to long-term environmental degradation.

The Remix shoe utilizes a new recycled material, made from blended textiles, that separates cotton and polyester through Circ's unique hot water recycling process. This marks the first time this innovative recycling technique has been employed in footwear, yielding a material that not only matches the quality of new materials but surpasses them in luxury and feel.

Design without Compromise

Combining luxury and sustainability, the Runner NZ Remix presents two artistic silhouettes that reflect both comfort and individuality. The shoe is designed to evoke a sense of ethical responsibility while ensuring wearers enjoy a stylish, fresh look.

The midsole incorporates Blumaka's high-performance recycled foam, which is made from scraps generated during athletic footwear production. This innovative process reduces water usage by 99% and carbon emissions by 65%, while also exceeding expectations for durability, comfort, and performance. Blumaka's method redefines sustainability by generating elite-level products from previously discarded foam materials, demonstrating that waste can indeed become an opportunity.

Moreover, the footwear incorporates Circ's recycled material from blended textile waste, solidifying the commitment to fashion that prioritizes both visual appeal and environmental conscience. Wearers can enjoy comfort and elegance without compromising on eco-friendliness.

Leadership Voices: A Shared Vision

Adrian Neiman, Chief Design Officer at Allbirds, states, "For us, 'Better Things, Better Ways' means having an insatiable curiosity to explore approaches without sticking to one technology or manufacturing method. The Remix signifies the next step in our journey towards sustainable designs that enhance both look and feel."

The launch of the Remix continues the legacy of sustainable innovation at Allbirds, which includes collaborations such as the ultra-low carbon running shoe Futurecraft.Footprint developed with Adidas, and the world's first net-zero carbon shoes constructed from carbon-negative regenerative wool, M0.0NSHOT Zero.

Launch Details and Availability

The Remix style is set to debut in both online and physical stores in the United States and United Kingdom on August 21, 2025. Sizes will range from women’s 5 to 11 and men’s 7 to 14, including half sizes, with a price tag of $140.

Words from Our Partners

Stuart Jenkins, CEO of Blumaka, emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices, stating, "Allbirds demonstrates that the world doesn’t need more foam but rather smarter utilization of existing resources. Our advanced recycling process creates elite-level products with proven durability and comfort. The Remix shoe shows that foam waste is an opportunity, not a problem. It’s a smarter choice for both people and the planet."

Peter Majerlanowski, CEO of Circ, echoes this sentiment, asserting, "This collaboration with Allbirds proves that textile-to-textile recycling can expand beyond apparel into high-performance footwear. The Remix uses Circ® Filament Lyocell made from recycled textile waste, showing that sustainable materials can be stylish and functional without compromise. This is the future of fashion, and we are proud to lead the way."

About Allbirds

Founded in 2016 by former New Zealand soccer player Tim Brown and biotechnology expert Joey Zwillinger in San Francisco, Allbirds emerged from a desire to challenge traditional shoe manufacturing practices. By focusing on New Zealand merino wool, they sought to create comfortable, sustainable designs without flashy colors or chemicals. Their flagship product, the Wool Runners, exemplifies this philosophy by utilizing high-quality merino wool, remarkable comfort, and eco-conscious materials, such as recycled polyester shoelaces and insoles made from castor oil.

In addition to the wool shoes, Allbirds has launched other innovative series that prioritize sustainability, including the Tree series made from eucalyptus fibers and the Plant series, constructed entirely from plant-based leather. Through these efforts, they continue to contribute vital products to our increasingly environmentally-conscious society.

About Blumaka

Headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, Blumaka redefines the manufacturing process of insoles, ensuring performance while considering the planet. Using a patented technique, their high-performance insoles are made from over 85% recycled materials, converting premium foam waste into sustainable products with advanced durability and responsiveness. This technology has garnered trust from professional athletes and major brands alike, as 90% of runners experience improved speed with Blumaka insoles.

About Circ

Circ leads the effort to transform textiles into recycled materials with quality equal to virgin materials. Based in Danville, Virginia, this patented technology focuses on recycling blended fibers like cotton and polyester, making significant strides toward a cleaner future. Recognized by several prestigious awards, including the Earthshot Prize, and designated a B Corporation, Circ is committed to revolutionizing material technology and manufacturing practices.