Cirql Introduces Cirql Zero36, a Breakthrough in Sustainable Footwear Materials
Cirql®, a prominent name in sustainable footwear innovations, has recently unveiled its latest offering: Cirql Zero36™, which marks the company's second new material launch in as many months. This innovative midsole solution is said to provide a significantly lower environmental impact compared to traditional EVA midsole foams commonly used in the footwear industry.
Sustainable Innovation in Footwear
Cirql Zero36 represents a pivotal step in Cirql's commitment to combating the environmental challenges posed by traditional plastic materials. Made from 36% bio-based content, this midsole foam is not only biodegradable but can also be industrially composted at the end of its lifecycle. Unlike standard materials, Cirql Zero36 is produced using a patented chemical-free supercritical foaming process, ensuring it meets the strict environmental guidelines increasingly demanded by consumers and regulatory bodies alike.
Properties and Benefits
Cirql Zero36 is characterized by its low density and uniform microcellular structure, creating a high-energy foam that prioritizes comfort and durability. These attributes make it an ideal alternative to conventional EVA, enabling footwear brands to genuinely reduce their ecological footprint without compromising on performance.
As Matt Thwaites, Cirql's Vice President and General Manager, emphasized, the goal is to provide footwear brands with robust solutions that align with their climate initiatives: “Our aim at Cirql is to create products that make it easy for footwear brands to meet those needs while building a lower impact industry and a more circular future for all footwear.”
With third-party testing affirming its effectiveness, Cirql Zero36 can be acquired either as a finished component or in a polymer form, providing flexible options for manufacturers. This technology is protected by 25 issued patents globally, with many more pending, illustrating Cirql's dedication to innovation in sustainable materials.
Recent Developments
Cirql's initiatives in sustainability are not limited to the introduction of Cirql Zero36. In September 2025, the company expanded its product line with Cirql rTPU50, which includes GRS-certified, fully recyclable midsole foams. Additionally, Cirql Zero, which debuted in December 2024, was awarded the prestigious ISPO BrandNew Award for Sustainability. Cirql Zero36 now joins this esteemed "Zero" category, further enhancing the brand's offerings and supporting their mission to minimize landfill waste.
Future Focus
Cirql's philosophy is rooted in developing scalable, less impactful material solutions. With products like Cirql Zero, rTPU30, and the newly launched Cirql Zero36, the company continues to empower footwear brands. By opting for Cirql’s materials, brands can better achieve their sustainability targets, ensuring that their products are not only innovative but also aligned with ecological best practices.
For footwear brands looking to explore this breakthrough material further, Cirql offers product samples, technical support, and partnership inquiries through its website, CirqlInnovations.com. By participating in Cirql’s vision, companies can contribute to a more sustainable future for the footwear industry.
In conclusion, the launch of Cirql Zero36 reinforces Cirql's position as a leader in sustainable footwear materials, offering comprehensive solutions that encompass environmental responsibility, comfort, and performance. As consumers continue to shift their focus toward eco-friendliness and sustainability, innovations like Cirql Zero36 will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the footwear industry.