The GEL-LYTE III CM 1.95
The GEL-LYTE III CM 1.95 is a major leap forward made by ASICS and a result of over 10 years of R&D to reduce carbon emissions. The sneaker emits 1.95kg CO2e across its entire life cycle, making it the next lowest in the market today.
REFERENCE LIFE CYCLE CO2e EMISSIONS
- Ecoalf at 4.51kg CO2e/pair is the next lowest in the casual shoes segment currently (In the past Nike’s Tanjun measured 4.3kg CO2e)
- Adizero X Allbirds 2.94KG CO2E at 2.94kg CO2e/pair is the next lowest if including ‘performance’ shoes
- ASICS Tiger Runner at 5.51kg CO2e/pair is the next lowest within ASICS
The product was created from over 10 years of research and development by ASICS. ASICS first partnered with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2010 to find a better way to accurately measure the CO2e impact across the entire life cycle of a product. For ASICS, going sustainable is one of the company’s key goal.
Yasuhito Hirota, ASICS CEO said: “ASICS has long believed in the powerful intrinsic link between sport and the mind. That’s why we’re so committed to doing our part to ensure the long-term viability of our planet. That way we can ensure that future generations can continue to experience the uplifting impact of sport on the mind. To achieve a sound mind in a sound body, you need a sound earth to move on, after all. The road ahead maybe long but the GEL-LYTE™ III CM 1.95 is our latest statement of intent on this journey. We hope it can help inspire real positive change in the sports industry on the way to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.”
New Carbon Negative Foam
One of the key innovations is the new carbon negative foam[1] used as part of the midsole and sockliner. The foam is made from a fushion of bio-based polymers derived partly from sugarcane. Other methods to reduce carbon emission include using recycled and solution dyed polyester in upper material and sockliner mesh. The sneaker also features a new structure utilizing tape that reduces the materials used in manufacturing.
Minako Yoshikawa, Senior General Manager, ASICS Sustainability Division said: “At ASICS we have long been committed to exploring and testing more sustainable methods through our value chain to reduce our impact on the planet. While the GEL-LYTE™ III CM 1.95 is a hugely significant milestone on this journey,this is only the beginning. Our ambition now is to continue applying the learnings and build on the blueprint of this shoe in a way that can be rolled out on an even bigger scale in the future.
[1] New carbon negative foam incorporates a material made from a bio-based polymer derived partially from sugarcane, called “SEPTONTM BIO-series” manufactured by Kuraray Co., Ltd.
