ASICS achieves ground-breaking sustainability through new GEL-LYTE III™ CM 1.95 shoes

ASICS has made a milestone in its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 by launching the new GEL-LYTE III™ CM 1.95 sneaker. These sneakers emit only 1.95kg of CO2e, which is significantly lower than other CO2e sneakers available on the market right now.

The development of GEL-LYTE™ III CM 1.95 began in 2010 with a partnership involving Massachusetts Institute of Technology. ASICS has dedicated over 10 years of research to accurately measure the impact of CO2e in a product’s lifetime.

Through the years of research, ASICS has made a great number of advancements across the four stages of the product life cycle that combine to make a huge environmental impact (Materials, Manufacturing, Transportation and Use and End-of-life). Quality is sure to not be compromised with the new levels of sustainability in the GEL-LYTE™ III CM 1.95.

ASICS guaranteed comfort in the production of the GEL-LYTE™ III CM 1.95 as well. These sneakers have a new carbon negative foam featured on its midsole and sockliner. This foam is made from a fusion of bio-based polymers acquired partially out of sugarcane.

Sustainability created a key design detail in the shoe through the use of recycled and solution dyed polyester. This highlights another eco-friendly goal by ASICS of sourcing 100% of its polyester from recycled material by 2030. There is also a new structure utilizing tape that has 100% renewable energy in the manufacturing phase and uses less material.

This innovative new sneaker reflects ASICS’ long-term ambition of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and allows future generations to shop for high-quality exercise shoes guilt-free. The result of years of research and development is the GEL-LYTE™ III CM 1.95.

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."

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."

The GEL-LYTE™ III CM 1.95 shoe will be available in store or online at asics.com

To read more about ASICS efforts towards sustainability, visit https://asics.tv/cm195.

Claire Becknell contributed this piece.