This Revolutionary Shoe Recycling Program Unites Performance Sportswear And Sustainability

Summary

The video showcases On's innovative approach to sustainability, design, and product development in the running shoe industry. From the creation of their first patented technology, CloudTec, to their circularity initiative with the Cyclon program, On emphasizes rapid prototyping, collaboration, and using sustainable materials like castor beans. The company's commitment to reducing waste and taking responsibility for environmental impact is central to their future vision, with an ongoing drive to improve both technology and sustainability. The journey toward creating fully recyclable products and pushing boundaries in footwear design reflects On's continuous evolution.

Takeaways

• 😀 On's mission is to ignite the human spirit through movement, with running being a central focus.
• 😀 On emphasizes a collaborative culture, encouraging team members to share ideas freely.
• 😀 The company started with three founders—David Allemann, Caspar Coppetti, and Olivier Bernhard—who wanted to create the perfect running shoe.
• 😀 CloudTec, On's first patented technology, consists of hollow pots (clouds) designed for a soft landing and explosive takeoff.
• 😀 On's product development process focuses on rapid prototyping and testing, with prototypes created in hours and tested in real-world conditions.
• 😀 The company works hands-on, with a design team involved in building physical prototypes from the start, rather than relying on digital models first.
• 😀 On is committed to sustainability, actively working to eliminate waste in its processes and products.
• 😀 The Cyclon program is On's fully recyclable product line, starting with the Cloudneo shoe, which can be recycled to create new products.
• 😀 On has developed shoes using castor beans as a raw material, replacing petroleum-based polymers with a more sustainable alternative.
• 😀 The future of On involves continuing to innovate in circularity, expanding the use of sustainable materials across footwear and other products.

Q & A

What is the mission of On?

On's mission is to ignite the human spirit through movement.

What is central to the experience of running at On?

The experience of running is always central to the work and products at On.

How does On approach product creation in terms of sustainability?

On strives to create products in the right way to lead the industry in sustainability, focusing on circularity and reducing waste in the production process.

Who were the founders of On and what was their vision?

On was founded by David Allemann, Caspar Coppetti, and Olivier Bernhard, who aimed to create the perfect running shoe that didn't exist on the market.

What is CloudTec and how does it work?

CloudTec is On's first patented technology, consisting of hollow pods called 'clouds' that provide cushioning both vertically and horizontally, offering a soft landing and an explosive takeoff.

What is unique about On's product development process?

On has a highly collaborative culture where ideas can be brought to the table by anyone. Their product development process also emphasizes creating physical prototypes quickly, unlike other companies that rely on digital models first.

How does On test its prototypes before releasing them?

After creating a prototype, On tests it by putting it on a runner's foot, using a treadmill, and analyzing the sports science aspects of the shoe.

What is the Cyclon program at On?

The Cyclon program is On's initiative for fully recyclable products, starting with the Cloudneo shoe, which can be returned and recycled to create new products.

What raw material is used in the production of On’s sustainable shoes?

On uses castor beans to create a polymer material that replaces petroleum-based materials. Castor beans are grown in dry areas where other crops cannot thrive.

What is the future vision for On's sustainability efforts?

On's future is focused on expanding the circularity model established with Cyclon and Cloudneo, pushing sustainability further across footwear and other product categories.