PUMA to Launch Compostable Clothing

When you think of the mega-successful apparel company “Puma”, the last thing that comes to mind is “compostable clothing”. Well, you better believe it because Puma has been making some serious changes to its sustainability initiatives and has come out as a front-runner in many areas.

Recently, when Puma was asked by Reuters if the company would end its business relationship with Yonguor Textile of China, they didn’t hesitate to take action. Indeed, the question was raised after Greenpeace published a report profiling the problem of toxic water pollution resulting from the release of hazardous chemicals by textile factories in China such as Yongour. Puma didn’t completely end its relationship with Yongour, but they did decide to take responsibility. In fact, in a statement Puma released on July 26^th, 2011 the company said it recognizes the urgent need for reducing and eliminating industrial releases of all hazardous chemicals and is committed to “eliminating the discharges of all hazardous chemicals from the whole lifecycle and all production procedures that are associated with the making and using of PUMA products by 2020.”

Last year, Puma even launched its Clever Little Bag, a reusable bag to replace shoeboxes made from 65% less paper and energy. Now, It’s leading the way in materials technology and trying to tackle what will happen to their goods once people no longer want to use them.

Instead of taking the approach for customers to “buy less”, Puma wants their clothes to be compostable!  This will close their lifecycle loop and allow them to hopefully reduce their impact on the environment. Puma is confident that compostable clothes and sneakers will be the future. 

Compostable clothing may be something of the future, but if you follow industry closely, you will realize that it is not that bizarre. In fact, Anke Domask, who is a German fashion designer and mircobiologist, recently developed a clothing line from milk fibers. She has come up with an easy and environmentally friendly way to extract fibres from milk and her designs are proving very successful. Additionally, Linda Loudermilk, at Miami Swim Week this wear debuted a completely compostable swimsuit!

Compostable clothing certainly is an innovative idea and if promoted by a major brand like Puma, could soon become mainstream. Finally, a company is eager to reduce their environmental footprint …and go about it in the right way!