Mueller Sports Medicine said it has introduced a line of athletic braces and supports made primarily from recycled plastic bottles and other recycled substances. Called Mueller Green, the new products also feature a core made from non-petroleum based materials.
Now available in sporting goods stores, pharmacies and mass merchandise retail outlets nationwide, the Mueller Green line offers environmentally-minded consumers “green” versions of some of the company’s best selling products, including an adjustable hinged knee brace; an adjustable ankle support; two wrist braces; an adjustable back/abdominal support; and early in 2010 an adjustable elbow support. Unlike most sports braces, which use neoprene (a petroleum-based material) for their core, Mueller Green’s core material is derived from limestone. Mueller Green products also use a spandex binding made of 73 percent recycled materials and a liner made of 67 percent recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles.
The Mueller Green products are designed to be easy to use for average consumers, as opposed to elite athletes working with professional trainers. For example, the adjustable knee brace uses a wrap-around design (which requires less flexibility to get on than pull-on style braces) and its hinged knee braces are self-adjusting. The back and abdominal support features a cinching pull-strap for one-handed tightening, while the ankle support can be adjusted without removing the shoe.
