Swiss sports brand On presents the first shoe made from carbon emissions, called Cloudprime.
“This is a significant moment in On’s journey to move away from petroleum-based resources by creating a new foam material called CleanCloud, made using carbon emissions as a raw material. On is the first company in the footwear industry to explore carbon emissions as a primary raw material for a shoe’s midsole, specifically EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) foam, which could also be used in other shoe parts and products in the future. On envisions a future where every product it manufactures is fossil-free and fully circular.
“CleanCloud is the result of five years of dedicated work, which began with finding the best partners. This collaborative approach is key to overcoming the challenges of developing this complex technology at a commercial scale.”
“Holding the first-ever shoe made of carbon emissions in my hands is a huge milestone—not only for On but for the whole sports industry,” said Caspar Coppetti, co-founder and executive co-chairman, On. “Five years ago, this was barely a dream. Imagine what can happen in the future as we unlock the potential of alternative carbon sources with further research and in collaboration with the best partners.”
“CleanCloud is the result of a pioneering supply chain partnership with LanzaTech, Borealis and Technip Energies. LanzaTech uses a combination of genetic engineering, biotechnology, AI, and mechanical and chemical engineering innovations to manufacture chemicals utilizing a process that soaks up waste carbon rather than emitting it.
“On’s ambition is to bring the CleanCloud technology to as many consumers as possible. “We believe that On can be an agent for positive change through enabling and accelerating the scale-up of sustainable technologies such as CleanCloud, said Caspar Coppetti.
“On is collaborating with circular Novoloop on the CleanCloud outsole using the first chemically upcycled TPU from post-consumer plastic waste. The outsole underwent rigorous lab and athlete testing, meeting specifications comparable to fossil-derived TPUs with a carbon footprint reduction. For the upper, On collaborates with Fairbrics to create a polyester-based textile made from carbon emissions.”
