In a move that could potentially revolutionize the way footwear and apparel are packaged and shipped, Puma has launched the next phase of its long-term sustainability program with what they call a Clever Little Bag, set to intro in the second half of 2011. 

 

The bag will replace the cardboard shoebox which currently accounts for 65% of Pumas paper usage. In its stead will be a re-usable bag which will house each pair of shoes from the manufacturer until the point of sale. 

 

As a result of the move, Puma will also reduce its usage of water, energy and diesel consumption within the manufacturing phase by more than 60% a year.  That amounts to nearly 8,500 tons less paper, 20 million mega joules of electricity, 1 million liters of fuel and 1 million liters of water saved each year. 

 

“For a long time our mission has been to become the most desirable Sportlifestyle company. With this next phase of our sustainability program we have evolved our mission to be the most desirable and sustainable Sportlifestyle company in the world,” said Jochen Zeitz, chairman and CEO of PUMA.

 

Set to be completed by 2015, the program emphasizes Pumas ultimate goal of reducing company-wide carbon, energy, water and waste by 25% and as well as adhering to sustainability standards with 50% of the companys international products.

 

In addition to footwear, Pumas apparel division is also being overhauled with respect to company-wide green-based goals.  Accordingly, apparel will be bagged using sustainable materials which will replace the current polyethylene bags, saving the company 720 tons of said poly material, enough plastic to cover 1000 soccer fields. 

 

Puma is also incorporating space saving methods into shipping processes by folding t-shirts one more time, increasing the amount of cargo and ultimately reducing fuel costs by making fewer shipments. Also, Puma plans to replace current plastic bags within the companys retail locations with sustainable, biodegradable bags the company says will save approximately 192 tons of plastic and 293 tons of paper annually.