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Article
Jan, 2024

The Rise of Luxury Sneakers With Sustainable Focus

The minimum amount of recycled material to obtain this type of certification is 20%. With some customers, we have gone so far as to produce TPU and TPU EXP soles with % ranging from 80 to 95% coming from recycled materials.

GRS certification allows us to provide the customer with a certificate of analysis from an external body ICEA that attests to the % of use from recycled material.

Alessio Procaccini
Marketing Director
In an era where fashion intersects with environmental consciousness, the rise of sustainable luxury sneakers marks a pivotal shift towards a greener future.

As the fashion industry is becoming increasingly aware of the need for sustainability, we are seeing a new trend emerge: luxury sneakers with a sustainable focus. In recent years, the market for high-end sneakers has grown exponentially, with consumers willing to pay a premium for sneakers that are both fashionable and comfortable. Now, with sustainability becoming a key consideration for many shoppers, luxury sneaker brands are starting to focus on creating sustainable footwear that also meets the demands of style-conscious consumers.

One of the main drivers behind the rise of sustainable luxury sneakers is the growing demand for eco-friendly and ethically produced products. Consumers are becoming more conscious of the impact their choices have on the environment and society, and are looking for ways to reduce their environmental footprint. This is particularly true for the millennial and Gen Z demographics, who are willing to pay more for products that align with their values.

In response to this demand, luxury brands are now incorporating sustainable materials and production methods into their designs. For example, some brands are using recycled materials, such as plastic bottles and recycled rubber, to create their sneakers. Others are using sustainable materials like cork and organic cotton. 

In the context of sustainable materials, it is worth noting that Relife material is one of the innovative compounds that co.bo utilizes in its products. Relife is a high-performance material made from recycled post-consumer waste, such as plastic bottles and discarded textiles. It is a durable and versatile material that can be used in a variety of applications, including footwear. By using Relife in its luxury sneakers, co.bo is able to offer its clients the production of sustainable footwear that not only looks good but also helps reduce the amount of waste in landfills.

It's worth noting that co.bo is at the forefront of sustainable footwear production: we are proud to be one of the few footwear injection companies to have received the Global Recycle Standard (GRS) certification. This prestigious certification ensures that co.bo's production processes meet strict environmental and social criteria, including the use of recycled materials and responsible manufacturing practices. The GRS certification also enables co.bo's clients to certify their own production processes as sustainable, further spreading the trend towards more eco-friendly fashion. This means that by choosing to work with co.bo, luxury sneaker brands can differentiate themselves as leaders in sustainable fashion and appeal to the growing market of conscious consumers.

Another factor driving the rise of sustainable luxury sneakers is the growing awareness of the impact that the fashion industry has on the environment. According to a report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions and consumes more energy than the aviation and shipping industries combined. By creating sustainable footwear, luxury sneaker brands are helping to reduce the industry's environmental impact.

However, creating sustainable luxury sneakers is not without its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is balancing sustainability with style and performance. Consumers still expect their sneakers to be fashionable and comfortable, and luxury brands must ensure that their sustainable sneakers meet these expectations.

Another challenge is the cost of sustainable production. Sustainable materials are often more expensive than traditional materials, and sustainable production methods can require significant investment. This means that sustainable luxury sneakers may come with a higher price tag, which could be a barrier for some consumers.

Despite these challenges, the trend towards sustainable luxury sneakers is only set to grow. With consumers becoming increasingly conscious of the impact of their choices, luxury sneaker brands that can offer sustainable footwear that meets the demands of style-conscious shoppers are likely to thrive. At the same time, the fashion industry as a whole will benefit from the shift towards more sustainable and ethical production methods. It's a win-win for everyone involved.

In an era where fashion intersects with environmental consciousness, the rise of sustainable luxury sneakers marks a pivotal shift towards a greener future.
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