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It will be called “Amorim-Nike”, and is a new product with a very low carbon footprint that results from the combination of recycled sneakers and Portuguese cork. The product is already being developed to be sold in the USA, France and Germany.
“Nike’s project takes old sneakers from athletes and sportsmen and recycles them, and we are their partners in this process. We are going to launch a sub-floor that uses precisely this new material made from the blend of recycled sneakers and our cork”, says António Rios Amorim, chairman of the Board of Directors of Corticeira Amorim.
The use of waste is not a new task for the company, which has even created a production line thought for circular economy, thought to find ways to enhance the by-products or waste from other industries by combining them with the technical and environmental advantages of cork.
“Nike shreds the old sneakers, separates the textile part from the soles and foam, sends the materials to us, and we mix them with cork. In the right hands, these residues have an economic value. That’s what Nike has managed to do with Amorim”.
António Rios Amorim also states that the product is already being developed, and that there is a commercial intention on both sides. “In this case, we are the ones who are going to produce and sell it to several international chains, such as Leroy Merlin. We are going to export to USA, France and Germany”, expects the manager.