Nike has teamed up with Ant Group's Green Energy Initiative to launch a new program for recycling old shoes on Alipay aptly titled 'Recycle-A-Shoe.'
The new program will be available to Chinese consumers via the Alipay app. Users will be able to hand in their used sneakers, which will then be disassembled into their component parts and re-processed to create eco-friendly sport courts via Nike's 'Nike Grind' technology.
"In China, Nike continues to strive toward its goal of ‘Move to Zero’ and encourages the public to take part in environmental protection. The innovative cooperation with Ant Group allows Nike’s Recycle-A-Shoe program to reach more consumers through digital solutions on the Alipay platform and incorporates Nike’s sustainability efforts into daily life, which is our long-term commitment," said Stanley Chang, Vice President of Operations and Logistics of Nike Greater China.
Recycled Shoe Programs
Nike and Ant Group Partner to Launch New 'Recycle-A-Shoe' Program on Alipay
Trend Themes
1. Eco-friendly Shoe Recycling - As consumers become more eco-conscious, there is an opportunity for companies to launch their own shoe recycling programs and reduce their environmental footprint.
2. Technology-enabled Recycling - With the use of innovative technology, like Nike Grind, shoe recycling programs can not only reduce waste but also create new products from recycled materials.
3. Digital Recycling Solutions - Partnering with digital platforms, like Alipay, can make shoe recycling more accessible to a wider audience and simplify the recycling process for consumers.
Industry Implications
1. Sportswear - Sportswear companies can take a leadership role in sustainability by developing new programs, like Nike's Recycle-A-Shoe, and incorporating eco-friendly practices into their supply chains.
2. Waste Management - Companies specializing in waste management can offer innovative solutions, like disassembling shoes into component parts, to reduce waste and increase recycling rates for difficult-to-recycle materials.
3. Digital Payments - Digital payment platforms, like Alipay, can expand their offerings to include environmentally-focused programs, like Recycle-A-Shoe, to attract and retain users who value sustainability.