OrthoLite’s subsidiary, Cirql, unveiled its latest material innovation at ISPO Munich 2024: Cirql Zero, an industrially compostable and biodegradable foam designed for midsole components. Alongside its recyclable Cirql rTPU30 midsole, Cirql is providing footwear brands with comprehensive solutions that address the entire lifecycle of footwear, from production to end-of-life disposal.
Matt Thwaites, Vice President and General Manager of Cirql, highlighted the pressing need for this solution: “There are tens of billions of pairs of shoes thrown away every year. Our goal is to keep this waste out of landfills.”
Cirql Zero debuted as part of a concept project, the “Disappearing Shoe,” which highlights the foam’s industrial compostability – achieving 90 percent degradation within 180 days. This material breakthrough is showcased at Cirql’s booth in Hall A2, Stand 426, and the BrandNew Village at ISPO Munich. The concept shoe is also a finalist for the ISPO BrandNew Award.
“Footwear brands have long sought a trusted, fully biodegradable midsole material that also delivers high-performance properties,” said Thwaites, emphasizing the significance of this innovation. ”Cirql Zero now provides a price-competitive, scalable solution that democratizes sustainable footwear materials.”
Cirql Zero, made via a proprietary supercritical foaming (SCF) process, ensures manufacturing adaptability and scalability. It is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing production processes, offering accessibility to manufacturers worldwide. Capable of scaling to hundreds of millions of pairs annually, Cirql Zero paves the way for large-scale adoption across various footwear categories, from athletic to luxury.
Complementing Cirql Zero is Cirql rTPU30, a midsole solution containing 30 percent Global Recycled Standard (GRS)-certified post-consumer recycled content. Both innovations aim to minimize footwear’s environmental footprint, addressing landfill waste and reducing reliance on petroleum-based materials.
By November 2024, Cirql’s Vietnam facility had achieved GRS certification, further supporting the company’s commitment to transparency and verifiable sustainability claims. Cirql’s solutions are aligned with global climate goals, empowering footwear brands to advance toward a more sustainable future.
With Cirql Zero and rTPU30, Cirql sets a new benchmark in sustainable footwear innovation, enabling brands to embrace eco-friendly practices without compromising performance or scalability. The Outdoor Industry Compass plans to conduct an in-depth interview with Thwaites in the near future to learn more about the new material.
