Press Release:
OrthoLite, the 25-year industry leader of branded, high performance, comfort footwear solutions, today unveils its first-ever midsole foam innovation to elevate sustainability in the footwear industry: Cirql.
OrthoLite Cirql is the critical solution needed to achieve true circularity within the footwear industry, and is the world’s first EVA plastics-free, recyclable, biodegradable and industrially compostable foam. Powered by plants, Cirql offers a pure foam alternative to conventional plastics and is made from responsibly-sourced plants and biodegradable materials.
The GMO-free, plant-based material utilized in Cirql is free from any “forever chemicals,” and is created through a zero-waste, chemical-free foaming process. The patented ground-breaking process ensures unmatched sustainability in a midsole that delivers on OrthoLite’s highest standards of performance, comfort, and sustainability.
“At OrthoLite, operating sustainably has been central to our DNA since our inception 25 years ago, and Cirql represents our continued commitment to this effort and a natural extension of our mission and vision,” said Glenn Barrett, OrthoLite founder and CEO. “Worldwide footwear production has increased by over 20% since 2010 with no signs of slowing down. As an industry, the onus is on all of us to help mitigate our environmental impact on the planet. It’s going to take an industry wide commitment and a concerted effort, and Cirql is a major step in that direction.”
Containing no forever-chemicals or persistent microplastics, at the end of its useful life cycle, Cirql can be industrially composted, making it the first ever, soil-to-soil solution for footwear foam. Cirql effectively biodegrades back into nutrient-rich, soil compost. Additionally, Cirql foam is able to be depolymerized and recycled for reuse.
Patented worldwide and with a commitment to full transparency and third-party validation, Cirql has undergone extensive third-party testing and analysis to include a complete Life Cycle IVL Assessment and is Certified Industrial Compostable – (Din Certco), REACH-certified (EU) and USDA Certified Bio Preferred®, RSL compliant (Intertek), certified GMO-free, certified Vegan and Hypoallergenic.
Cirql’s extensive testing and certifications confirm the critical importance of measuring and validating the full environmental impact of the raw materials, finished product, production and manufacturing process, transportation, and distribution.
Cirql is headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and led by General Manager and Cirql Vice President Matt Smith. With more than 21 years of international experience in the footwear industry, Smith has built the Cirql division from the ground up, leading production direction, and establishing and managing partner relationships. Together with the Cirql team, he also facilitates the ongoing support and education required on the Cirql technologies, including: product development, innovation, and R&D.
“With its global reach and impact, Cirql technology sets a new standard in truly sustainable footwear,” said Matt Smith, General Manager and VP of Cirql. “Our flagship factory, the Cirql Center of Excellence, is a model for the way we resource factories to evolve toward a zero-waste production process and end of life product solutions. Our model can be used as a template for footwear brands and their Tier 1 factory partners to move away from traditional foam materials and processes and into a new era for sustainable footwear manufacturing.”
Cirql is a revolutionary alternative to conventional EVA plastics and provides footwear brands and their factory partners a more sustainable choice in materials and the ability to make a shift from what is currently utilized for midsoles. The technology is available to footwear brands that share a vision for the future of sustainable footwear. Applications run the spectrum from athletic to casual, fashion, work, and kids footwear. OrthoLite invites its partners to join them on this journey. For more information, please visit www.ortholitecirql.com.
- Engineered jacquard mesh upper: Creates a softer feel against the foot while improving breathability
- AMPLIFOAM PLUS cushioning: Helps to improve durability creates a softer and more comfortable feel at footstrike
- Rearfoot GEL technology: Improves impact absorption and creates a softer feeling at footstrike
- OrthoLite sockliner: Provides soft step-in comfort
- GUIDANCE LINE technology: Provides a more consistent stride
- All-Day Comfort And Performance - Our proprietary two-layer foam system optimal rebound performance, providing all-day comfort and elasticity
- High Elasticity Foam For Long-Term Cushioning - The unique two-layer combination of our R&R memory foam and our X40 Foam enables exceptional long-term cushioning and rebound for any activity.
- Advanced Moisture Management - Our X40 inserts have advanced breathability to help combat foot odor and keep your feet dry and fresh throughout the day.
- Trim to Fit: Our inserts are designed to be "trim-to-fit and adaptable to any shoe and foot size giving a personalized fitting. Please see our size chart that includes instructions on how to trim the insert to your specifications and as well our product video for instructions.
- Enhanced Impact Resistance - Designed for high-impact activities, the X40 Insoles excel in elasticity and rebound so that you experience the utmost comfort and performance from running to standing.
- Incredible Comfort- Transform your footwear with the OrthoLite Fusion fused with a top layer of Lazy memory foam for step-in comfort and a bottom layer of X40 foam for long-term cushioning.
- Environmentally Conscious Cushioning - Fusion's inserts come packed with a unique blend of recycled foam and rubber, offering long-lasting cushioned comfort while helping to reduce waste.
- Trim to Fit: Our inserts are designed to be "trim-to-fit and adaptable to any shoe and foot size giving a personalized fitting. Please see our size chart that includes instructions on how to trim the insert to your specifications and as well our product video for instructions.
- Advanced Moisture Management - Our Fusion inserts have advanced breathability to help combat foot odor and keep your feet dry and fresh throughout the day.
- Engineered Arch Support & Cushioning - Our recycled foam arch support provides the optimal amount of support for a variety of foot and arch shapes and sizes.
- Engineered mesh upper: Helps improve breathability
- Synthetic stitching on the overlays:
- AMPLIFOAM cushioning: Helps provide underfoot comfort
- The sockliner is produced with the solution dyeing process that reduces water usage by approximately 33% and carbon emissions by approximately 45% compared to the conventional dyeing technology:
- ORTHOLITE FOAM CONSTRUCTION: The Florsheim Comfortech Ortholite Insoles for men are crafted from Ortholite Foam. This ensures a precise and comfortable fit that molds to the contours of your foot. The advanced foam construction provides exceptional cushioning and support, making every step feel effortless and comfortable.
- ENHANCED COMFORT: Designed for optimal comfort, the Ortholite Lazy Foam top layer and heel pad offer additional cushioning and support where it is needed most. The Lazy Foam technology ensures superior shock absorption and responsiveness, reducing foot fatigue and enhancing overall comfort throughout the day. This makes the men’s insoles an ideal choice for every shoe.
- SOFT AND BREATHABLE TEXTILE COVER: The shoe insole features a Lycra textile cover that enhances breathability and wicks away moisture, keeping your feet cool and dry. This soft and flexible cover adds to the overall comfort of the insole, ensuring a pleasant wearing experience even during extended use.
- CUSTOMIZABLE FIT: The Florsheim Comfortech Ortholite hiking boot insole is trim-to-fi. It allows you to customize the size for a perfect fit inside your shoes. This feature ensures that you can achieve the ideal balance of comfort and support. It is tailored to your individual foot shape and shoe size.
- MULTIPLE SIZE OPTIONS: The running insoles for men in black are available in 7-8.5, 9-10.5, 11-12, and 13-14. They have a medium width and fit true to size. Pair them with your favorite shoes and stay comfortable throughout the day.
- Rearfoot GEL technology cushioning: Improves impact absorption and creates a softer feeling at footstrike
- Jacquard mesh upper: Improves airflow
- OrthoLite sockliner: Offers excellent step-in comfort
- Flex grooves in the outsole: Improve flexibility
- Synthetic stitching on the overlays: Improves support
- Engineered jacquard mesh upper: Creates a softer feel against the foot while improving breathability
- AMPLIFOAM PLUS cushioning: Helps to improve durability creates a softer and more comfortable feel at footstrike
- Rearfoot GEL technology: Improves impact absorption and creates a softer feeling at footstrike
- OrthoLite sockliner: Provides soft step-in comfort
- GUIDANCE LINE technology: Provides a more consistent stride
- GEL Technology: Cushioning provides excellent shock absorption
- Re-engineered outsole lugs for better off-road traction:
- Wide fit:
- If you're looking to Venture off the beaten path this summer, we've found the perfect lightweight trail runner for the occasion
- Men's casual skate-inspired sneakers for every day
- Regular fit; Lace closure
- Breathable washed canvas upper
- Enjoy the comfort and performance of OrthoLite sockliner
- Rubber outsole with vulcanized look
- Mesh upper: Improves breathability
- The sockliner is produced with the solution dyeing process that reduces water usage by approximately 33% and carbon emissions by approximately 45% compared to the conventional dyeing technology:
- Rearfoot GEL technology: Improves impact absorption and creates a softer feeling at footstrike
- AMPLIFOAM cushioning: Improves cushioning
- Trail-specific outsole pattern: Improves grip on various surfaces
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