Saucony takes major step in its sustainability journey

Aiming to run towards a more sustainable future, Saucony has announced a major step in its sustainability journey – with a goal that 90% of its products will contain organic, recycled or renewable materials by 2025, rising to 100% by 2030.

Underlining this commitment, the brand adds that it is making an immediate impact to reduce its environmental footprint with the launch of the Triumph RFG (Run For Good), billed as Saucony’s most sustainable shoe to date.

The all-new Triumph RFG brings together plant-based dyes in the upper with a 55% corn-based PWRRUN BIO+ midsole foam to help limit the shoe’s dependence on plastic; a major contributor to negative environmental impact.

The 80% natural rubber outsole is engineered to offer the same level of performance as a synthetic sole. With an RRP of £175 in the UK, the Triumph RFG will be available from September 5th at saucony.com and select retailers globally.

“This year, as we celebrate Saucony’s 125th anniversary, we look back on how creating a better world has always been part of our deep-rooted heritage,” said Rob Griffiths, Saucony Global Brand President.

“At Saucony, we say that when we innovate, we elevate — the industry, our partners and the sport. But quite simply, the future of our sport depends on the future of our planet, and we know we can do better for ourselves and the earth.”

He continued, “There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. That means as a member of the global community, it is imperative that we are constantly innovating, researching, and committing to our promise to find more sustainable options. We believe there is no finish line when it comes to sustainability; we are dedicated to pushing ourselves and the industry to do better.”

Over the years, Saucony has implemented a variety of projects on its sustainability journey, including the launch of its spring 2020 apparel line — where approaching 100% of styles were made in part with organic, recycled or renewable materials. In 2021, the brand launched the Jazz Court RFG, crafted using only seven natural materials and zero plastic; it became Saucony’s most eco-friendly shoe at the time.

Furthermore, in 2022, Saucony became the first running brand to collaborate with Cycora by Ambercycle, creating performance running tops made from 23% Cycora material, a regenerated polyester sourced from textile waste that would otherwise have ended up in landfills.

“What we use to make our footwear and apparel has a big impact on our environmental footprint – that’s why we focus on natural and recycled materials that reduce the need for synthetic chemicals and harmful production processes,” said Brian Moore, Senior Vice President of Global Product for Saucony.

“Sustainability and running performance don’t always go hand-in-hand, and runners who care about the environment shouldn’t have to make a choice. The Triumph RFG is proof that sustainability and performance can work in tandem with the added goal of ensuring that the product remains affordable for the consumer.

“Saucony continues to make progress in its sustainability journey, and the Triumph RFG is just one of many Saucony styles to be reimagined with the future of the planet at the forefront.”

As part of its sustainability strategy, Saucony has also initiated the RFG Standard, a baseline measurement that indicates if a product meets the brand’s sustainability goals while continuing to deliver on consumer performance requirements. A product that meets those standards, such as the Triumph RFG, earns the RFG Badge.

www.saucony.com