Mizuno Partners with National Forest Foundation to Balance Carbon Impact of Wave Neo Collection.
Peachtree Corners, GA – (September 15, 2022) –Mizuno, a global leader in sports apparel and equipment, is gearing up to launch the Wave Neo Collection, its first running shoe that balances carbon impact. Solicited as the most eco-friendly running shoes to date, the Wave Neo Collection has the lowest environmental impact in Mizuno’s history. The Wave Neo collection features the Wave Neo Wind and the Wave Neo Ultra. These running shoes were manufactured using environmentally friendly materials such as recycled polyester and plant-derived materials to reduce CO₂ emissions. The Wave Neo collection also features non-dyed knit upper materials which use less water, ultimately reducing environmental impact. Furthermore, the amount of CO2 emissions during the product life cycle of the Wave Neo Collection, which will be sold worldwide this year(about 50,000pairs), will be offset by the amount of CO2 absorbed through afforestation, making this the first product in Mizuno’s history to balance CO2 impact.
For further information, visit https://www.mizunousa.com/wave-neo-collection
The shoes are highly functional and are designed for performance runners, including full marathon runners. The Wave Neo Wind is engineered for both beginners and advanced runners who are environmentally conscious and prefer a propulsive feel. The shoes are equipped with Mizuno’s core function, “Mizuno Wave,” which provides both cushioning and stability. The “Wave Plate” sole is derived from Pebax® Rnew®, a plant-derived material made from castor oil. The midsole foam is comprised of Mizuno’s proprietary MIZUNO ENERZY, a highly energetic midsole material. In addition, the outsole features a “G3 outsole rubber,” which is lightweight and durable. The Wave Neo Wind delivers next-level performance while prioritizing longevity and sustenance for our environment.
The Wave Neo Ultra is engineered for beginner to intermediate runners who are also environmentally conscious and prefer a softer running feel. This running shoe is also equipped with Mizuno’s core function, “Mizuno Foam Wave” (a foam wave structure that provides a softer feel). The sole thickness at the heel is 39 mm, following exceptional cushioning properties. The midsole is equipped with a combination of three types of Mizuno’s proprietary highly resilient sole material, “MIZUNO ENERZY,” for the first time, while the outsole uses a lightweight and highly gripping “G3 outsole rubber”.
Mizuno partnered with the U.S. National Forest Foundation and planted approximately 100,000 longleaf pine trees in Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest for the purpose of absorbing CO₂ emitted during the product life cycle of these running shoes.
CEO and president of Mizuno, Akito Mizuno, is excited about the launch of the Wave Neo Collection and shared, “In recent years, there have been drastic changes in the natural environment around the world that have not been seen before. The Wave Neo Collection is Mizuno’s first product line to balance its carbon impacts. This is a step toward achieving our goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. We will continue to take on challenges and pass on a rich global environment to the next generation.”
A U.S. National Forest Foundation spokesperson expressed, “Currently, the world is experiencing extreme climate change, droughts, floods, and other phenomena threatening our way of life. To ensure that people’s lives remain sustainable into the future, we are promoting tree-planting activities to absorb greenhouse gases. Mizuno is a like-minded partner in reforestation activities. As a result of this activity in the state of Georgia, Mizuno’s trees will absorb a cumulative total of approximately 50,000 tons of CO2. We are delighted to be working together toward our shared goal of contributing to realizing a sustainable society.”
For more information about the National Forest Foundation, visit their website at https://www.nationalforests.org/
Mizuno has disclosed information for balancing the carbon impact. And it has been verified by a third-party organization, DNV Business Assurance Japan K.K. Mizuno’s disclosure for balancing carbon impact https://www.dnv.com/
Mizuno’s passion for reducing its carbon footprint began 30 years ago in 1991, when the company launched the Crew21 Project to create its own environmental conservation activities. The project was named with the idea of “taking on the role of a crew member of the ‘Spaceship Earth’ and carrying out activities to conserve resources and preserve the environment. Since then, Mizuno has been working to make effective use of resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and adopt environmentally friendly materials and manufacturing processes in its product planning. Today, the Project has evolved into FY2021, promoting activities as a general sustainability project that encompasses environmental conservation activities and social and economic spheres.
With its eco-friendly features and optimal design, The Wave Neo collection is highly anticipated by runners everywhere. The collection is scheduled to launch on September 15.
Stay up-to-date on all the latest news on the brand’s website at www.MizunoUSA.com or on social @MizunoRunningUSA.
About Mizuno USA:
Mizuno USA, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mizuno Corporation, one of the largest specialty sporting goods manufacturers in the world. Mizuno USA, Inc. manufactures and distributes golf, baseball, softball, running, volleyball, swimming and tennis equipment, apparel, and footwear for North America. Mizuno USA, Inc. is based in Peachtree Corners, GA.
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