Insole specialist Enertor, official partner of England Athletics, has presented ‘the world’s first insole recycling program.’ With over 300 million pairs of shoes and insoles ending up in landfill every year, in the UK alone, the company adds that it is ‘now taking big strides to support our planet.’
Innovate UK has awarded Enertor a government research and development (R&D) grant to help find ways to recycle insoles and reduce the significant shoe waste, every year. The first of its kind, a new recycling scheme will repurpose insoles to create insulation for homes or soft mats for outdoor children’s playgrounds.
Nick Beresford, CEO of Enertor said “We are incredibly excited to be awarded this grant to do our bit for the planet, to educate runners and consumers on the importance of recycling and the sheer amount of waste created by just one element of our wardrobe – shoes, trainers and insoles.
“We are hugely grateful for the support from Innovate UK and we look forward to working with all our partners to make a positive impact on the environment.”
He continued, “Insoles do not belong in the bin, nor do they belong in landfill. Every insole, no matter the brand or condition, will be accepted into our recycling scheme.
“We encourage you to send your old insoles to Enertor, be they running insoles or gel pads for your heels, in an envelope or small bag of your choice, preferably recycled. It doesn’t matter which brand of insoles or their condition. We will make sure that your old insoles will not pollute our environment, instead they will be put to good use as a positive for our ever changing world.”
To take part in this scheme, individuals can send insoles to ENERTOR Recycling Department, 10-15 Pegasus, Orion Court, Addison Way, Great Blakenham, IP6 0LW.
Any brands, retailers or sports clubs keen to show support to the scheme, can email info[at]enertor.com for more information on how to get involved.
Innovate UK Executive Chair, Dr Ian Campbell, said “In these difficult times we have seen the best of British business innovation. The pandemic is not just a health emergency but one that impacts society and the economy.
“Enertor and the insole recycling project, along with every initiative Innovate UK has supported through this fund, is an important step forward in driving sustainable economic development. Each one is also helping to realise the ambitions of hard-working people.”
