From manufacturing, packaging, transportation, to the end of usage, the carbon footprint of a pair of sports shoes is typically 11.3-16.7 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). At the fourth CIIE held in Shanghai, a running shoe brought by adidas has become a “low-carbon star” due to its total carbon footprint of less than 3 kilograms.

It has a sugarcane-based SweetFoam midsole and the upper material is partly made from recycled polyester and wood pulp, making the shoe environmentally-friendly. It features a carbon dioxide equivalent of 2.94 kg, around 25% of that of regular running shoes.  

As another highlight, there is also a specific area in the CIIE venue displaying how adidas turns recycled ocean plastics into clothes.

This is the second year for adidas to participate in the CIIE. This time, it has set up an interactive experience area for visitors, where people can enjoy the fun of playing football and trying on the brand’s latest running shoes.

“adidas is strongly encouraged by the Chinese government’s efforts to enhance global economic cooperation in the post-COVID-19 era through events such as CIIE and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum. We remain fully committed to supporting these efforts through our active participation in China’s sports market and our bid to create shared value alongside local athletes, consumers, and partners. Chinese President Mr. Xi Jinping’s speech at the CIIE 2021 opening ceremony has shown us the determination of the Chinese government to develop high-level and low-carbon industries,” said Jason Thomas, Managing Director of adidas Greater China.

He added, “adidas wholeheartedly supports the objectives of this agenda, which is why we are committed to further introducing our leading global sustainable production technologies and proven best practices to China to minimize our carbon footprint.”