The Adidas Low Waste Initiative aims to reduce material waste from shoe production by using recycled materials, fewer parts, and maximizing pattern efficiency. As part of this initiative, Adidas launched the Element Soul shoe in 2012 and its successor, the Element Voyager, in 2013. The Element Voyager has only 12 parts compared to an average of 30 in running shoes, which results in a 60% decrease in parts and 500g less waste per shoe.

1. Adidas
Low Waste Initiative

2. Overview
• Initiative aims to reduce material waste from
producing footwear
• By using recycled materials, fewer parts, and
maximum pattern efficiency
• Launched in 2012

3. Shoes
• Adidas launched its Element Soul Shoe in
2012
• Its successor, the Element Voyager, was
launched in 2013
• Its successor, the Element Voyager, was
launched in 2013

4. Element Voyager
• It has only 12 parts compared to 30 in an
average running shoe
• A 60% decrease in the number of parts and
500g less waste per shoe
• With 95% pattern efficiency, the Element
Voyager is down to 5% waste
• With 95% pattern efficiency, the Element
Voyager is down to 5% waste

5. What Makes it A Low
Waste Shoe?
• With 95% pattern efficiency, the Element Voyager is
down to 5% waste
• Pattern Efficiency: 95% pattern efficiency
• Dematerialization: No sockliner, size label and logo
combined together
• The Element Voyager is also made with
Environmentally-preferred materials
• The Element Voyager is also made with
Environmentally-preferred materials

6. Why is Reducing Waste
Important?
• Reduces amount of waste produced in
manufacturing
• Less energy intensive processes save resources
like water and energy
• By eliminating parts, the environmental impact
of those parts are cut out of the carbon
footprint
• Low waste design creates shoes that have less
impact on the environment