Innovative circular & sustainable Danish sneaker company seeks committed distributors

Summary

Profile Type

Business Offer

POD Reference

BODK20241016032

Term of Validity

16 October 2024 - 16 October 2025

Company's Country

Denmark

Type of partnership

Commercial agreement

Targeted Countries

Estonia
Czechia
Austria
France
Finland
Croatia
Denmark
Belgium
Germany
Luxembourg
Portugal
Poland
Spain
Latvia
Norway
Lithuania
Italy
Ireland
Hungary
Sweden
United Kingdom
Switzerland
Taiwan

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General information

Short Summary

This Copenhagen-based upcycling brand gives new life to textiles by transforming discarded textiles into upcycled and vegan sneakers. Their sneakers cause half the amount of CO2 (7kg) compared to conventional sneakers (14kg). As a part of the company's take-back-program they also recycle their old sneakers into new soles after end-of-use. They produce under fair conditions in Portugal, and they are seeking distribution partners to expand into European markets.

Full Description

The Danish company is a sustainable sneaker company that transforms textile waste, such as discarded jeans, workwear, and tablecloths, into upcycled sneakers. The owner of the company realised during her master studies at Brunel University in the United Kingdom, that only 1% of textile waste is re-circulated into new fashion products and was inspired to make a difference. Recognising sneakers as the most wasteful fashion item on the market, she took on the challenge to make them as sustainable as possible. Her thesis project laid the foundation, and soon after, she produced the first upcycled sneaker prototype and founded the company in her hometown of Copenhagen in 2019.
Today, the company sources materials from NGOs and textile partners like Europcar. The company produces ethically at a Portuguese factory, ensuring fair working conditions, prioritising durability, minimising waste, and limiting chemicals. They offer a take-back programme to recycle worn-out sneakers into new soles, promoting a circular economy and their supply chain is based in the EU, reducing transportation emissions. They are strongly focused on sustainability and offer the following benefits:
- For every 1,000 sneakers they save 150 square meters of textiles from landfill or burning.
- The world's first circular sneakers made from upcycled textiles
- Low footprint: Half the Co2 emissions (7 kg) compared to conventional sneakers (14 kg)
- Eco-friendly: Using upcycled, recycled and natural/biodegradable materials
- Vegan
- Circular: Sneakers are recycled into new soles at the end of use
- Fair: produced in Portugal
- They now also offers upcycled caps

Through a non-profit organisation, the Danish company extends its sustainability mission into the community through educational and engaging activities like workshops and craftivism. This way the company empowers individuals to take actionable steps towards reducing textile waste.

At present, their products are offered through their own webshop, available in Danish, German and English, as well as on marketplaces, such as Leclerc (France) and Avocadostore (Germany). They also have a showroom in Copenhagen for retail sales. In order to expand their sales to new regions, they are looking for
distribution partners in other European countries, with a strong retail network, knowledge in the field of sustainability, European markets, logistics and warehousing, and experience in online sales channels.

Advantages and Innovations

The company offers several advantages and innovations:
- Upcycling textile waste: The company transforms discarded textiles, such as old jeans and workwear, into sneakers, reducing waste and promoting resource efficiency.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Each pair of their sneakers produces only half the emissions of conventional sneakers (7kg instead of 14kg), significantly lowering the overall carbon footprint.
- Ethical production: Their sneakers are made in Portugal under fair working conditions, ensuring high labour standards.
- EU-based supply chain: EU sourcing and production minimises transportation emissions, reducing the carbon footprint.
- Circular economy: Through a take-back programme, worn-out sneakers are recycled into new soles, extending the product's life cycle.

Stage of Development

Already on the market

Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Goal 13: Climate Action
Goal 17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal
Goal 15: Life on Land
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

IPR status

IPR granted

IPR notes

Trademark in EU registered

Partner Sought

Expected Role of a Partner

The Danish company is looking for a distribution partner who has a strong retail network - The partner should have an established presence in key retail channels, particularly those focused on fashion, footwear, and sustainable products, to ensure wide distribution across relevant markets.
Experience in sustainable products - familiarity with handling and marketing sustainable, eco-friendly products is crucial.
Expertise in European markets - knowledge of consumer behaviour and trends is important for effectively reaching target customers.
Efficient logistics and warehousing - The partner should have a robust logistics infrastructure to manage inventory, ensure timely deliveries, and handle returns efficiently.
Strong digital presence - Experience in e-commerce and online sales channels can help reach the relevant forward-thinking audience.
Commitment to sustainability - The partner should ideally align with the company's sustainability values, ensuring eco-friendly packaging, transportation, and operations.
Marketing and branding support - A partner who can assist with marketing efforts, in-store promotions, and brand visibility will be beneficial for establishing the Danish company in new markets.

Type and Size of Partner