Cirql: Pioneering a Sustainable Revolution in Footwear

In an era where sustainability is paramount, Cirql™, a subsidiary of OrthoLite®, stands at the forefront of revolutionizing the global footwear industry. Combining innovation, environmental stewardship, and a commitment to circularity, Cirql is redefining how footwear components are designed and manufactured, ensuring a brighter future for both the industry and the planet.

The Evolution of Cirql’s Mission

Launched by OrthoLite in March 2022, Cirql has rapidly expanded its offerings, addressing critical sustainability challenges in footwear production. OrthoLite, renowned for its leadership in comfort and performance insoles, created Cirql to focus on scalable, low-impact material solutions that align with a circular economy. The subsidiary’s mission is clear: to develop materials that are either fully biodegradable or recyclable, ensuring footwear does not end up in landfills.

At the core of Cirql’s philosophy lies a vision to help brands meet their climate goals by providing innovative materials that prioritize end-of-life considerations. Among its standout innovations is Cirql Zero™, a biodegradable foam solution designed to redefine the concept of sustainability in footwear.

Introducing Cirql Zero: A Breakthrough in Circular Design

Cirql Zero represents a significant leap forward in the quest for truly sustainable footwear materials. Developed using a patented chemical-free foaming process, Cirql Zero is not only biodegradable but also compostable. This innovation ensures that when the product reaches the end of its life, it can return to the earth without leaving harmful residues behind.

Key features of Cirql Zero include:

• Biodegradability: Engineered to break down naturally, Cirql Zero eliminates waste and reduces the burden on landfills.

• Chemical-Free Process: The patented production method avoids the use of hazardous chemicals, ensuring both environmental safety and worker health.

• Circularity: Designed with the end-of-life in mind, Cirql Zero aligns with the principles of a circular economy by enabling footwear brands to create products that complete a sustainable lifecycle.

“Our mission with Cirql Zero is to set a new standard for biodegradable materials in footwear,” says Glenn Barrett, founder and CEO of OrthoLite. “It’s about providing brands with solutions that deliver performance and sustainability without compromise.”

Transforming the Footwear Industry

The introduction of Cirql Zero comes at a time when the footwear industry is under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. With regulatory changes and growing consumer demand for transparency, brands must navigate a complex landscape to meet both environmental and market expectations.

Cirql Zero offers a solution to these challenges by providing a material that not only meets but exceeds current sustainability standards. By integrating Cirql Zero into their product lines, brands can demonstrate their commitment to reducing environmental impact while delivering high-performance footwear.

A Vision for a Sustainable Future

Cirql’s innovations, exemplified by Cirql Zero, are not just about creating better materials—they’re about fostering a systemic shift in how footwear is conceived, produced, and disposed of. The company’s collaboration with organizations like The Conservation Alliance and Textile Exchange further underscores its dedication to driving meaningful change across the industry.

Matt Thwaites, Vice President and General Manager of Cirql, highlights the broader implications of these efforts: “Cirql Zero is more than a product; it’s a step toward redefining the relationship between the footwear industry and the environment. By prioritizing circularity and eliminating harmful chemicals, we’re shaping a future where sustainability is the standard, not the exception.”

Partnering with Brands for Impact

Cirql is working closely with its 550+ global brand partners to incorporate Cirql Zero into their offerings. This collaboration ensures that the benefits of this innovative material reach consumers worldwide, setting a precedent for planet-friendly footwear.

With Cirql Zero now available, the industry has a viable pathway to meet climate goals while maintaining the quality and performance consumers expect. The material’s biodegradability and circular design provide a compelling case for its adoption, and early indications suggest significant interest from brands looking to fast-track sustainable solutions.

Looking Ahead

As Cirql continues to push the boundaries of sustainable innovation, the focus remains on delivering materials that balance performance with environmental responsibility. Cirql Zero exemplifies this commitment, offering a blueprint for how the footwear industry can transition to a more sustainable future.