Volvo collaborates on carbon-neutral sneaker
Volvo Car Canada is putting its best foot forward in a collaboration with Casca footwear to promote a carbon-neutral future.
The limited-edition sneaker will go on sale on Wednesday — World Car Free Day.
According to Casca's co-founder, the goal was to create a shoe rooted in conscious design and reflecting the Scandinavian influences of the automaker's first all-electric vehicle.
The shoe will be priced at $198 for Canadians.
“The Volvo XC40 Recharge was designed to reduce environmental impact, so it was the perfect inspiration for the shoe,” said Casca's Kevin Reid, adding that the collaboration marked several firsts for the Vancouver company, including its first shared design, the fastest production to market, and used new recycled materials never used before by Casca.
Here are some of the highlights of the shoe:
■ Ten per cent of each sole is made from recycled car tires;
■ seven recycled plastic bottles are used to make the yarn for each breathable, flexible knit upper;
■ the Swedish flag is represented on one shoe tag, while the Casca yellow can be seen on the other, honouring the collaboration between the two brands;
■ Scandinavian design, and Volvo's Thor hammer headlight design influenced the linework and panelling on the shoe.
“At Volvo Cars, we are committed to setting the highest standards of sustainability in mobility, and that goes beyond electrifying our fleet, to transforming all aspects of our business,” said Matt Girgis, managing director of Volvo Car Canada.
“The shoe we have created with Casca in celebration of World Car Free Day, is one way to recognize the many steps we are taking on our journey to climate neutrality.”
World Car Free day was established to bring global awareness to the significance of reducing air pollution and encourage a more active lifestyle.
The annual event is celebrated in more than 2,000 cities and in 35 countries around the world.