Allbirds has unveiled Remix, a new footwear line created in partnership with recycling innovators Blumaka and Circ, designed to tackle the mounting waste crisis in the global shoe industry.
The collaboration marks a first for the sector, repurposing manufacturing waste such as foam scraps, trimmings and blended textiles into high-performance trainers. Two styles – the Runner NZ Remix and Cruiser Remix – debut under the line, available from 19 August in the US and UK at $140.
The scale of waste in footwear manufacturing is vast. The industry generates around 344,000 tonnes of midsole foam waste every year – enough to produce 2.5 billion pairs of shoes. Most of this ends up in landfill, where it decomposes slowly and emits harmful gases.
Blumaka’s contribution lies in its recycled midsoles, produced from discarded foam scraps that are ground and remoulded. This method reportedly uses 99% less water and generates 65% fewer carbon emissions than conventional foam production. Circ, meanwhile, brings textile-to-textile recycling to footwear for the first time, separating cotton and polyester from blended fabrics to create new high-quality fibres.
Adrian Nyman, Chief Design Officer at Allbirds, said: “Remix is the next step in our innovation journey, delivering on sustainable design that enhances both look and feel.”
Stuart Jenkins, CEO of Blumaka, added: “Our process produces elite-level products with proven durability and comfort. Allbirds Remix shows that waste foam isn’t a problem – it’s an opportunity.”
Peter Majeranowski, CEO of Circ, called the launch “a major milestone”, adding: “We’re showing that circular materials don’t require compromise – they can look better, feel better, and do better for the planet.”
The Remix launch follows a decade of sustainability-driven innovation from Allbirds, including Futurecraft.Footprint, developed with Adidas, and M0.0NSHOT Zero, the world’s first net-zero carbon shoe.
