Press Release:
PLUS Compound Technologies and Vans Partner too Launch Eco-Friendly Product Line
NEWPORT BEACH, CA (July 6, 2012) – PLUS Compound Technologies (“PLUS”), inventor of PLUSfoam® 100% recyclable material built for performance and comfort, today announced a partnership with Vans, Inc. (“Vans”) (www.vans.com) to create a new sandal. The “Nexpa” sandal is currently available at select retailers throughout the United States and around the world.
“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with such a well-established and well respected brand like Vans,” said Brett Ritter, CEO and Co-Founder of PLUS. “It’s been great working with the team at Vans and we look forward to expanding the use of our materials into more sandal styles and other collections as well. We’re also really enthusiastic about the marketing opportunities this will create for both companies”.
By using PLUSfoam® to make the Nexpa sandal, Vans is virtually eliminating the post-manufacturing waste that is typically associated with footwear production. “A project like this will typically yield approximately 30% scrap for each pair of sandals produced”, said Michael Carr, Associate General Manager at PLUS. “For the Vans production order this translated into approximately 2,000 pounds of scrap. Because PLUSfoam® is 100% recyclable, we are able to regrind, reconstitute and reuse this scrap for other products”.
Using PLUSfoam® in just one product can make a huge difference at the manufacturing level. “Anyone that’s been to a manufacturing facility in China within the last 20 years has seen the piles of post-manufacturing scrap first-hand”, says Ritter. “Our goal at PLUS is to eliminate these piles while producing the best possible performance-based products. With Vans getting on board, we’re making a difference”.
As consumers become more socially and environmentally aware, their buying habits are affecting the way brands approach new products. Many brands are searching for eco-friendly solutions to help minimize waste and decrease their carbon footprint without sacrificing performance. “Working with PLUS was an easy decision,” says Ryan Quinn, Product Category Manager at Vans, “their material performed great and this is key for our consumers. The fact that we’re essentially eliminating waste and doing something good for the world is icing on the cake.”
PLUS Compound Technologies operates reclaim facilities in the US and Asia where any products made with PLUS Compounds can be returned and recycled. “The reclaim service we offer is simply a value add that comes with our material”, says Carr, “while the biggest environmental impact will occur at the factory level, the fact that consumers can get involved and close the loop on these products is something we are extremely proud of”.
About Vans, Inc.
Vans, the original action sports footwear and apparel company, is a brand of VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC). Vans collections include authentic footwear, apparel and accessories, snowboard boots and the Pro-tec line of protective gear and are sold globally in more than 170 countries through a network of subsidiaries, distributors and foreign offices. Vans owns and operates more than 300 stores in the United States and internationally, each offering a wide range of Vans footwear and apparel while communicating our Brand and athletes’ rich stories . Vans promotes action sports lifestyle and youth culture through support of athletes on boards and bikes all over the globe and through progressive events such as the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing®, the Vans Downtown Showdown, the Pro-tec Pool Party and the Vans Warped Tour®. For more information about Vans, please visit www.vans.com.
About PLUS Compound Technologies, LLC.
PLUS Compound Technologies® is committed to “saving the planet, one product at a time”. Using its proprietary, 100% RECYCLABLE compound, PLUS makes products for manufacturers of branded consumer goods. PLUS compounds often outperform the materials they are intended to replace such as traditional foams, rubber and plastics. PLUS operates reclaim facilities in the US and Asia where consumers can return any products made with PLUS components. Details about the PLUS post-consumer reclaim program can be found at www.PLUSfoam.com.
