Hylo Athletics: Running Towards Sustainable Footwear

Hylo Athletics, established in 2020, is not just a sportswear brand; it's a movement committed to rewriting the narrative of the footwear industry. With a resolute focus on sustainability, Hylo Athletics has become a trailblazer in redefining how running shoes are designed, manufactured, and consumed.

Sustainable Materials

Hylo Athletics takes a bold stand against the environmental impact of traditional footwear materials. Their commitment to sustainability begins with material selection, where they conscientiously avoid petroleum-derived substances. Instead, Hylo employs forward-thinking choices such as PLA, derived from corn and sugarcane, reducing reliance on finite resources.

The flagship product, the Hylo LIGHT, stands as a testament to this commitment. Built with renewable materials, this running shoe incorporates innovative elements like PLA, showcasing a dedication to eco-friendly alternatives.

Circular Design Philosophy

The brand acknowledges the environmental toll of the conventional shoe manufacturing process. To counter this, Hylo Athletics embraces a circular design philosophy. The average running shoe comprises 65 parts, leading to a staggering 360 processing steps, exacerbating its carbon footprint. In a groundbreaking move, the Hylo LIGHT is designed with a mere 16 parts, equating to only 25% of a standard running shoe. This strategic reduction not only streamlines production but also simplifies the recycling process, making it a hallmark of circularity from the shoe's inception.

Eco-Conscious Manufacturing

Hylo Athletics translates its sustainability ethos into every step of the manufacturing process. A philosophy of cross-componentry is applied, seeking marginal gains and optimizing efficiency. Material transportation is eco-friendly, utilizing road transport instead of air travel, further minimizing the brand's carbon footprint. The adoption of flat-knitting techniques ensures minimal material waste during the production of the Hylo LIGHT's upper. Additionally, the yarn used in the shoe is dope-dyed at the pellet level, a strategic move to reduce water consumption during manufacturing.

Recycling Initiatives

Hylo Athletics extends its commitment beyond product creation by actively encouraging a circular economy. Customers can send back their used Hylo LIGHTs for recycling, contributing to the brand's ambitious goal of keeping 90% of shoes out of landfills. As an incentive, Hylo offers a £10 credit, fostering a community-driven approach to sustainability.

Certifications and Accountability

Hylo Athletics isn't just making claims; it's backing them up with tangible results. The brand has undergone rigorous evaluation and achieved B Corp certification, joining a global community of companies dedicated to social and environmental performance. With a total score of 104 points, well above the 80-point minimum, Hylo Athletics exemplifies its commitment to aligning business practices with global sustainability standards. The certification process isn't a one-time achievement; it's a continuous commitment, with the next verification scheduled for 2025, ensuring accountability and improvement.

In conclusion, Hylo Athletics isn't just a sportswear brand; it's a catalyst for change in the industry. Through innovative materials, circular design principles, and eco-conscious manufacturing, Hylo Athletics proves that high-performance running shoes can coexist harmoniously with environmental responsibility. This commitment, coupled with transparency and community involvement, positions Hylo Athletics as a beacon of sustainability in the world of sportswear.