This episode delves into how On, the rapidly growing Swiss sports brand, is revolutionizing athletic footwear through circular, fossil-free product innovation. Tune in to understand the strategic thinking behind their sustainable materials, manufacturing processes, and supply chain adaptations, offering a blueprint for balancing high performance with environmental responsibility in product development.
Key takeaways
On's rapid growth is directly tied to its commitment to technology innovation and sustainable product development, proving that eco-consciousness can be a market differentiator.
The development of a 'circular, fossil-free' shoe requires deep material science innovation, focusing on bio-based polymers and recycled components to eliminate virgin fossil materials.
Implementing circular economy principles involves rethinking the entire product lifecycle, from design and manufacturing to end-of-life management and potential take-back programs.
Achieving sustainability without compromising performance is possible through rigorous testing and iterative development, ensuring new materials meet athletic demands.
Supply chain adaptations are crucial for supporting circular and fossil-free initiatives, requiring new sourcing strategies and manufacturing processes.
In episode 372 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Nils Altrogge, head of technology innovation at On, the fast-growing specialty running brand. Altrogge discusses the Swiss sports brand's mission (0:46), his professional background (2:09), and the factors to which he attributes On's rapid growth (3:50). The footwear brand recently debuted the first shoe made…
What does this episode say about product & merchandising?
On's rapid growth is directly tied to its commitment to technology innovation and sustainable product development, proving that eco-consciousness can be a market differentiator.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
The development of a 'circular, fossil-free' shoe requires deep material science innovation, focusing on bio-based polymers and recycled components to eliminate virgin fossil materials.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Implementing circular economy principles involves rethinking the entire product lifecycle, from design and manufacturing to end-of-life management and potential take-back programs.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Achieving sustainability without compromising performance is possible through rigorous testing and iterative development, ensuring new materials meet athletic demands.
What does this episode say about product & merchandising?
Supply chain adaptations are crucial for supporting circular and fossil-free initiatives, requiring new sourcing strategies and manufacturing processes.
