From using recycled rubber or organic cotton to having them stitched and not glued, there has been a spurt of footwear that claim to be environmentally friendly. Ditching leather and moving towards sustainable options is the new norm. Joining the bandwagon of new-age products such as recycled cotton sneakers, sustainable flips flops are vegan shoes.
London-based athletic shoes startup Hylo claims its footwear is vegan. According to the company, the footwear is made using renewable materials, is recyclable and has a 52 per cent lower carbon footprint compared with the average running shoe. The footwear startup has now raised a £2.5 million funding for its venture.
The Series A round was led by Eka Ventures, with participation from Redrice Ventures and angel investors, including Patrick Bamford, Leeds United and England footballer. Taking one step at a time, the funds will be utilised by the company for brand awareness and development of its sustainable footwear.
Co-founded by a former professional footballer Michael Doughty, Hylo uses materials science to create running shoes that deliver high performance for athletes and low impact on the planet. The brand is focused on building a community of ‘athletes for planet’, using its platform to influence positive change.
Michael Doughty, co-founder and managing director, Hylo said: “We aim to provide the athlete with products that not only perform but drastically improve the impact that sportswear is having on our world.”
Patrick Bamford, Leeds United and England footballer, added: “Hylo’s focus on blending performance and impact is what drew me to the company and mission. Products that perform and don’t compromise the planet have been long overdue in the sportswear space.”
Jon Coker, managing partner, Eka Ventures added: “The sportswear industry has a huge environmental footprint. It also has a huge influence on the athletes it elevates.”
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