KEEN USES COFFEE GROUNDS, PERKING UP FOOTWEAR; REDUCES PETROCHEMICAL USE
Upcycles Coffee Grounds Waste Destined for Landfills as Part of Its Detox the Planet Initiative
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PORTLAND, Ore. (April 13, 2021) – KEEN, Inc. (KEEN), the footwear brand on a mission to make the outside inclusive and accessible to all, today announced it will use harvested coffee grinds waste reducing the use of petrochemicals in a new line of sneakers debuting August 2021. Through this effort, KEEN not only upcycles waste into footwear, but also, reduces the amount of coffee grounds going to landfills where they emit greenhouse gas that causes global warming at a level 28 times greater than carbon dioxide. KEEN is committed to creating footwear by harvesting and upcycling waste as part of its Detox the Planet Initiative.
Over the last three years, KEEN researched the best organic materials to use in its midsoles and footbeds and outsoles. By harvesting and upcycling coffee grounds, KEEN is able to reduce the use of virgin petrochemicals used in its footwear.
“We’re constantly looking for ways to reduce our impact on the planet,” said Erik Burbank, vice president of the KEEN Effect. “Our KEEN Innovation team had an epiphany while in a local coffee shop near our factory in Thailand. They realized the waste grounds were being sent off to the landfill, and wondered whether we could use this organic material in our footwear. After several months of R&D, we landed on a powerful model. By harvesting and upcycling the waste, we’re helping to reduce green-house gasses, and are taking another step in reducing our dependence on petrochemicals.”
Thailand is the home of KEEN’s largest owned factory and thousands of coffee shops. Instead of coffee grounds going to landfills, KEEN upcycles them into the new Elsa Harvest and Eddy Harvest sneakers for men and women.
Established in 2014, The KEEN Detox the Planet Initiative was created to reduce our impact on the planet by identifying and removing harmful chemicals from its products.
To learn more about KEEN Effect, visit www.keenfootwear.com/the-keen-effect.html
About KEEN:
Driven by a passion to make the outside and trades accessible for all, KEEN is a values-led, family-owned footwear brand from Portland, Oregon committed to creating original and versatile products, enhancing lives, and inspiring adventures outside. Founded in 2003, it launched a revolution in the industry with the debut of the Newport adventure sandal. It continues to launch game-changing products and establish new standards for performance, comfort, and design while actively working to Detox the Planet. The brand formalized its values commitment under the banner of The KEEN Effect. Learn more at www.keenfootwear.com
Media Contact:
Morgan Lang
mlang@fwv-us.com
919.637.0990
