IMPACT RNG LLC Partners with New Balance to Revolutionize Shoe Lifecycle with Renewable Natural Gas

Seattle, WA – October 26, 2023 – IMPACT RNG LLC, a leading innovator in renewable natural gas (RNG) solutions, today announced a groundbreaking partnership with New Balance, a global athletic footwear and apparel company. This collaboration aims to dramatically reduce the environmental impact of shoe production and end-of-life management by leveraging IMPACT RNG's expertise in capturing and processing biogas from organic waste into usable renewable natural gas, directly benefiting New Balance’s manufacturing processes and sustainability initiatives concerning shoe conditions. For years, the athletic footwear industry has faced a significant challenge: what happens to shoes when they're worn out? Millions of shoes end up in landfills annually, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and taking decades to decompose. New Balance, a company committed to responsible manufacturing, has been actively exploring innovative solutions to address this problem. Their efforts around assessing “shoe conditions” – understanding the wear, tear, and potential for reuse or recycling of returned and damaged shoes – have laid the groundwork for this exciting new chapter. “We've been painstakingly looking at how to handle shoes that are no longer wearable,” explained John Smith, Sustainability Manager at New Balance. “We categorize them by ‘shoe conditions’ – everything from lightly used returns that can be refurbished, to shoes with minor defects, all the way to those that are truly at the end of their life. Finding a sustainable way to deal with the really worn-out shoes has been a major hurdle. That’s where IMPACT RNG comes in.” IMPACT RNG specializes in capturing biogas – a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide – produced from the breakdown of organic waste at landfills, agricultural operations, and wastewater treatment plants. Instead of letting this potent greenhouse gas escape into the atmosphere, IMPACT RNG utilizes advanced technology to purify and upgrade it into renewable natural gas – a clean, sustainable energy source. “Think of it like this,” said Sarah Lee, CEO of IMPACT RNG LLC, from their Seattle headquarters. “Shoes, at the end of their life, contain a lot of organic materials – leather, rubber, fabrics, even the glues used in construction. When these materials decompose in landfills, they produce biogas. We’re essentially creating a closed-loop system. We're taking the energy from the waste and turning it into something useful.” The partnership focuses on two key areas. Firstly, IMPACT RNG will be working with New Balance's recycling partners to optimize the collection and processing of shoe waste specifically for biogas production. Instead of simply sending worn-out shoes to be incinerated or landfilled, these materials will be directed to facilities equipped to capture the biogas released during decomposition. “A lot of companies talk about circularity,” Lee continued. “But it’s hard to actually close the loop. New Balance is being incredibly proactive. They’re not just saying they want to reduce their environmental footprint; they're investing in the infrastructure to make it happen. They're really getting into the details of ‘shoe conditions’ to maximize the amount of material we can effectively process.” Secondly, the renewable natural gas produced from the shoe waste will be directly utilized to power New Balance’s manufacturing facilities. This will significantly reduce the company’s reliance on fossil fuels and lower its carbon emissions. New Balance anticipates a substantial decrease in its overall carbon footprint with the full implementation of this system. “We're starting with our US-based facilities,” Smith explained. “And then we plan to expand the program globally. It’s a complex undertaking, but the potential benefits are enormous. It’s not just about reducing emissions; it’s about creating a more sustainable supply chain from start to finish. Understanding the ‘shoe conditions’ allows us to tailor the waste management process, ensuring maximum biogas yield.” The collaboration also addresses the growing consumer demand for sustainable products. Consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions and are actively seeking out brands that are committed to responsible practices. “People want to know where their products come from and how they’re made,” Lee emphasized. “They want to know that companies are taking steps to minimize their environmental impact. This partnership demonstrates New Balance’s commitment to sustainability and will resonate with consumers who share those values.” IMPACT RNG’s technology isn't limited to just shoes. The company is actively working with a variety of industries to develop innovative RNG solutions for a wide range of organic waste streams. “We see a future where organic waste is viewed not as a problem, but as a valuable resource,” Lee stated. “We’re committed to developing technologies that can unlock the potential of this resource and create a more sustainable future.” New Balance is already conducting pilot programs to assess the feasibility of incorporating RNG into their manufacturing processes. Early results are promising, and the company is confident that this partnership will play a significant role in achieving its sustainability goals. “It’s a win-win situation,” Smith concluded. “We’re reducing our environmental impact, creating a more sustainable supply chain, and meeting the growing demand for sustainable products. And IMPACT RNG is providing a valuable solution for managing organic waste. The detailed assessment of ‘shoe conditions’ is crucial for making this all work effectively, giving us the data we need to optimize the process.” The partnership between IMPACT RNG LLC and New Balance represents a significant step forward in the pursuit of a more sustainable future for the athletic footwear industry. By harnessing the power of renewable natural gas, these two companies are demonstrating that it is possible to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility. The detailed examination of ‘shoe conditions’ is at the heart of this innovative approach, ensuring maximum efficiency and impact.