IMPACT RNG LLC Partners with New Balance to Revolutionize Shoe Recycling & Renewable Energy

Seattle, WA – October 26, 2023 – IMPACT RNG LLC, a forward-thinking renewable natural gas (RNG) company based in Seattle, Washington, today announced a groundbreaking partnership with New Balance, aiming to tackle the growing issue of footwear waste and convert it into clean, sustainable energy. This collaboration will see IMPACT RNG utilizing its innovative technology to process end-of-life New Balance shoes, diverting them from landfills and transforming them into a valuable renewable resource. For years, the problem of what happens to worn-out sneakers has been a real headache. Millions of shoes end up in the trash every year, taking up space and contributing to environmental problems. New Balance, a global leader in athletic footwear, recognized this challenge and started looking for a solution. They weren't just looking for a solution, they wanted a smart solution, something that went beyond just recycling the materials. “We’ve always been committed to doing better for the environment,” says a New Balance spokesperson. “But figuring out what to really do with shoes that are past their prime? That's been tough. We explored traditional recycling, but it’s limited by the different materials used in shoes. That's where IMPACT RNG came in." IMPACT RNG isn’t your typical recycling company. They specialize in anaerobic digestion – basically, taking organic waste and breaking it down without oxygen. This process creates biogas, a renewable energy source that can be used to generate electricity, heat, or even be upgraded to renewable natural gas – a clean alternative to fossil fuels. They’re turning trash into treasure, and in this case, that “trash” is your old running shoes. “Shoes are surprisingly full of organic materials – things like rubber, foam, fabrics, even some of the adhesives,” explains John Smith, CEO of IMPACT RNG. “While traditional recycling focuses on breaking down materials into their base components, we focus on harnessing the energy within the shoe itself. It's a fundamentally different approach." How Does it Work? The process starts with New Balance collecting end-of-life shoes through a network of retail stores and take-back programs. These shoes, which might otherwise end up in landfills, are then shipped to IMPACT RNG's facility. Once received, the shoes undergo a careful sorting and pre-processing stage. Metal components, like eyelets and shanks, are removed for separate recycling. Then, the remaining shoe materials are shredded and processed to create a homogenous feedstock for the anaerobic digestion system. Inside the anaerobic digester, a carefully controlled environment encourages the breakdown of the shoe materials by microorganisms. This process releases biogas, primarily composed of methane and carbon dioxide. “It’s a natural process, really,” Smith explains. “We’re just speeding it up and capturing the energy that’s released. Think of it like composting, but on a much larger, more sophisticated scale." The biogas is then captured, cleaned, and upgraded to meet pipeline quality standards. This renewable natural gas can then be injected into the existing natural gas grid, providing a sustainable energy source for homes and businesses. Beyond Energy: A Circular Economy Solution This partnership isn't just about generating clean energy; it's about creating a circular economy. By diverting shoes from landfills and repurposing them into a valuable resource, IMPACT RNG and New Balance are reducing waste and minimizing their environmental footprint. “We’re taking a product that has reached the end of its life and giving it a new purpose,” says the New Balance spokesperson. “It’s a win-win for everyone involved – for the environment, for our customers, and for our company." The byproduct of the anaerobic digestion process, called digestate, is also a valuable resource. It's a nutrient-rich material that can be used as a fertilizer in agriculture, further closing the loop and reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. What does this mean for you? As a consumer, this partnership allows you to feel good about your New Balance purchases. Knowing that your worn-out shoes won’t end up polluting landfills is a great feeling. It also supports a company that is committed to sustainability and innovation. “We're always looking for ways to improve our sustainability practices,” says the New Balance spokesperson. “This partnership with IMPACT RNG is a major step in that direction, and we’re excited to see the positive impact it will have." IMPACT RNG plans to scale up its operations to accommodate increasing volumes of end-of-life shoes, and is exploring partnerships with other footwear brands to expand its circular economy initiatives. “We believe this technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we deal with footwear waste,” says John Smith. “We’re not just solving a problem; we’re creating a more sustainable future.” About IMPACT RNG LLC: IMPACT RNG LLC, located in Seattle, Washington, is a leading provider of renewable natural gas solutions. The company utilizes innovative anaerobic digestion technology to convert organic waste into clean, sustainable energy. IMPACT RNG is committed to reducing waste and creating a more circular economy. Contact them at 712E W BERTONA ST, SEATTLE, WA, 98119-1522 or call 702-520-1416. About New Balance: New Balance is a leading athletic footwear and apparel company renowned for its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. New Balance products are sold worldwide and are known for their performance, comfort, and style.