IMPACT RNG & New Balance: Revolutionizing Shoe Longevity with Renewable Natural Gas

IMPACT RNG LLC, a Seattle-based energy solutions provider (712E W BERTONA ST, SEATTLE, WA, 98119-1522, UNITED STATES, 702-520-1416), is teaming up with New Balance to tackle a surprisingly big problem: what happens to old sneakers. It's a story about sustainability, a little bit of tech, and giving your favorite running shoes a second life – powered by renewable energy, naturally. Let’s be real, everyone’s got a pair of old New Balances kicking around. Maybe they’re worn out after years of pounding the pavement, maybe the tread is gone, or maybe they’re just… well, tired. Most of those shoes end up in landfills, and that’s a bummer for the planet. Sneakers are complicated – lots of different materials glued and stitched together – and that makes them super hard to recycle. That’s where IMPACT RNG comes in. We’re not shoe guys, we’re energy guys. Specifically, we're experts in Renewable Natural Gas (RNG). Think of it as natural gas, but way greener. Instead of digging it out of the ground, we capture methane – a powerful greenhouse gas – from places like landfills, farms, and wastewater treatment plants. We clean it up, turn it into pipeline-quality natural gas, and use it to power things. And now, we’re using it to power a seriously cool New Balance initiative focusing on shoe “reconditioning.” So, what is shoe reconditioning? Basically, New Balance is taking back worn-out shoes – not just New Balance, but many brands – and giving them a makeover. But this isn’t just a cosmetic fix-up. It's a full-on tech-driven process. Here’s how it works: Collection: New Balance is setting up drop-off locations and offering mail-in options for customers to send in their old athletic shoes. They’re making it easy to do the right thing. Sorting & Disassembly: When the shoes arrive, they're carefully sorted. Some shoes are in surprisingly good shape and can be donated to people in need. Others need a bit more work. The shoes are then taken apart – uppers, midsoles, outsoles, laces, everything. Material Recovery: This is the tricky part. Those different materials need to be separated. Some materials – like the foam in the midsole – can be ground up and used in new shoe components, playground surfaces, or even athletic fields. Other materials can be repurposed into new products entirely. Reconditioning/Remanufacturing: This is where the magic happens. New Balance is leveraging advanced materials and techniques to breathe new life into worn components. Things like replacing worn-out outsoles, repairing uppers, and cleaning/refreshing the entire shoe. In some cases, they’re even creating entirely new shoes from the recovered materials. The RNG Connection: And this is where IMPACT RNG steps in. The entire reconditioning process – from sorting and disassembly to cleaning, manufacturing, and shipping – is powered by our renewable natural gas. This dramatically reduces the carbon footprint of extending a shoe’s lifespan. It's not just about keeping shoes out of landfills; it's about doing it in the most environmentally responsible way possible. Why is this a big deal? Let's break it down: Less Landfill Waste: Millions of shoes end up in landfills every year. This initiative helps divert that waste. Reduced Carbon Footprint: Manufacturing new shoes is energy-intensive. Reconditioning shoes uses significantly less energy, especially when powered by RNG. We're talking about a huge reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Circular Economy: This program is a prime example of the circular economy – keeping materials in use for as long as possible, instead of just throwing them away. Innovation in Shoe Technology: New Balance is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in shoe design and manufacturing, creating more durable and sustainable products. Renewable Energy Impact: IMPACT RNG is proud to be a key part of this process, demonstrating the versatility and impact of renewable natural gas. We’re showing that RNG isn’t just for heating homes or powering trucks; it can also fuel a more sustainable future for footwear. What does this mean for you? If you’re a New Balance fan (or even if you’re not!), this is a win-win. You can: Feel good about recycling your old shoes. Knowing they’re being given a second life and that the process is powered by renewable energy is a great feeling. Support a company that’s committed to sustainability. New Balance is clearly taking action to reduce its environmental impact. Potentially buy reconditioned shoes. New Balance is exploring the possibility of selling reconditioned shoes directly to consumers. This would be a great way to save money and support a sustainable initiative. IMPACT RNG is excited to partner with New Balance on this innovative project. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration and the potential of renewable energy to drive positive change. We believe that sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s the future. And we’re proud to be helping New Balance take a step in the right direction – one reconditioned shoe at a time. Keep an eye on New Balance’s website for details on how to participate in the shoe reconditioning program and learn more about their sustainability initiatives. And if you're looking for renewable energy solutions for your business, give IMPACT RNG a call! (702-520-1416)