Volvo Cars Canada and Vancouver-based Casca footwear have launched a limited-edition sneaker in support for World Car Free Day. The collaboration is said to be intended to help people live a more sustainable life and move fluidly between driving and walking.
As part of the campaign, Volvo Cars said that it recognizes that it is critical to do what the company can to be part of the solution to protect the planet, whether it’s taking the small step to encourage Canadians to walk or cycle on World Car Free day or drive an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle to reduce carbon emission.
The launch on September 22 coincides with World Car Free Day. The shoe will be available to Canadians for purchase ($198 CAD) at https://ca.casca.com/pages/volvoxcasca on that day. The design is inspired by the pure electric Volvo XC40 Recharge.
“We’re excited to team up with Casca footwear who share similar values and combine our passions for sustainability, technology, and understated modern design,” said Matt Girgis, managing director of Volvo Car Canada Ltd. “At Volvo Cars, we are committed to setting the highest standards of sustainability in mobility and that goes beyond electrifying our fleet to transforming all aspects of our business. The shoe we have created with Casca in celebration of World Car Free Day, is one way to recognize the many steps we are taking on our journey to climate neutrality.”
Unique features of the new shoe include:
The sole – 10% of each sole is made from recycled car tire, the first time this material has ever been used in a Casca shoe as part of an intentional repurposing and recycling of materials.
The upper – Seven recycled plastic bottles are used to make the yarn for each breathable, flexible knit upper.
Heritage – The Swedish flag is represented on one shoe tag, while the classic Casca yellow can be seen on the other, honouring the collaboration between the two brands as well as minimalist, Scandinavian design.
Influences – The Thor hammer headlight influence can be seen in the linework and paneling, delivering a more performance-inspired aesthetic to Casca’s popular Avro silhouette.
Both companies noted similarities which lead to the partnership including:
Using Recycled Materials: Volvo Cars says that it aims to increase the share of recycled and bio-based materials in their vehicles by 2025. And by 2022 Casca says that it has committed to their knit uppers being made from recycled or renewable materials.
Having Ethical Production: Volvo Cars says that it aims to be a recognized leader in ethical and responsible business as the first car manufacturer to use blockchain technology. Casca says that it is committed to ethical manufacturing of its shoes, ensuring employees are paid a set living wage and personally visit every factory they work with to ensure high ethical standards.
Being Energy Efficient: Volvo Cars’ global plants are powered by over 80% climate-neutral electricity. Casca leather treatments are water-based, cured with low-energy UV, and leather sludge waste is reduced by 95% and recycles 70% of water on-site with a state-of-the-art treatment facility.
