Press Review

esosport was founded in 2009 by a small group of avid sports fans keen to find a better use for old sports shoes than simply throwing them away.
Once they have exhausted their support and performance potential, recycled sport shoes yield a secondary raw material which is very good for flooring in sports facilities. Having seen that the project was a success, esosport then extended this concept to bicycle tyres, inner tubes and tennis balls, sports clothing and helmets.
All this waste is recycled at the ESO RECYCLING plant and turned into coloured granules, fabrics, plastics and metals. Shoes are processed by Shoeberth which separates the sole from the
upper shoe and turns it into granules. Old bike tyres are also turned into granules: they are particularly interesting for sport facilities as they can replace and/or supplement the raw
material used to make anti-shock flooring.
Through the NGO GOGREEN, esosport uses the secondary raw materials obtained by collecting and recycling sports materials to deliver projects of use to the general public. So far, they have
done “Il Giardino di Betty”, a playground for children, and “La Pista di Pietro”, a 60m athletic track. They have also launched “La pista di FILIPPIDE”, which collects money from private
individuals and businesses in order to set up playgrounds for children living in deprived areas.
All these projects are run on a non-profit basis.

Main activity field

Main results
• The project reduces waste, recovers valuable secondary materials and has a significant social impact.
• The rubber granules are used for flooring for sports halls, athletic tracks and playgrounds, as well as for shops, events and stands. They are also suitable for insulation

Following on from our recent look behind the scenes at how Macron kits are made, today we are taking a deeper dive into the Italian Teamwear manufacturer’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

With the onus on being environmentally aware now bigger than ever, what measures are Macron taking to ensure they produce the highest quality garments, whilst protecting the environment?

Macron aim to ‘promote a circular economy by reducing waste and investing in technologies that support energy efficiency and the conservation of natural resources’.

It all starts with the product itself, where each garment is produced with the aim of respecting the environment.

Macron partners with Better Cotton Initiative, one of the largest cotton sustainability programs, to improve cotton farming across the globe.

All eco-fabrics used in the clothing are made with 100% recycled polyester, producing this fabric requires less water and less energy, and above all it gives a second life to waste PET materials which would otherwise be thrown away.

The focus on protecting the environment continues after the product is finished, where Eco-packaging is used for all garments ready for delivery.

The poly bags in which products are delivered are available in three sizes, made of 100% recycled low density polyethylene, which is Global Recycled Standard certified, with the grip seal closure ensuring they are reusable after opening.

Macron do not work alone, however. Through collaborations with suppliers, associations, and research projects, the company support environmental initiatives, from the responsible use of resources to the promotion of ethical and circular supply chains.

This includes partnering with companies such as ESO recycling, Retex.Green and Amfori BSCI.

Respect for the environment, recycling, recovery, and biodiversity protection are key aspects of Macron’s daily commitment, which looks to act for the future.

The partnership with ESO recycling aligns with Macron’s vision, that waste is a resource to be valued, items that can be recovered and given a new life through a regeneration process.

Behind all of the work with additional partners, the ‘Macron 4 The Planet’ initiative which embodies the brand’s overriding pledge to greater environment by promoting daily best practices, raising awareness among employees and partners, and driving the ongoing development of eco-friendly products that balance technical performance with environmental responsibility.

The company have also taken a wider view on the overall sustainability of the business, and adjusted accordingly, by making smaller, more short-term changes that contribute to the overall, long-term health and viability of the company.

A voluntary staff clean-up day, led by staff and their families has been adopted across campuses, whilst the embrace of eco-fuels represents a strategic move by the company to reduce their environmental impact.

The widespread changes are present across the global array of Macron campuses, where electric charging stations have been installed, alongside the enhancement in solar energy technology and a commitment to re-use rainwater help reduce CO2 emissions and promote self-sufficiency.