Converse’s new collection is made from discarded plastic bottles

Chucks with a difference.

It’s no secret that the fashion industry needs to be more sustainable.

Earlier in the year, Canadian shoe company Native Shoes developed a shoe completely made from biodegradable materials.

And just this Tuesday, Prada announced it would be re-launching its signature nylon backpacks in a material made entirely of plastic retrieved from oceans.

Now, Converse is joining the movement and going green in a big way.

The brand will be continually releasing new styles that utilise its iconic silhouettes to champion sustainable fabrics and ethical production.

As the first of these releases, Converse’s Renew Canvas collection will use 100% recycled polyester made from discarded and used plastic bottles.

By transforming discarded materials into a new rPET yarn that mimics the properties of traditional cotton, the ‘Renew Canvas’ styles still look and feel like a classic Chuck.

Converse’s Renew campaign is the beginning of a string of ethical strategies for the brand, focussing on combatting waste production and promoting sustainability.

As a part of the initiative, Converse will release another line of sustainable shoes later this year – this time using pre-worn and loved jeans. Despite a three-way choice between light, medium, and dark washes, each and every pair in the ‘Renew Denim’ range will be unique.

Converse sources these old jeans from a UK-based used-clothing retailer, Beyond Retro, that provides denim of different weights, colours and wears.

A shoe made from recycled cotton straps is also in the works, expected to be released in 2020.

The Renew Canvas Converse styles will be available for purchase from July 5 in-store, online, and at select General Pants Co. stores.

converse.com