Amherst, MA-based OrthoLite, insole supplier for more than 350 footwear brands, has announced a Zero Waste Initiative. With OrthoLite insoles utilized in more than 500 million pairs of shoes every year, the company believes its commitment to sustainable, circular solutions will have an “immense and measurable global impact.”

This commitment by OrthoLite  includes investment in a proprietary manufacturing system that elevates waste minimization and management beyond the traditional standards of LEAN manufacturing. It also includes participation with the Higg Index to transparently share the company’s progress and help other manufacturers work toward the same. Zero Waste is a significant step toward pollution reduction and the regeneration of natural systems — central tenets of circular, sustainable solutions.

“Our intent is not only to minimize our own environmental footprint, it’s also to lead the entire footwear industry in doing the same,” said Glenn Barrett, founder and CEO of OrthoLite. “Environmental stewardship responsibility is a critical area of focus for our business. Our innovation team is focused on climate-friendly products and development while our C-Suite is increasing efforts to support climate-aligned and sustainable projects. Through our community of brand partners and global supply chain, OrthoLite’s commitment to sustainable best practices can have a massive positive impact on sustainability in footwear.”

Since the company launched 25 years ago with insoles containing recycled rubber, pursuing sustainability has been one of OrthoLite’s core values. Every OrthoLite insole has since contained a minimum of five-percent recycled rubber. The inclusion of five-percent recycled content prevents more than 300 metric tons of rubber waste from going to landfills each year.

OrthoLite has already made significant investments toward the Zero Waste goal, with more to be announced. Some current investments include: In-house recycling facilities; Castor oil use — OrthoLite’s proprietary bio-oil uses fewer natural resources; On-site wastewater treatment; Reusable shipping boxes; Daily recycling stations; and Higg Implementation.