Since 1949, ASICS’ purpose has been to help people achieve a sound mind in a sound body. To do this, we need a sound earth to run on.
The sunflower icon represents ASICS’ commitment to preserving the earth for future generations growing healthier and more positive in body and mind. The icon features two arrows in the center to reference the circularity of resources and ASICS’ hope for a better future.
The sunflower design was inspired by ASICS founder, Kihachiro Onitsuka’s vision to help people live healthier, be happier and reach for their own bright future.
What does the ASICS sunflower icon represent?
The sunflower icon signifies the importance of creating a sustainable, circular economy. To get a better understanding of these concepts it’s important to learn the background of each separate attribute, highlighted below.
- Creating healthier generations. ASICS strives to create healthier generations through physical activity, regardless of age or background. The power of sport empowers people to make positive choices in their lives.
- Evolving into a circular economy. The sunflower icon represents efforts toward evolving into a more circular economy to address climate change: by using less materials, making products that last longer in a cleaner way, and recycling more.
ASICS’ initiative for a better planet
The initiative for a better planet with ASICS begins with the materials used in making sustainable shoes, as well as the methods used to produce them. We celebrate every victory that takes us closer to our goals of limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Learn more about ASICS sustainability initiatives as well as products that are part of our sustainability pledge.
Sustainably made asics Products
The updated design of the GEL-NIMBUS 25 shoe features a new midsole foam that’s made with at least 20% bio-based content. Plus, at least 75% of the shoe's main upper material is made with recycled content to reduce waste and carbon emissions. Water usage is reduced in the sockliner production by approximately 33% and carbon emissions by approximately 45% compared to the conventional dyeing technology.
The GEL-KAYANO™ LITE 3 running shoe embraces a sound earth. With a greater emphasis on sustainability, this shoe keeps your step stable and your mind light. Its engineered mesh upper is made with a higher percentage of recycled polyester than the previous version. The collar and tongue’s recycled textiles are helping us take additional steps towards lightening our impact on the environment.
3. GT-2000™ 11
At least 50% of the shoe's main upper material is made with recycled content to reduce waste and carbon emissions. The sockliner is produced with the solution dyeing process that reduces water usage by approximately 33% and carbon emissions by approximately 45% compared to the conventional dyeing technology.
The design of this Sportstyle shoe is identical to its 1990 image. At least 50% of the primary material of the shoe’s upper is made with recycled materials.
5. SKYCOURT™
Along with the other shoes mentioned above, the SKYCOURT™ shoe is made with the aesthetic of retro ASICS stripes, mirroring their past volleyball shoes from 1990. At least 50% of the primary material of the shoe’s upper is made with recycled materials. The sockliner is made with the same solution dyeing process to reduce water usage and carbon emissions.
A choice for a sound Earth
ASICS has taken positive steps toward creating a sound Earth by using more environmentally conscious methods. ASICS’ symbolic sustainable products have the sunflower icon on sockliners or apparel hang tags. Shoes with the icon contain (1) reused or leftover materials, or recycled materials from textile waste in part in the shoe’s upper, or (2) at least 20% recycled material in the shoe’s main upper. Apparel with the icon contains (1) leftover material in part or (2) at least 50% recycled materials from textile waste in the garment’s main material.
Read our article about ASICS' Commitment to Sustainability to learn more about the initiatives and goals to tackle climate change.