Sustainable Biz Magazine - Magazine - Page 12
Introducing Nike ReactX, a
revolutionary platform balancing the
needs of performance and the planet
N
ike Running has its latest answer in
delivering high-level performance
while reducing environmental
impact: Nike ReactX foam, which is
debuting in the new Nike InfinityRN 4.
Compared to Nike React foam, ReactX is
engineered to cut down its carbon footprint
in a pair of midsoles by at least 43% due
to reduced energy in the manufacturing
process, and increase energy return by 13%.
The resulting balance between performance
and environmental impact in ReactX foam
is a feat of sport performance engineering.
The industry has two traditional methods of
making foam, which can be summarised as
either injection or compression moulding.
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The overall process for injection is simpler,
and thus carries a lower carbon footprint —
but it also tends to have lower energy return,
and a lower performance benefit. On the
other hand, compression moulding delivers
more responsive foams with higher energy
return, but also creates more waste and uses
more energy to make it.
ReactX foam was researched, developed
and tested over five years to craft a
formulation that hits the sweet spot between
performance and environmental impact. In
putting the material through an injection
process, rather than through compression
moulding, the new foam delivers a higher
energy return without creating a higher
S USTAI N AB L E B I Z MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2023
carbon footprint.
The new shoe pairs ReactX foam with an
all-new Nike Flyknit upper that allows
maximum airflow, breathability, flexibility,
and containment, with a soft, supportive
foam collar. The lightweight fabric uses an
average of 60% less waste than traditional
footwear-upper manufacturing. The updated
upper also features increased volume in the
toe, a midfoot support system and a waterresistant liner.
The Nike InfinityRN 4 launches globally July
13 on nike.com and at select retailers.