Cirql is leading a midsole revolution in footwear during a time when global footwear brands need solutions more than ever before. In fact, the Vietnam-based manufacturer’s entire mission revolves around building a circular economy in footwear.

“We’re very proud to be a leading solutions provider in the revolution toward a lower impact, more circular footwear industry,” said Matt Thwaites, Vice President and General Manager of Cirql.

“We’re providing options for footwear brands to make meaningful strides toward their own climate goals, without compromising on comfort or quality.”

Cirql brings its mission to life with its product approach that supports the optionality footwear brands demand to frame less-impactful collections going forward: fully recyclable and compostable finished midsoles or midsole materials. Both are patent protected and aim to minimize production waste and to keep shoes out of landfills.

Solution 1: recyclable foam

Cirql rTPU30 is a fully scalable and recyclable midsole made with GRS-certified 30% post-consumer recycled TPU material and manufactured through a chemical-free, supercritical foaming process.

The Cirql rTPU30 midsole is made with post-consumer recycled material and is fully recyclable at its end of life.

Solution 2: compostable foam

Cirql Zero is a patent-pending biodegradable foam that won the 2024 ISPO BrandNew Award for sustainability.

Cirql Zero is fully biodegradable via managed industrial composting. Footwear brands have been searching for a biodegradable midsole material for years and this product provides the last piece of the puzzle.

Scaling to a better future

For rTPU30 and Zero, Cirql’s product innovation is in both the material and in the scalable manufacturing processes.

Cirql’s Disappearing Shoe concept.

“The best way to meaningfully lower the impacts of the footwear industry is to offer products capable of widespread production and adoption,” Thwaites said.

To this end, Cirql foams can be produced using supercritical foaming (SCF) technology in an autoclave process. This flexibility ensures that Cirql foams are accessible to a broad range of manufacturers, streamlining its integration into existing production processes, and paving the way for its rapid adoption across the global footwear industry.

“The midsole has always been a challenge because brands need the performance properties and scalability to go with either the fully recyclability or compostability of a midsole,” Thwaites explained.

“After a diligent development and testing process, Cirql can now deliver price-competitive, scalable midsole component or material solutions to our global footwear brand customers.”

Cirql continues to democratize less impactful footwear materials for global footwear brands. Watch for more product announcements from Cirql midsummer 2025.

Photos: Cirql