# Eco-Friendly Denim Shoes The Puma 'Re-Cut Project' Shoes are Manufactured from Recycled Denim By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2014-05-02 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recut-project References: [destinyconnect](http://www.destinyconnect.com/2014/03/25/puma-re-cut-dapper-denim-shoes/) & [news.puma](http://news.puma.com/GLOBAL/LATEST-RELEASES/puma-re-cut-project-recycles-denim-for-new-shoe-collection---all-profits-to-benefit-orphanage-in-vie/s/95bd7a7c-df4f-4d3d-873d-81551b34cbf9) [Puma’s](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sustainable-shoe-box) Re-Cut Project shoes are a line of kicks that are manufactured using [recycled denim](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mango-jeans). These shoes are a paragon of style, eco-friendliness and social good -- all profits collected from their sale will be donated to the Be Tho Orphanage in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The Re-Cut Project shoes are produced using leftover off-cuts from denim test panels, which are converted into denim uppers to produce a low-cut, [lightweight casual shoe](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-sneaker-1). The shoes are part of Puma's push to increasingly embrace a 'closed-loop' model where materials are constantly re-used rather than wasted. "Puma is dedicated to creating products that work towards the closed-loop model and have a lower impact on the environment," said PUMA Re-Cut Project Program Manager Justin DeKoszmovszky. The Puma Re-Cut Project shoes are available on Puma's website and at select retailers. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.4/10 - Popularity: 73% | Activity: 80% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Closed-loop Model:** Embracing a 'closed-loop' model where materials are constantly re-used rather than wasted presents disruptive innovation opportunities for sustainable fashion brands. - **Recycled Materials:** Manufacturing products using recycled materials, like denim, offers disruptive innovation opportunities for eco-friendly footwear companies. - **Social Good:** Donating profits to charitable causes, like the Be Tho Orphanage, presents disruptive innovation opportunities for businesses to make a positive social impact. ### Where This Applies - **Sustainable Fashion:** The sustainable fashion industry can explore disruptive innovation opportunities by adopting a closed-loop model for manufacturing and incorporating recycled materials in their products. - **Eco-friendly Footwear:** The eco-friendly footwear industry can explore disruptive innovation opportunities by using recycled materials, like denim, in the production of shoes. - **Social Impact Brands:** Businesses that prioritize social good can explore disruptive innovation opportunities by donating a portion of their profits to charitable causes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Textile-to-Textile Recycled Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/allbirds-remix.md) - [Retro Denim-Crafted Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/palermo-denim.md) - [Eco-Friendly Denim Dyes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retro-dye.md) - [Recycled Rope-Made Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shore.md) - [Repurposed Patchwork Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reimagined-by-ugg.md) - [Recycled Shoe-Made Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/remix-maison.md) - [Sustainable 3D-Printed Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/4dfwd-1.md) - [Sustainable Open-Style Sneaker Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keen-uneek-360.md) - [Japanese Upcycling Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flower-mountain-reload-sneakers.md)