2024.08.29
Swiss Brand "On" Unveils New Technology to Create Uppers in Just 3 Minutes, Promising Industry Transformation
This summer, amid the excitement of the Olympics and Paralympics in Paris, the Swiss-born sports brand "On" launched a limited-time lab. The highlight here was their self-developed new technology for manufacturing running shoe uppers, known as "LightSpray."
In this groundbreaking innovation, automated robotic arms create ultrathin, seamless uppers with a futuristic design that requires no shoelaces, making one shoe in just three minutes. This embodies the "Dream On." spirit of the brand, often referred to as the "Apple of Running Shoes," capturing widespread attention.
The Birth of the Swiss-Inspired Innovative Sports Brand "On"
"On" kicked off its journey 14 years ago. It was founded in Zurich, Switzerland, in 2010, a country not particularly known for its sports manufacturers.The founders are top triathlete Olivier Bernhard, David Allemann, and Caspar Coppetti. Their mission, "Ignite the human spirit through movement," led them to create shoes with innovative technology and high design sensibility, earning a strong following not just among runners but also from a wide array of fans, fueling their rapid growth.
The brand's hallmark is the "Cloud" series, the world's lightest running shoes featuring high cushioning, delivering both powerful takeoffs and soft landings. Their proprietary CloudTec® cushioning, developed in collaboration with ETH Zurich, holds a global patent and is used by top-class professional athletes.
In 2016, they launched an apparel line, and in 2019, Swiss professional tennis player Roger Federer joined as an investor and advisor, contributing to the creation of the tennis-specific "The Roger Pro 2 Clay."
Currently, "On" covers running, outdoor, training, tennis, and lifestyle segments, operating in over 60 countries. In April 2022, they opened their first flagship store in Asia on Harajuku Cat Street in Japan. This store functions not only as a retail space but also as an interaction hub with store advisors who are experts on "On," and a community gathering spot.
The Noteworthy Subscription Service
Alongside their innovative technology and functional design, at the heart of "On's" concept is their commitment to sustainability through the realization of a circular economy. In 2022, they introduced the subscription service "Cyclon," redefining sportswear consumption.With this service, users pay a fixed monthly fee for exclusive "Cyclon" shoes "Cloudneo," which can be exchanged for new shoes every six months. Returned shoes are 100% recycled into materials for new "Cloudneo" shoes. The "Cloudneo" shoes feature PA11 (Rilsan), a biopolymer made from castor bean seeds, which is environmentally friendly, lightweight, durable, and flexible.
The subscription service aims to shift the consumption pattern from ownership to usage for running shoes.
The New "LightSpray" Technology
In just 14 years since its establishment, "On" has revolutionized the sports brand industry with their innovative products and ideas. At the "LightSpray" press event in their Paris lab, co-founder Olivier stated, "We find fulfillment in delivering a wide range of products that blend design, innovation, and sustainability."Share Article
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