For recycling: Nike destroys brand-new sneakers That's what it's all about 1.4 billion sneakers a year My 20 minutes

Companies like to present themselves as green and sustainable. So does the US sporting goods manufacturer Nike. The company has launched the “Nike Grind” recycling program for this purpose. Customers can send back their worn shoes and Nike promises to use them to make new shoes.

But at Nike, even brand new shoes end up in the shredder. This was uncovered by German investigation teams from "ARD", "Zeit" and the research team "Flip".

GPS tracker hidden in the shoe

The reporters ordered new Nike shoes, hid GPS trackers in them, and then sent them back to the manufacturer as returns. The GPS signal showed that the shoes went straight to the recycling plant of a waste disposal company in Herenthout, Belgium.

The editors asked the plant manager, who confirmed that almost exclusively new Nike goods were destroyed there. In Germany, Nike is breaking the law. Because in the neighboring country it is forbidden to destroy usable returns.

Waste should be avoided in Germany with the Circular Economy Act. This is more important than all other measures such as recycling. There is a risk of a fine of up to 100,000 euros.

«Nike engages in massive greenwashing»

That's not the case in Switzerland. In contrast to other products, such as electronic devices or batteries, there is no obligation to recycle shoes, according to the Federal Office for the Environment. According to a spokesman for the NGO Publiceye, the Swiss environmental protection law is still being discussed, but still needs "urgent improvements".

Greenpeace Switzerland condemns Nike's practice, regardless of the legal regulations. "Nike is doing massive greenwashing and deliberately misleading its customers," said a spokeswoman on request.

Nike denies

Nike denies to 20 minutes that new shoes are destroyed. "Unworn and flawless items are returned to the shelves for resale," says a spokesman. Shoes showing signs of damage or unacceptable wear and tear would be sent for recycling.

The journalists' shoe was manipulated when a GPS tracker was used. This could pose a security risk for customers if it is resold.

The fashion industry produces around 1.4 billion sneakers worldwide every year. Overall, these manufacturers emit more CO2 emissions than aviation and shipping combined. Greenpeace therefore speaks of a climate killer.

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