Kicks Over Coffee: FDRA & Evoco

The Science Behind Van’s new EcoCush Insole: A talk with CEO Jason Robinson & FDRA

Check out the latest Kicks over Coffee chat with our CEO Jason Robinson and FDRA’s Andy Polk. They discuss the latest news with Evoco from winning the Drapers Most sustainable initiative award, product certifications and most importantly how FATES insoles deliver on its promise of sustainability with matching performance.

Why are bio-content certifications like USDA BioPreferred important?

We want our partners and their customers to trust that our products are making an impact. That is why we were certified sustainability by USDA Bio-Preferred. What this means is that 72% of our FATES eco-foam insoles are made from plant materials (i.e. new carbon).

New Carbon is a term that refers to carbon of today, so carbon that was created in recent years (i.e plants and animal matter) not oil which was created thousands of years ago.

How does sustainability impact performance?

At Evoco sustainability and performance are synonymous. The technology that powers FATES eco-foam insoles was designed for performance. The development team created a material that allowed for performance factors to be able customized for our customer’s needs while having a sustainable 70% bio-content.

How are we scaling FATES technology to develop all footwear components and creating more value to our partners?

We are scaling the same technology we use for FATES eco-foam and developing all components of a shoe; midsoles, outsoles (TPU), and most excitingly, a plant-based leather alternative (PBLA) for the upper.

At the same time we are expanding our supply chain to serve our partners better. As we get ready to open our Vietnam production facility, it allows us to better develop products for our customers and tailoring our materials for their needs for seamless integration into their supply chain.

Evoco wins Drapers’ Best Sustainable Initiative of the Year

Evoco wins Drapers' best sustainable initiative of the year

Evoco has won a coveted Drapers Footwear Award.

The results of the Drapers Footwear Awards 2022 were revealed on 23 June at the Grosvenor House London, where the footwear industry’s elite c­ame together at a glittering gala ceremony in recognition and celebration of the sector’s achievements.

Evoco has won in the best sustainability initiative of the year and was praised by Drapers’ Footwear Awards’ panel of expert judges.

The Drapers submission featured our FATES™ technology and its breakthrough innovation of being 70-80% plant-based and without sacrificing performance.

With global brands using FATES™ insoles in their shoes to create sustainable choices for their consumers. The best part of our eco-foam material is that reduces our brand partners emissions by up to 70% compared to petrochemical based foam.

The awards cover the entire spectrum of the footwear sector, with categories including Best Footwear Campaign, Independent Footwear Retailer of the Year, Women’s Footwear Brand of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement award.

The Drapers Footwear Awards are the most respected and prestigious in the footwear retail industry.

Jill Geoghegan, Drapers editor, said:

“Congratulations to our winners, who continue to demonstrate their ingenuity, resilience, and commitment to community and industry.”

Jason Robinson, CEO of Evoco commented: 

“Incredibly proud of Evoco to be recognized as a sustainable leader in the footwear industry. As we continue to work with our partners, we are just getting started on our mission to close the loop on unsustainable goods.”

About Drapers

Drapers has been the leading authority on fashion retailing in the UK since 6 August 1887.

We provide industry news, insightful analysis, commentary, and key data, as well as a growing portfolio of face-to-face networking opportunities.

From the rise of digital to challenges around sustainability and changing consumer habits, this dynamic industry has undergone many changes over the years. What remains throughout though, is the creativity and passion of those that work within it.

At Drapers we strive to educate, inspire, and connect the newcomers and leaders alike in this innovative sector. Our readers trust us to deliver high-quality, independent journalism that helps them to remain competitive in today’s challenging and fast-changing trading environment.

For more information and view all the winners please visit Drapers’ website