We organise our actions in six thematic & strategic agendas:
Strategic Agendas:
Bio-economy
Circular Construction
Chemicals/Plastics
Manufacturing Industry
Food Chain
Water Cycles
Seven leverages provide additional support:
Leverage effects:
Lever Policy Instruments
Lever Circular Procurement
Lever Communication
Lever Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Lever Financing
Lever Jobs & Skills
Lever Research
What, why and how?
Why are we pursuing a circular economy?
Future visions 2050
How do we see our circular future?
About our management
Who steers what at Flanders Circular?
Komrads was started in 2015 by Greet Goegebuer and Mark Vandevelde. Their goal was to create a sustainable, authentic cult trainer brand that was contemporary at the same time. First, they started with the Heritage ICNS, an iconic Soviet trainer first produced in the 1950s by the Czech Boot Company as a response to Western shoe fashion (Converse All Stars). However, original production was discontinued in 2009, but Komrads is today giving this iconic canvas trainer a second life. The reborn shoe is still made in Slovakia.
After the ICNS, Komrads went a step further in October 2020 and made the first circular trainer in its collection. Komrads APLS, made entirely from reused and recycled materials, was born. The APL are produced in Europe to minimise international transport. Komrad also ensures that there are no socially unacceptable working conditions. And the company also avoids the exploitation of new natural resources.
Meanwhile, the collection expanded to include the OCNS, slip-on shoes made with plastic waste from the ocean, and a clothing line.
Komrad's APLS are made exclusively from sustainable materials. The upper is ecological apple leather made from waste from the apple juice industry. The sole is 100% recycled rubber, coloured with organic dye. The lining and laces are made of recycled cotton and PET bottles, and the removable sole is recycled carbon.
Trainers that return to Komrads at the end of their useful life are processed into a granulate. With the help of customisation company Nektari, the trainers get a second life as bathing slippers. These SMOS, slippers made of trainers, will soon be available for sale.
Greet and Mark chose circular trainers to have a positive impact on the future of their children and the planet. Moreover, they are in the right place to make a difference: the fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries worldwide.