Zenbird Editorial TeamKarimoku Furniture Inc. and ASICS Corporation has released a collaborative furniture collection, featuring cushions manufactured from recycled footwear materials. The line comes under the Karimoku New Standard (KNS) brand, repurposing deadstock and sample shoes that were previously marked for disposal.
The collaboration introduces two specific models: the Castor Lobby Sofa and the Polar Lounge Chair. By applying technology originally developed for the ASICS “NEOCURVE” shoe, the partners have successfully transformed ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam that is extracted and crushed from discarded footwear into a cushioning material.
The furniture features a hybrid cushion structure that combines cotton mixed with EVA foam chips and a 3mm-thick sheet of compressed foam. This material provides a balance of softness, resilience, and durability. Karimoku Furniture utilised its extensive manufacturing expertise to determine the optimal mixing ratios and sheet thickness to ensure a comfortable seating experience.
The two-layer structure allows for a mild “sink-in” feel while maintaining stability, preventing the cushions from losing their shape over extended periods of use, like in the office. Development of the cushion structure originated from a project to create the “ideal seating comfort” for meeting spaces at the ASICS Tokyo office. The final product is the result of multiple sessions between Karimoku and ASICS sports engineering experts, involving rigorous adjustments to ensure the recycled materials met functional standards.
The products will be available through the Karimoku official online shop and selected KNS retailers across Japan.
[Reference] Karimoku Press Release (Japanese)
