This challenge is now accepting submissions based on the brief below.

Please send a submission directly to info@theinnovationexchange.ie before Friday 4th August.

There will not be an online presentation. Following on from Intersport Elverys last challenge the team has identified a very specific business challenge that they would like members of The Innovation Exchange to consider.

The Challenge:  Develop a sustainable business model for the recycling of old sports shoes 

According to a recent article in the Irish Times, 90% of trainers end up in incineration or landfill where components can last 1,000 years. Intersport Elverys, together with the Innovation Exchange, are looking for a solution to lessen this needless waste.
Intersport Elverys will be offering a return facility in-store, coupled with a potential incentive scheme for old running shoes/trainers.
The challenge is centred around the final solution of the shoes – where do they go after Intersport Elverys has received a return of the product, whilst always being conscious of a circular economy? And in what form are they returned to the economy – maybe re-processed into playground surfaces or otherwise?
Consideration can be given to a possible incentive scheme to encourage consumers to deposit their used trainers for recycling.
If you have an idea and a solution that can solve this problem as a total fulfilment offering, please forward a one-page proposal using the attached template

Recording of Intersport Eleverys challenge Feb 2023

The previous challenge delivered by Intersport Elverys challenge can be viewed here for reference.   The team gave an excellent presentation on their new sustainability strategy including the recycling of sports shoes.