Zurich – On has introduced a new technology for the production of sports shoes. With LightSpray, the upper material is produced by a robot in a single operation. The shoe now developed with LightSpray is ultra-light and creates good conditions for competitive sports.
On has introduced a new technology for the automated production of so-called performance shoes in a single work step. According to a press release, the technology, called LightSpray, was developed in the in-house development laboratories of the Zurich-based manufacturer of sports shoes and clothing. In a one-step manufacturing process, a one-piece upper material is produced using a spray-and-glue process. The piece produced by a robotic arm is then welded to the sole. According to the company, the fully automated production process produces 75 percent less carbon dioxide emissions than conventional methods. In addition, the footwear produced with recyclable materials generates less waste. The LightSpray process is being used for the first time in the Cloudboom Strike LS model, an ultra-light running shoe that is designed to improve performance thanks to its smooth surface, according to the press release. "LightSpray is an important milestone for On, not only in the development of performance products, but also because of its potential to lead us into a more sustainable future," Marc Maurer, Co-CEO of On, is quoted as saying in the press release. "Our team is constantly challenging ourselves to rethink the status quo in terms of design, development and manufacturing of performance sportswear. With our roots in innovation, design and sustainability, LightSpray technology will significantly advance our mission to become the strongest global premium sports brand." ce/ww