ZigZag partners with JogOn

The initiative is set to redirect unwanted running shoes to people around the world that need them most

ZigZag, a leading provider of technology-driven retail returns solutions, has partnered with environmental campaign, JogOn, in its commitment to prevent one million pairs of running shoes from going to landfill. JogOn will use ZigZag’s award-winning returns software to reduce the environmental impact of discarded running shoes.

It is estimated that there are 18 billion pairs of running shoes sold in the world every year - the equivalent of two pairs per person on earth. Though, there are millions of people globally with limited access to shoes of any kind and an estimated 3 million people that suffer from foot-related diseases.

JogOn is implementing ZigZag's smart returns software to address these issues and find new homes for the 33 million running shoes discarded into landfills annually. Starting with the commitment of one million shoes, its goal is to find new owners amongst individuals who would benefit from the quality footwear being discarded every day.

Al Gerrie, CEO of ZigZag, commented: “We are delighted to be partnering with JogOn in their fight against the environmental wastage of running shoes. Helping taking care of the planet through smarter returns is one of the core principles that defines our work here at ZigZag. We look forward to actively directing running shoes away from landfills so that they go to new homes.”

Tony Piedade, founder of JogOn and RunningBuddy, added: “Obesity and inactivity are leading causes of mortality worldwide, highlighting the importance of maintaining fitness and activity levels. Equally, it's essential to handle the disposal of our sports equipment responsibly. Running shoes, for example, may become unsuitable for running but can still serve a purpose. When they reach the end of their life, it's crucial to dispose of them in a way that prevents landfill accumulation. At JogOn, our goal is to divert one million pairs of running shoes from landfills. We're accomplishing this by leveraging ZigZag's returns software, which helps redirect these shoes to our headquarters. Here, they are assessed and, when feasible, repurposed.”

Runners across Germany can now use JogOn's ZigZag-powered, award-winning online portal to recycle their unwanted trainers. Visit JogOn for more information.

About ZigZag

ZigZag is a software solution to help eCommerce retailers manage returns domestically and globally. The ZigZag platform connects major retailers to a global network of over 200 warehouses and 1,500+ carrier services in over 170+ countries. ZigZag's clients include Selfridges, Frasers Group, New Look, The Hut Group, and many more.

ZigZag delivers best-in-class technology and service to transform the post-purchase and returns experience globally. ZigZag’s mission is to reduce cost and waste, increase customer loyalty, and enable our clients to be more profitable and sustainable.  

ZigZag has continually been awarded for its innovation and data winning 14 awards since 2019, culminating as Tech Innovator of the Year at the prestigious Drapers Awards 2023

About JogOn

JogOn is a campaign set up in 2022 by Tony Piedade, founder and CEO  of www.joggingbuddy.com a activity based social media platform that helps people buddy-up to go running.

Tony was motivated to launch JogOn by reading an article in the Guardian which claimed that some shoes can take up to 1,000 years to degrade in landfill.  Since launch JogOn has sorted through almost 50,000 pairs of unwanted running shoes.

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