Reebok 2015 Annual Report Download - page 86

GROUP MANAGEMENT REPORT – OUR GROUP
Research and Development
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Futurecraft: The Futurecraft series is a forward-looking initiative that places Open Source collaboration
and craftsmanship at the heart of design to drive innovation across all elements of production. In 2015,
two groundbreaking design innovations were unveiled: the future of footwear with Futurecraft 3D and the
Futurecraft Leather. Futurecraft 3D is a unique 3D-printed running shoe midsole which can be tailored
to the cushioning needs of an individual’s foot. Futurecraft Leather is a revolutionary combination of a
high-tech manufacturing process and traditional material to create a completely seamless upper that
enables flex, support and comfort in one single piece of material.
•Digital and experience innovation
The adidas brand was the first in the industry to comprehensively bring data analytics to the athlete.
With decades of continuous investment in sports science, sensor technology, wearables and digital
communication platforms, adidas has already taken a leading role in terms of changing the sporting
goods industry through technology. With increasing speed of urban digitalisation, this field will remain one
of our core areas. To enhance our digital capabilities, in 2015 the adidas Group acquired Runtastic, one of
the leading global players in the health and fitness app market.
Major recent innovations in the digital landscape include:
miCoach Train and Run: One of the most comprehensive health and fitness apps available, miCoach Train
and Run brings cardio and strength as well as flex guidance and tracking to mobile handsets. Workouts
are built in reps and circuits and designed by Team Exos, the world’s leader in sports science and athlete
training.
Runtastic Results: Runtastic Results is a 12-week, customised training plan based on bodyweight training
combined with a health and nutrition guide. Personalised training plans are based on the individual fitness
levels of the user and can be extended by individual workouts. All workouts are supported by step-by-step
instructions on how to complete the individual exercises. To further assist the user in his or her goal, the
app also provides week-by-week tips on healthy eating, sleep and more in order to maximise results.
•Sustainability innovation
Our commitment to manage our business in a responsible way has long been one of the Group’s principles.
To stay at the forefront of sustainable innovation, the adidas Group is pursuing a proactive approach to
establish internationally recognised best practices and to achieve scalable improvements.
The following initiatives highlight our efforts:
Sport Infinity: Sport Infinity is a research project led by adidas and funded by the European Commission,
which brings together a variety of industry and academic experts, and combines broken-down sports
products with excess materials from other industries. The new material will make every sports fan a
product designer, as a pair of boots can be restyled as often as the wearer wants while promoting the
responsible use of resources.
Parley for the Oceans: In 2015, the adidas Group partnered up with Parley for the Oceans, a thought
leader in ocean conservation and eco innovation that creates awareness to end the destruction of the
oceans. Among other projects, this collaboration will accelerate the creation of innovative products and
the integration of materials made from ocean plastic waste into products. The adidas Group has already
taken immediate concrete steps in this direction, such as the creation of the world’s first shoe made of
yarns and filaments reclaimed and recycled from ocean waste, followed by the presentation of a 3D-printed
ocean plastic shoe midsole.
see Sustainability, p. 94