OrthoLite Announces PUMA to Use EcoOrthoLite Insoles to Enhance Performance and Lifestyles Footwear Lines

AMHERST, Mass., June 8 /PRNewswire/ -- OrthoLite, the leader of open cell foam insoles, has partnered with PUMA to incorporate its proprietary EcoOrthoLite insole technology into their range of performance and lifestyle footwear lines. By the beginning of 2011, a third of PUMA's footwear will include the unparalleled benefits of OrthoLite performance, including breathability, moisture control, anti-microbial properties, and long term cushioning.

PUMA will be the first major brand to embrace OrthoLite's new line of eco-friendly insoles.  EcoOrthoLite uses an environmentally friendly, non-food source bio-oil as a substitute for traditional fossil fuel based raw material.  The bio-oil replaces 20% of the petroleum traditionally used in the polyol component of urethane foams, making the formula part of a clean, renewable resource.

In April 2010, PUMA announced the next phase in the company's long-term sustainability program including the introduction of the PUMA Sustainability-Index (S-Index) standard that serves as a benchmark for sustainable products. Correspondingly, PUMA has set the target goal that 50% of PUMA's international collections will be manufactured according to the PUMA S-Index standard by 2015, using sustainable materials and applying best practice production processes.

"We are excited about this significant partnership with PUMA," said Pamela Gelsomini, OrthoLite President. "OrthoLite's inherent features of strength, breathability, moisture transport and anti-microbial function offer consumers an enhanced level of comfort that will bring the quality and performance that PUMA is known so well for."

Consumers will be able to easily identify styles that offer OrthoLite comfort by looking for the logo on the shoe insole. PUMA footwear is available at company stores, retailers nationwide and by visiting www.puma.com.

About OrthoLite: OrthoLite, headquartered in Amherst, MA, is the world's leading supplier of open cell foam insoles found in more than 80 million shoes each year including, Asics, New Balance, Merrell, Nike, Puma, Vans and Timberland. OrthoLite combines polyurethane and recycled rubber to provide superior cushioning, comfort, breathability and durability.  OrthoLite was originally founded in 1997 and is a product of O2 Partners LLC. For more information, visit www.ortholite.com.

About PUMA: Puma is one of the world's leading Sportlifestyle companies that designs and develops footwear, apparel and accessories. It is committed to working in ways that contribute to the world by supporting Creativity, SAFE Sustainability and Peace, and by staying true to the principles of being Fair, Honest, Positive and Creative in decisions made and actions taken. PUMA starts in Sport and ends in Fashion. Its Sport Performance and Lifestyle labels include categories such as Football, Running, Motorsports, Golf and Sailing. Sport Fashion features collaborations with renowned designer labels such as Alexander McQueen, Mihara Yasuhiro and Sergio Rossi. The PUMA Group owns the brands PUMA, Cobra Golf and Tretorn. The company, which was founded in 1948, distributes its products in more than 120 countries, employs more than 9,000 people worldwide and has headquarters in Herzogenaurach/Germany, Boston, London and Hong Kong. For more information, please visit http://www.puma.com

SOURCE OrthoLite