At SCOTT, we are committed to improving the social and environmental impact of our products. Our latest research has demonstrated that a product’s environmental footprint is largely influenced by choice of material. This is why we reached out to Carbitex to create a more sustainable carbon plate that can be incorporated into the new limited-edition SCOTT Ultra Explore.
Based on SCOTT’s most technological trail running shoe to date, the Ultra Carbon RC – which was developed with our athlete Cody Lind – all aspects of the Ultra Explore have been taken into consideration to create a product with the lightest environmental footprint. By using 50% flax fiber and 50% carbon we were able to reduce the footprint of the plate without losing performance.
WORLD’S FIRST CARBON FLAX PLATE
The Carbitex Gearflex Flax Plate is the world’s first hybrid composite plate, made of 50% flax, 50% UD carbon and a bio resin. What makes the natural flax fiber in the carbon plate viable as a reinforcement material in composites is its long, continuous, cellulose fibers which – for a natural fiber – have excellent tensile strength and stiffness. The final plate therefore has a reduced amount of carbon, but has mechanical properties comparable to a 100% carbon plate. Carbitex has capitalized on these inherent mechanical properties of flax, creating composite parts with high stiffness, resistance to breakage, torsion, and compression that have previously only been achievable with traditional carbon composites.
RECYCLED UPPER, MIDSOLE AND OUTSOLE
The recycled-polyester, engineered-mesh upper offers optimal comfort and the same durability, breathability, and performance as virgin fiber, with a reduced environmental impact. The midsole and outsole are partially recycled, resulting in 58% eco content by weight, while maintaining the same level of performance and traction as the original Ultra Carbon RC.
ULTRA TRACTION OUTSOLE
This outsole is designed specifically for ultra races on fast rolling trails. It utilizes a semi-radial design to give maximum efficiency in forward motion while maintaining multi-directional traction elements to keep you feeling confident when the trail starts to twist and turn.
58% ECO MATERIAL BY WEIGHT
The Ultra Explore features a recycled upper, laces, footbed, midsole and outsole, and a partially bio-based plate, which together make up 58% of the product’s composition by weight.
'RE‑SOURCE by SCOTT' running products are defined by the use of recycled, bio-based and/or renewable materials certified by third parties, and use a minimum of 40% more eco-responsible material by weight. We are committed to improving the impact of our products and business practices, preserving the environment for future generations, and stimulating positive change in our communities.
