On doesn’t want you to throw your running shoes away anymore

On has announced the next phase of its Cyclon initiative, introducing a new circular services program designed to extend product lifecycles and reduce waste.

The update marks a shift away from the brand’s original subscription-based model, launched in 2022, toward a broader system that applies across its product range.

Under the new program, customers in select markets can trade in a broader collection of pre-owned On products for credit and purchase refurbished items through a dedicated resale platform.

Returned products in good condition will be prepared for resale, while items that are not suitable for resale will be donated through partner organisations or recycled where donation is not possible.

The aim is to keep products and materials in use for longer rather than discarding them after initial use.

Focus on materials and manufacturing

Alongside the new program, On highlighted ongoing efforts to increase the use of recycled and bio-based materials in its products.

Recent models, including the Cloud 6 and Cloudnova running shoes, incorporate bio-attributed foam and recycled materials in the upper.

The company also continues to develop its LightSpray manufacturing process, which creates shoe uppers in a single step.

This approach is intended to reduce material waste compared to traditional multi-piece construction methods.

“We will use information gathered from returned products and our regional recyclers to engineer better material choices and recyclability into future products,” said Begum Kurkcu, Senior Director of Sustainability at On.

“Circularity at On is not just about trade-ins, resale, donation or recycling – it’s about relentlessly innovating circular materials, extending product lifespans, and minimising waste at every stage.”

As part of the transition, the original Cyclon subscription service will be discontinued.

The Cyclon collection, previously available only through subscription, will be offered for direct purchase from June 2026.

Products in the collection are designed to be fully recyclable, and On will continue to collect used Cyclon items, with materials reused in new products or other applications.

Initial rollout and expansion plans

The circular services program is launching in Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States, with plans to expand to additional markets.

According to the company, the initiative builds on insights gained from the original Cyclon model and is intended to support longer-term circularity goals across its product portfolio.

For more info on Cyclon, visit On now.