The Problem
Each year, over 1.5 billion waste tires are discarded into landfills worldwide. These tires are a major environmental problem and can start large fires that are very hard to extinguish. Additionally, waste tires are a breeding ground for nasty diseases such as: Malaria, Dengue Fever, and Zika virus.
The Solution
Indosole, a certified B Corp enterprise, started in 2009 when founder Kyle (pictured center) was surfing in Bali and bore witness to the ubiquitous waste issues plaguing the archipelago. Indosole is on a mission to reduce a worldwide waste tire problem by upcycling & recycling tires into soles of footwear, while also providing fair employment to Indonesian artisans.
Impact
Since 2009, Indosole has prevented over 60,000 waste tires from ending up in landfills in Indonesia. They also provide jobs to 40+ Indonesian craftspeople and in-house staff in the USA. Indosole aspires to save one million tires and give them new life as footwear.
Loan Use
Indosole is in a growth pattern in its 7 year old business. The company is raising funds to run larger production runs of high quality sandals, shoes, and accessories to feed the demand. Additionally, Indosole’s factory is in need of upgrades and new tools.
With your Kiva support, this loan will allow Indosole to:
- Manufacture footwear for the spring 2017 season
- Provide support and upgrades to its manufacturing facility
*This is Indosole's 3rd Kiva loan, they previously successfully paid back a 5k and 10k loan.